Homeless Services Case Manager

Affordable Housing Alliance•Toms River, NJ

About The Position

The Homeless Services Case Manager is a frontline point of contact for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, guiding households from initial engagement through housing placement. Working across Coordinated Entry and Rapid Rehousing functions, the role assesses needs, connects households with appropriate housing resources, and administers rental and move-in financial assistance according to program funding requirements. The position is partly funded through a Medicaid initiative supporting pre-tenancy and tenancy-sustaining services for eligible members. The role involves handling sensitive, HIPAA-protected participant records and maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance in AHA’s Electronic Health Record and case-management systems. The Case Manager works with community and housing providers and managed healthcare organizations to support participants’ movement toward permanent housing. Services follow Housing First, trauma-informed, person-centered, culturally responsive, and low-barrier practices. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant experience in housing, homelessness, case management, social services, human services, or a related community-based setting. Successful candidates must complete required pre-employment drug screening (excluding THC), criminal background checks, and fingerprinting.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least two years of relevant experience in housing, homelessness, case management, social services, human services, or a related community-based setting.
Ability to work effectively and respectfully with people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, financial hardship, or other significant barriers.
Strong interpersonal, interviewing, assessment, advocacy, written, verbal, organizational, and time-management skills.
Ability to apply program requirements, maintain accurate records, use Microsoft Office and electronic case-management systems, and work independently as part of a team.
Ability to establish rapport, maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality, and communicate clearly with people experiencing significant housing barriers.
Working knowledge of Housing First, trauma-informed, person-centered, culturally responsive, and low-barrier service practices.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive client information.
Successful completion of required pre-employment screenings, including drug screening (excluding THC), criminal background checks, and fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AWARDS, HMIS, or a comparable case-management database.
Experience with housing navigation, Coordinated Entry, housing assessments and referrals, landlord engagement, Rapid Rehousing, or housing-focused case management.
Experience with NJ FamilyCare, managed care organizations, Medicaid-supporting documentation, or Ocean County housing and community resources.
Bilingual or multilingual skills.
Lived experience with homelessness or housing insecurity and insight into related barriers and opportunities.
Personal experience or firsthand understanding of systemic challenges connected to poverty and economic insecurity, and a passion for supporting others and advocating for meaningful change.

Responsibilities

Serve as an accessible contact for individuals and families experiencing homelessness; complete intake, screening, and standardized assessments under local Coordinated Entry procedures.
Identify immediate safety, shelter, or crisis needs and determine appropriate next steps.
Determine and document program and income eligibility, including HUD homeless status categories.
Recruit and negotiate with landlords and property managers to identify housing options and maintain relationships that support placements.
Assist households with housing searches, rental applications, and lease-up; coordinate Housing Quality Standards inspections, rent reasonableness, and other applicable program requirements.
Develop individualized, client-driven Housing Stability Plans and provide housing-focused case management using a progressive engagement approach.
Connect households to mainstream resources such as benefits, healthcare, employment, and legal services, and monitor progress toward housing stability and program exit.
Prepare documentation and process eligible financial assistance, including rental assistance, security and utility deposits, move-in supports, and landlord incentives.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely client status and progress records in internal applications and AWARDS, and uphold HIPAA-compliant confidentiality in communications and data handling.
Prepare required written notices and documentation when assistance is denied or an extension is terminated.
Participate in case conferencing with community and Continuum of Care-funded partners to identify housing options for households not yet matched to an opening.

Benefits

13 full paid holidays and 5 half-day paid holidays.
Paid time off accrued each pay period.
Two floating holidays.
Up to 40 sick hours per year, accrued each pay period.
Three days of paid bereavement leave for immediate family or close relationships.
Health insurance through Aetna, available from the first of the month after 30 days of employment, with discounted premiums and four plan options.
HSA plan with a company contribution.
Health coverage options for employees, family, and dependents, including options fully paid by AHA.
Dental insurance through Guardian Dental.
Vision care through VSP Vision Care.
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance through MetLife, paid by AHA, with a voluntary buy-up option.
Long-term disability insurance through MetLife.
401(k) plan with immediate enrollment for payroll deferrals and rollovers; employer contributions begin after one year of service.
Company base 401(k) contribution of 3.5% of base salary and a match up to 3.5% of employee contributions after one year.
Professional development, training, certification, and continuing education costs for pre-approved programs.
Tuition reimbursement up to $1,500 per year for pre-approved courses related to the current position, with reimbursement for grades of B or better.
Employee Assistance Program through Preferred Behavioral Health, with counseling and support for personal and family issues.