Referral & Case Management Specialist

Caritas of Austin • Austin, TX

2d

About The Position

The Referral & Case Management Specialist is a full-time, grant-funded position in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. The position is contingent upon renewal of the grant and reports to the SSVF Program Manager. The Specialist coordinates client intakes, assesses eligibility, and provides ongoing case management, serving as a first point of contact for people seeking assistance and connecting them with appropriate internal and external resources. The role supports client stabilization and self-sufficiency through individualized service planning and coordinated referrals.

The Specialist works with clients using a person-centered, strengths-based approach and maintains professional boundaries. The role includes assessing needs, developing and monitoring housing service plans, supporting housing identification and sustainability, coordinating access to health and behavioral health services, providing crisis intervention when needed, and maintaining timely and accurate case records in HMIS. Once clients are housed, at least 50% of meetings will take place in the client’s home or a community space. Client transportation to agencies and services may be required.

The Specialist collaborates with Caritas of Austin colleagues, property managers, community housing programs, and other service providers to connect clients with housing, employment, education, and other resources. The position also participates in team meetings, trainings, community activities, and organizational functions. Normal work hours and days are assigned based on a 40-hour work week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least one year of experience working directly with low-income, diverse, and underserved populations in a social service agency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, internet navigation, and database applications.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

• A degree in social work, public health, counseling, or another related human services field.
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in social work, psychology, public health, counseling, or another related human services field.
• Past work in housing programs or community housing, or experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• Experience working with people with mental health disorders.
• Experience with crisis intervention.
• Experience with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System).
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or another language.

Responsibilities

• Interact with clients using a person-centered, strengths-based approach while maintaining professional boundaries and following organizational policies and procedures.
• Develop individualized service plans with clients and assist them in meeting their goals.
• Coordinate client intakes, conduct screenings, and assist in determining program eligibility.
• Meet regularly with clients to assess needs and support timely, empathetic service outcomes.
• Assist clients with housing identification, applications, move-ins, and housing sustainability.
• Develop and monitor individual housing service plans focused on housing stability.
• Coordinate access to mental health, substance use, and physical health services, including treatment appointments.
• Ensure clients are safe and connected to appropriate resources following crises; provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Enter timely case notes and other case data into Service Point, the database used for HMIS.
• Participate in filing and case reviews and maintain accurate records and reports according to Housing Services Department documentation guidelines.
• Communicate professionally with property managers and collaborate with Community Housing Specialists and community housing programs to identify and secure safe, affordable housing.
• Build relationships with service providers serving the target populations.
• Collaborate with Employment Specialists and Education Specialists as appropriate to connect clients to employment and education programs.
• Research local employment and educational resources.
• Transport clients to agencies and services as needed.
• Attend program collaboration meetings, staff and department meetings, training sessions, and community-wide activities as requested or required.
• Work cooperatively across organizational services and contribute to effective teamwork and service delivery.
• Work with supervisors to create and implement a professional development plan.
• Treat staff, clients, customers, visitors, and the public with courtesy and respect.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.
• 20 days of PTO in year one, increasing with tenure.
• 14 paid holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Monthly phone stipend.
• Discounted memberships, such as LegalShield.
• Parking for employees working at the downtown location, if applicable.
• Employer qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level