Outreach Housing Case Manager

Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp•Hartford, CT

2d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Outreach Housing Case Manager (OHCM) coordinates services for unsheltered people in the Greater Hartford region who have a history of mental illness and/or substance abuse. The role uses varied outreach methods to locate and engage people experiencing homelessness, including daily canvassing of places not meant for human habitation. The OHCM assesses housing and basic needs, helps people find appropriate and safe shelter and affordable housing, reduces harm and risk, provides advocacy, and connects clients with resources. The OHCM works closely with the Street Outreach Case Manager to minimize service gaps and support individuals through the process of securing permanent housing. The position is based at 117 Wethersfield Ave, Hartford, Connecticut. The scheduled hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the schedule may change to accommodate client or program needs. The role is non-exempt.

Requirements

Two years of relevant work experience and demonstrated ability to provide effective services to clients.
Familiarity with homeless outreach and the Housing First model.
Experience with conflict resolution and mediation.
Cultural competence across all populations.
Valid Connecticut driver’s license, clean driving record, and proof of automobile insurance.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and make decisions.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to set boundaries with clients.
Ability to collaborate with community organizations and the supervisor.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including in virtual settings.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong time management and ability to prioritize tasks.
Analytical and problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude.
Ability to adapt to organizational and program needs.
Ability to lift boxes and other materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to perform intermittent physical activity, including walking, sitting, and occasional lifting, stooping, bending, and reaching.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a similar Human Services field.
Lived experience with homelessness and/or behavioral health.
Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Greater Hartford’s Coordinated Access Network (CAN), the City of Hartford, and the Hartford Police Department to identify clients who need engagement.
Conduct face-to-face outreach and canvassing with unsheltered individuals in locations including encampments, abandoned buildings, parking lots, emergency departments, soup kitchens, day centers, warming centers, motels, shelters, libraries, and public facilities.
Build trusting relationships with individuals served to address system mistrust and barriers to engagement.
Distribute essential supplies such as hygiene kits, blankets, food, and water.
Complete intake assessments covering clients’ primary needs, including vital documentation, housing, mental health, substance use, and income.
Help clients obtain missing vital documents, such as identification, birth certificates, and Social Security cards.
Develop and implement individualized service and housing plans using person-centered and strengths-based approaches.
Facilitate referrals and warm hand-offs to shelters, housing staff, treatment centers, and healthcare providers.
Maintain an active caseload and provide consistent follow-up to address barriers.
Provide targeted services that help individuals access immediate housing options, the CAN By Name List, shelter waitlists, and/or longer-term housing.
Build and maintain relationships with providers to connect clients with employment and job training, transportation, medical and behavioral healthcare, benefits and entitlements, and crisis prevention and management.
Assist clients with housing searches, applications, inspections, leasing, and transitions into housing.
Attend Hartford CAN meetings to provide client updates, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate housing resources.
Complete documentation in CT’s Homeless Management Information System (CT HMIS) and Smartsheet accurately and within required timelines.
Maintain appropriate and professional relationships with partner agencies.
Perform other tasks that support the agency’s mission.