Outreach Housing Case Manager

Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp•Hartford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Outreach Housing Case Manager provides service coordination to unsheltered individuals in the Greater Hartford region who have a history of mental illness and/or substance abuse. The role locates and engages people experiencing homelessness in places not intended for habitation, assesses housing and basic needs, helps identify safe shelter and affordable housing, reduces harm and risk, advocates for clients, and connects them with resources. The case manager works closely with the Street Outreach Case Manager to minimize service gaps and support clients through the process of securing permanent housing. The position is based at 117 Wethersfield Ave, Hartford, CT. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and may change to accommodate client or program needs. The role reports to the Outreach Program Supervisor and is classified as 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, including the 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 skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
Strong 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.

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 in need of engagement.
Conduct face-to-face outreach and canvassing at locations where unsheltered individuals may be staying, including encampments, abandoned buildings, parking lots, emergency departments, soup kitchens, day centers, warming centers, motels, shelters, libraries, and public facilities.
Establish trusting relationships to address systems mistrust and barriers to engagement.
Distribute essential supplies such as hygiene kits, blankets, food, and water.
Complete intake assessments of clients’ primary needs, including vital documents, housing, mental health, substance use, and income.
Help clients obtain missing vital documents, such as a license, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
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 clients access immediate housing options, the CAN By Name List, shelter waitlists, and/or longer-term housing.
Build and maintain working relationships with providers to connect clients to employment and job training, transportation, medical and behavioral care, benefits and entitlements, and crisis prevention or 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 housing resources.
Complete documentation in Connecticut’s Homeless Management Information System (CT HMIS) and Smartsheet accurately and within required timelines.
Maintain professional relationships with partner agencies.
Perform other tasks that assist the agency in carrying out its mission.