EDH Shelter Specialist Case Manager - HOST

DESC•Seattle, WA

17d•$39 - $43•Onsite

About The Position

The EDH Shelter Specialist Case Manager is a DESC HOST employee responsible for providing engagement, resource linkage, housing navigation, and intensive case management services to individuals residing at the Bayside Shelter managed by Everyone Deserves Housing (EDH). The Shelter Specialist Case Manager serves as the primary HOST liaison at the shelter and works collaboratively with EDH leadership and staff to support shelter clients in achieving housing stability, improving access to healthcare and behavioral health services, and addressing barriers to long-term stability. Each client receives individualized outreach and engagement designed to build trust and encourage participation in services. Services are primarily provided onsite at the EDH shelter, with additional outreach conducted throughout the community as needed. This position requires a high degree of coordination and collaboration with EDH staff, DESC programs, and external service providers. While supervised through DESC HOST, the position is expected to maintain a strong collaborative working relationship with designated EDH leadership to ensure effective service delivery and shelter operations.

Requirements

Relevant bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related behavioral science, OR a combination of 1 year of relevant paid work experience and demonstration of the ability to perform required job duties.
Ability to meet Washington Department of Health requirements for registration as a Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) or any other superseding credential.
Interest in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health/substance use disorder programs.
Knowledge of Recovery-focused, strengths-based work in mental health.
Knowledge of Harm Reduction strategies.
Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant and/or bizarre behaviors.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds.
Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in social work, psychology or other relevant behavioral science or Bachelor of Nursing degree with specialty in mental health.
Eligible for a Licensed AAC credential or any other superseding credential that meets RCW 71.05.020 requirements to act as a Mental Health Professional whose scope of practice includes independently conducting mental health assessments and making mental health diagnoses.
Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle to conduct agency related business, including a current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record.
Experience working with adults who are experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, have a mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders.
Knowledge of de-escalation skills, crisis intervention & stabilization.
Bi-cultural background/experience.
Bi-lingual English/Spanish.
Experience working with adults who are homeless, have a mental illness and/or co-occurring substance abuse disorders.
Strong knowledge of relevant community resources and methods for accessing them.

Responsibilities

Provide engagement and case management services onsite at the EDH shelter and, as needed, in community settings including shelters, encampments, healthcare settings, and public spaces.
Build relationships with shelter clients and provide ongoing outreach, engagement, and support focused on housing stability, behavioral health needs, and connection to community resources.
Participate in case conferencing with EDH employees and screen clients for HOST eligibility when appropriate and facilitate referrals to HOST or other internal and external programs based on client needs.
Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with EDH leadership and staff to ensure effective coordination of services and continuity of care.
Participate in EDH operational meetings, shift briefs, case consultations, and other collaborative meetings as appropriate.
Participate in community education regarding the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders, including effective engagement and service delivery practices.
Provide survival resources, hygiene products, harm reduction supplies, and resource referrals as appropriate to meet basic needs and build rapport.
Collaborate with EDH staff regarding client needs, shelter access, housing opportunities, and service coordination.
Provide intensive case management services to assigned shelter clients.
Coordinate survival services with a focus on access to food, shelter, clothing, housing acquisition and retention, medical care, psychiatric treatment, benefits enrollment, criminal justice system coordination, and substance use treatment.
Support clients in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing through housing assessments, housing applications, housing navigation, and coordination with housing providers.
Complete vulnerability assessments and other required housing documentation, including VAT assessments and Coordinated Entry-related activities as assigned.
Advocate for clients' access to community resources and services while ensuring client rights are maintained.
Consult and collaborate with community providers to ensure continuity of care.
Prioritize crisis intervention as needed, including de-escalation, outreach to emergency departments, coordination with crisis responders, and referrals to behavioral health services.
Provide information, education, and services designed to increase financial stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term housing success.
Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with DESC staff, EDH staff, and community partners.
Participate in weekly supervision, HOST Team Meetings, clinical reviews, case conferences, and required trainings.
Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation in accordance with DESC policies and contract requirements.
Comply with agency clinical accountability policies, quality assurance procedures, and program evaluation requirements.
Support contract reporting requirements and data collection activities as assigned.
Support clients with achieving and maintaining healthy living conditions. This may include attending care conferences, providing skill-building and support related to housing maintenance, coordinating with housing providers and shelter staff, assisting with housing stabilization efforts, and documenting barriers to maintaining healthy living environments.