Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager

Lutheran Community Services Northwest•SeaTac, WA

About The Position

Lutheran Community Services NW is a nonprofit organization serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager provides progressive housing stability case management and advocacy for participants in the Rapid Re-housing (RRH) Program. The role accepts referrals of individuals and families who meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Category 1 definition of homelessness, supports a rapid intake process, and works with families to develop and update housing stability and rental assistance plans. The goal is to help participants obtain permanent unsubsidized housing. The Case Manager assesses participant needs and housing barriers, provides coaching and conflict resolution, connects participants to individualized services, assists with housing searches and rental applications, and submits requests for rent subsidies and other approved expenses. The role monitors eligibility and housing stability, conducts program exits and exit interviews, maintains accurate and confidential client records in HMIS, supports data collection and analysis, and participates in training, program development, and relevant community activities.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
At least 2 years of experience in a related field.
Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Willingness to learn new databases.
Previous experience working with participants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Previous experience in community and human services, including serving homeless and low-income communities.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience providing community presentations.

Responsibilities

Accept referrals from King County Coordinated Entry for individuals and families who meet the HUD Category 1 definition of homelessness.
Help participants verify and document RRH eligibility and complete program application materials.
Deliver client services with awareness and sensitivity to participants’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
Conduct comprehensive assessments using intake, assessment, and housing-barrier tools.
Use motivational interviewing to help participants develop strength-based plans for self-sufficiency.
Provide coaching and conflict resolution to address issues that could endanger current or future housing, including conflicts involving landlords, property managers, friends, family, or neighbors.
Refer participants to customized services that support plan goals, including employment, pre-employment, and life-skills programs.
Help participants find and obtain safe, stable housing and assist with rental applications as needed.
Submit requests for client rent subsidies and other approved expenses.
Reassess participant eligibility every 90 days to determine ongoing need for rental subsidy.
Exit participants when they are stably housed and can maintain housing without RRH subsidy, or after 12 months of subsidized rental assistance; conduct an exit interview and develop a plan for maintaining stable housing.
Help participants who cannot maintain stable housing after 12 months access other resources, including possible additional RRH funds on a case-by-case basis.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date client files and develop proficiency in HMIS, including entering and editing client data and printing reports.
Cooperate in collecting and analyzing participant data.
Maintain strict confidentiality of participant information and adhere to HIPAA standards in the office workspace.
Participate in ongoing training, program development, and relevant community activities as requested.

Benefits

37.5-hour work week to support work/life balance.
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits.
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance at no cost to the employee.
Up to 2 weeks of vacation in the first year, based on hours worked.
Up to 2 weeks of sick leave, based on hours worked.
12 paid agency-recognized holidays.
2 floating holidays.
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, subject to eligibility.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the employee and their family.
Potential eligibility for student loan forgiveness through the organization’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.