Housing Focused Case Manager

Hope The Mission•Thousand Oaks, CA

About The Position

The mission of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission (HOTV) is to prevent, reduce, and eliminate poverty, hunger, and homelessness by offering immediate assistance and long-term solutions. HOTV's Tiny Homes/Cabin Communities provide a safe, low-barrier, and supportive 24-hour residence to persons experiencing homelessness. Participants receive shelter, food, housing navigation, and case management services to support their trajectory in obtaining permanent housing . Working under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Housing Focused Case Manager fulfills the mission of the Hope of Valley Rescue Mission by successfully providing direct services to homeless participants in HOTV's Tiny Homes/Cabin Communities Program.

Requirements

Understand and support the mission statement of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field or three (3) years' experience working with the homeless or similar population (preferably in a housing related capacity) preferred
Must possess solid proficiency of Microsoft Office Suite
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must possess basic grammar and spelling skills
Possess the necessary initiative, adaptability, and responsibility to work with minimum supervision
Excellent time management skills. Must possess the ability to meet deadlines and work with attention to detail
Must possess excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to interact with others professionally
Valid CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
Must be TB-cleared prior to hiring
A criminal background check is required
Local travel may be required
A Valid CA driver's license is required

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma Informed principles preferred
Knowledge of HUD guidelines on Subsidized Housing Programs preferred
Experience working with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental illness preferred

Responsibilities

Responsible for providing support to homeless individuals in the following areas: housing focused case management, housing readiness, accessing housing assistance programs, completing housing applications, advocacy, housing search and placement, etc.
Conduct CES assessment to determine appropriate permanent housing intervention and service needs
Navigate persons to permanent housing placement or programs that will assist with safe and stable housing - Rapid Rehousing, DHS- Housing for Health, Homeless Section 8, Tenant-Based Supportive Housing, Housing Choice Voucher Program, HOPWA, VASH, Project Based Housing, SRO, Shared Housing, Low Income Housing, etc.
Responsible to develop a Housing & Services Plan (HSP) to streamline participants towards permanent housing and specific goals
Connect program participants to community resources that will support the goal of permanent housing acquisition (credit repair, legal aid, housing rights, etc.)
Coordinate transportation for participants to housing appointments (Unit viewings, Housing Authority Interviews, etc.)
Assist clients in obtaining move-in assistance resources as available (deposit assistance, furniture, etc.)
Responsible to work in collaboration with shelter support Staff
Follow-up with each participant on a regular basis to ensure they are making progress towards their goals
Responsible to complete and maintain current documents required for the client files, including assessments, individualized housing plans, case notes, housing applications, housing vouchers, lease agreements, exit reports, etc.
Travel is required for this position.
Develop and maintain professional working relationships with landlords, sober livings, and other housing providers to establish a “database” of available housing units
Attend and participate in Team Meetings, Trainings, Case Conferencing, CES Meetings, Coalition Meetings, Homeless Services Meetings, etc.
Responsible for maintaining thorough and accurate records in both written form (hard copies) and through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is required
Responsible for meeting specific performance outcomes for applicable LAHSA contracts
Submitting reports, documentation and connecting with outside agencies
Establish and/or maintain good rapport and working arrangements with co-workers, including the management team and other staff
Facilitate and supervise regularly scheduled departmental staff meetings and resident house meetings
Uphold all HOTV and LAHSA Rules, Regulations, and Policies.
Use de-escalation and mediation techniques to help clients work through conflict
Other duties as assigned