Housing Case Manager

Safe Berks • Reading, PA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Safe Berks provides a safe haven and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through education, advocacy and a relentless commitment to prevent abuse. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals can be their true selves and feel empowered to stand up to all forms of oppression. The Housing Case Manager will provide individualized support and advocacy to program participants enrolled in Safe Berks’ Rapid Rehousing Program who are fleeing domestic violence and/or experiencing housing instability because of their victimization. This role is responsible for assisting participants in identifying suitable housing options, obtaining sustainable employment, gaining access to benefits and community resources, increasing financial stability, and addressing immediate and ongoing safety concerns. The position involves regular monitoring of service plans, advocacy, and intervention with program participants, as well as screening participants for eligibility, completing required paperwork, and maintaining data in agency databases.

Requirements

• Knowledgeable about the barriers faced by survivors of domestic violence experiencing homelessness
• Flexible to meet the wide range of needs of clients
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Resourceful, organized, and able to efficiently work independently
• Completion of a background check request; FBI, State Police, and Child Abuse Clearances obtained within required timeframe under Act 153 through agency vendor
• Successful completion of required Advocate Training provided by agency
• Valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, acceptable driving record, and PA Minimum Liability insurance coverage of $15,000 Bodily Injury per person / $30,000 Bodily Injury per accident and $5,000 Property Damage, or $35,000 Combined Single Limit, if your position requires operating a personal or organization owned vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• 1 – 3 years’ related experience and knowledge of direct service operations preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or another related field preferred
• Associate’s degree in related field with equivalent experience can be substituted for Bachelor's degree

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support and advocacy to an approximate twelve (12) household caseload program participants enrolled in Safe Berks’ Rapid Rehousing Program who are fleeing domestic violence and/or experiencing housing instability because of their victimization.
• Meet with participants regularly (no less than monthly) to assist in the development of a service plan primarily focused on identifying suitable housing options, obtaining sustainable employment, gaining access to benefits and community resources, increasing financial stability, and addressing immediate and ongoing safety concerns.
• Regular monitoring of the service plan, advocacy, and intervention with program participants is also required.
• Screen participants during the enrollment process to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and will benefit from services provided in the program.
• Complete all required enrollment, recertification, and exit paperwork with participants and ensure timely entry of information in the HMIS comparable database and ETO.
• Support the development of an individual service plan collaboratively with participant that includes appropriate goals, objectives, and timeframes.
• Conduct regular in-person post placement visits with program participants to assist them in meeting service goals, which could include home visits, and apartment checks as needed.
• Meet with participants no less than monthly to assess progress in the program and towards goal achievement and to update the service plan as needed.
• Assist participants with applying for all appropriate state/federal benefits, childcare, medical insurance, education, employment, and any other needed services.
• Monitor & coordinate with the BCEH Coordinated Entry Manager regarding pending referrals and acceptance of new participants and collaborate with Safe Berks’ direct service staff to identify prospective participants to be referred to the program through Coordinated Entry.
• Maintain and update participant data collection, communication, and financial tracking spreadsheets and complete, submit, and file required documentation by established deadlines.
• Comply with all HUD funding requirements and budget spending processes and submit all financial requests and supporting documentation as per Safe Berks’ fiscal policy.
• Provide tenant counseling, coordinate moving arrangements, utility set-up and review and explain leases to enrolled participants.
• Engage with existing and potential landlords to advocate on behalf of program participants.
• Adhere to Safe Berks’ timekeeping policy and complete and submit employment related paperwork in a timely fashion.
• Attend collaborative meetings and network with other agencies and coalitions.
• Participate in monthly CoC meetings and training as required by funders.
• Attend monthly staff meetings, weekly supervision meetings and regularly scheduled department meetings.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Safe haven and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Education, advocacy, and a commitment to prevent abuse
• Inclusive environment where individuals can be their true selves and feel empowered
• Foster hope and resilience and improve physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment
• Services that are life-saving

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED