Housing Stability Case Manager

Blue Mountain Action Council•Walla Walla, WA

2d•$27

About The Position

This position provides intake, referrals and ongoing case management to eligible households using a Housing First approach. This work is client focused and will require collaboration and strong relationships with clients and other service providers for housing and other stabilizing services in the area. The position requires assisting clients who are at risk of homelessness to maintain or find appropriate housing and to become self-sufficient renters. Must comply with all program and BMAC policies and procedures.

Requirements

Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted for either education or work history.
Associates degree in Human Services or related field strongly preferred.
Two (2) years related work experience administering social services.
Bilingual/Bicultural – English/Spanish – is strongly preferred.
Strong commitment to BMAC’s mission of collaborating with our partners to equitably deliver services and support to our neighbors experiencing poverty and to our values: accountability for our actions and services; dignity for all we serve; honoring diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work; and upholding a spirit of service.
Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively with diverse populations, including LGBTQ and people of color, as well as individuals of all ages and ability levels.
Ability to understand and implement contract requirements regarding eligibility and services, and data maintenance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to learn/use HMIS, CAP60 and other software systems.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, function as a team member, and collaborate with other staff.
Ability to compile and maintain accurate, thorough and timely case management records.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, set appropriate client boundaries with tact and respect, and exercise sound judgement.
Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment, managing a high call volume, with frequent interruptions and occasional crisis situations.
Comfort and ability to deal with client home visits.
Valid driver’s license by the time of hire with good driving record.
Must provide own vehicle for travel and must maintain current auto insurance. Mileage will be reimbursed according to the current IRS mileage rate.

Nice To Haves

Case management experience in social service setting, and a working knowledge of issues and resources related to housing services for low-income families and individuals.
Experience working with individuals, families and young adults, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ populations.

Responsibilities

Determine client eligibility and conduct comprehensive assessments of client strengths, needs, and motivations focused on client choice and using a Housing First, Trauma Informed approach. Enter accurate and prompt data input into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the internal database CAP60.
Using progressive case management, collaborate with clients to develop and implement a Housing Stability Plan. This plan should focus on all household members and include budget planning, job search, job training, and career planning with ongoing maintenance of the plan.
Assist clients in finding suitable diversion options, negotiating payment plans and/or leases, negotiating leases, potentially finding more sustainable housing options, and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities.
Maintain case management progress notes and files. Ensure that careful, accurate, and timely documentation is completed. Monitor the Housing Stability Plan and adjust as needed.
Provide ongoing case management support to households, including regular check ins, goal setting and referrals to community resources. Check-ins are typically conducted at BMAC offices; however, home visits may be needed. Assure program guidelines, that change with some frequency, are applied, and assist with maintenance of program policies and procedures.
Ensure timely payment of monthly rent or other program allowable costs.
Build and maintain relationships with landlords to secure housing placements, and advocate for client needs.
Perform landlord outreach efforts including meeting with property owners, apartment associations, Board of Realtors, tenant councils, and other community partners with an emphasis on recruiting those willing to lease their properties to participants of the SSVF program as well as to discuss the advantages of participating in the SSVF program;
Serve as the primary point of contact for landlord’s/property manager’s/owner’s concerns and complaints and act as a liaison and mediator for tenant issues that may arise;
Create incentives for landlords to relax screening criteria for people experiencing homelessness and housing instability;
Coordinate services with other social, health, employment, and education services in the community.
Performs other related duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical/Vision Dental Insurance: The following individuals qualify for BMAC's group insurance plans:
Regular, full-time employees working 30-40 hours per week receive full benefits
Qualifying dependents: Spouse/legal domestic partner and any dependent children 26 years or younger
Life Insurance
Short/Long-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) Retirement Plan: Eligibility begins in the first month after hire date. Vesting rules apply.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees begin accruing PTO the first day of employment as detailed below
Employees with 0-5 Years of Service = accrue 0.075 hours per hour worked
Employees with 5+ Years of Service = accrue 0.0875 hours per hour worked
Employees with 10+ Years of Service = accrue 0.10 hours per hour worked
FlexibleTime Off (FTO): Available based on regularly scheduled work hours.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays
Other Paid Leave
Voting Leave – as needed upon request
Bereavement Leave – up to 4 days to eligible employees
Jury Duty Leave – up to 4 weeks over any 1-year period
Workers Compensation: Comprehensive insurance provide