Housing Case Manager - 573 Meeting Street

One80 Place•Charleston, SC

About The Position

This Housing Case Manager is assigned to project-based housing at 573 Meeting Street and will work exclusively with tenants of 573 Meeting Street. The primary goal is to assist vulnerable households in addressing the barriers to maintaining permanent housing using a strengths-based, Housing First approach. Functions performed include providing support to maintain housing, connection to community resources, home visits, rental payment monitoring, and problem solving. The principal duties are performed both in a general office environment and in housing units. This position is funded in whole by One80 Place’s Special NOFO Unsheltered grant. One80 Place ends and prevents homelessness throughout South Carolina with offices located in Charleston and Columbia. This position will be based in Charleston.

Requirements

Requires knowledge and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Service field of study (social work, counseling, psychology or related field) required.
2-3 years of human services experience working with clients who have a physical or mental health disability.
Proficiency in a variety of counseling techniques and social work practices.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent computer skills including basic office programs and the ability to learn and utilize the HMIS database.
Ability to work independently and as part of a fast-paced team.
Ability to relate effectively to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Possess strong organizational skills with ability to meet a demanding workload.
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.
Valid driver’s license and use of reliable transportation for home inspections and visits.
Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served.
A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems.
The ability to establish and set appropriate limits.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule.
Data entry and basic skills for use of Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Willing to travel to throughout the 7 county LHC service area.

Responsibilities

Meet with clients as often as appropriate, to assess needs specifically related to housing, noting other issues that could impede housing stabilization.
Assist clients in developing and following a personal budget, provide budget counseling and education to assist clients in establishing payments plans for bills and past debts and to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining their housing.
Assist clients in developing a strength-based/solution-focused individualized housing stability plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, timely referral network in order to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed.
Refer clients to community resources to gain support for goals and follow up to ensure referrals were completed. A referral may include providing or setting up transportation for a client to access the resource effectively. It may also mean accompanying them and/or setting up an advocate to attend a meeting with the participant. Resources may be external to the organization or internal (SOAR, Legal).
Track and document client progress.
Hold clients accountable for achieving goals and objectives as identified on their housing stability plan.
Ensure that home visits are conducted at least monthly and more often, as appropriate.
Provide pro-active follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, lease compliance, reducing isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to assist with reintegration of clients in the community.
Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs.
Serve as an ongoing liaison between Supportive Services Manager and participants as well as between participants and neighbors.
Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities.
Works in collaboration with shelter and housing program staff to facilitate a team environment.
Participates in team discussions regarding guest progress or lack of progress, with possible solutions to ensure best support for success.
Actively participates in monthly staff and case management team meetings and commits to group decisions.
Attends scheduled training programs for professional development.
Role models effective team behavior.
Substitutes for other case management staff when the need arises.
Maintain files on each client and document their plans and progress to obtain and maintain housing in HMIS.
Provide routine documentation of coordination and follow-up of all services.
Document all financial assistance needs, including rental and utility assistance.
Collects all required data necessary for funding and statistical reports.