Housing Case Manager

Volunteers of America Colorado•Lakewood, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Case Manager provides direct services and housing support to individuals residing in the Lakewood Navigation Center, a 103-bed congregate shelter serving men and women. The role uses housing-focused and trauma-informed practices, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, crisis de-escalation, and Critical Time Intervention to support shelter stability and housing goals. Approximately 90% of participants are expected to engage in case management services. The position conducts assessments and intakes, determines program eligibility, and provides individualized case management. It supports participants in obtaining and maintaining housing through documentation and rental applications, lease interpretation, tenant education, landlord engagement, and connections to income and public benefits. The Housing Case Manager coordinates community services and emergency housing or relocation when needed, contributes to outreach and program development, and maintains accurate records and timely reporting in required databases. The role also promotes safety in the facility, responds to conflicts and crises, and may engage emergency personnel. It requires driving between programs and community meetings, and may involve covering shifts at residential programs. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Lakewood Navigation Center in Lakewood, Colorado. Pay is $24.50–$25.50 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or a closely related field, or related experience.
At least one full year of experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
Good organizational and planning skills, and ability to work well as part of a team.
Valid Colorado driver’s license and state-mandated automobile insurance.
Reliable and accessible vehicle to transport guests.
Complete program credentialing, including criminal and civil background checks, within 30 days of hire, and complete training required by funders and the organization.
Expert written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
High competency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based applications.
Strong time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Ability to drive between programs and community meetings; may be required to cover shifts at residential programs.
Ability to regularly and quickly go up and down stairs for perimeter checks and respond effectively in emergencies.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds a few times per day.
Ability to visually and auditorily supervise the milieu.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with current housing market information, housing trends, and available resources.
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
Experience working with individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental health concerns.
Crisis intervention skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct needs-based assessments, facilitate intakes and housing orientations, determine program eligibility, and provide individualized case management.
Support participants in securing and maintaining housing by collecting documentation, completing rental applications, interpreting leases, and educating participants about tenant rights and responsibilities.
Determine rental amounts, recruit and mediate with landlords, and connect participants to income and public benefits.
Coordinate tailored services with community providers and multidisciplinary teams, including emergency housing and relocation when needed.
Develop and monitor quality housing-focused services that promote stability for participants facing substantial barriers to housing.
Maintain accurate records in Service Point and HMIS, including eligibility, demographic, chronic homelessness, and disability documentation; complete timely data entry and reporting according to grant requirements.
Participate in outreach and maintain relationships with external agencies; administer Coordinated Entry Standard Assessments and ensure participant enrollment in ONEHOME.
Attend training, meetings, and workshops, and provide mentorship and training on best practices.
Promote physical and emotional safety in the facility, address guest conflicts, de-escalate crises, and engage emergency personnel when necessary.
Maintain confidentiality and perform responsibilities in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics.
Use a personal vehicle to drive between programs and community meetings and transport guests; maintain consistent attendance.
Help ensure shelter occupancy remains at or above 90%, support housing-related outcome targets, and keep facilities tour-ready with safety concerns addressed within 48 hours.
Perform other duties as assigned.