SSVF Stabilization Case Manager, Merrimack Valley

New England Center and Home for Veterans•Haverhill, MA

2d•$50,000 - $55,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Team, this role involves working with all aspects of the program, including outreach, community referrals, Rapid Resolution, intake and assessment, case management, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, and housing stabilization. The position focuses on developing relationships with landlords and property managers for permanent housing placements and retention. This role serves as a liaison to all SSVF Team members, collaborating organizations, vendors, and other human services and government agencies. The primary goal is to ensure successful outcomes and program objectives for Veteran families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with a dedication to components of the SSVF Program such as Rapid Resolution, rapid housing, re-housing within 90 days of losing housing, and housing stabilization and prevention.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services with 1 to 3 years of experience. Relevant experience may be a substitute in lieu of a degree.
Experience with case management, navigating community-based resources, subsidized housing placements, persons experiencing or at risk for homelessness, mental health and substance use disorders, outreach experience.
Understanding of and commitment to Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Cultural Competency and Trauma Informed Care.
Excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate professionally with employees and enrollees both on the phone and in person.
Proficiency with electronic databases and computers.
Flexible self-starter with strong analytical skills.
Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and ability to travel throughout Merrimack Valley and to the Boston office, as needed, required.
Must be able to travel in the greater Boston area, and work in the community.
Ability to work comfortably with a multicultural, homeless population experiencing complex challenges.
Demonstrate positive communication with Veterans and other team members and collaborators.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong computer, database and electronic recording keeping skills.
Ability to maintain professional and personal boundaries.
Ability to write clear progress notes and person-centered service/care plans.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with teams, including other NECHV programs and departments.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of military culture.

Responsibilities

Rapidly enroll SSVF participants through coordinated outreach attempts working closely with the SSVF and NECHV teams and collaborating organizations.
Ensure participants qualify for the program and work to connect Veterans with community resources and stabilization services to assist them in rapidly resolving their housing crisis.
Ensure time sensitive SSVF funds and /or services are utilized once a participant is screened to meet program criteria, working closely with the SSVF leadership team and other SSVF team members, as needed.
Ensure compliance with and understanding of the SSVF Program Guide.
Develop and maintain relationships with landlords and property managers, advocating on behalf of SSVF participants.
Work with participants to assess housing barriers, needs and preferences.
Develop short term housing plans, longer term housing retention and stabilization goals in collaboration with participants.
Work to develop Veteran-Centered Integrated Services Plans with other team members, as needed.
Provide time sensitive referrals as indicated through housing plan, to ensure rapid housing and housing retention and stabilization, including connection to the VA and other financial benefits, employment, legal services, mental health / family / substance use, medical, transportation, food assistance, childcare, etc.
Connect and refer Veterans to organizations and programs to mitigate barriers to housing, e.g.: credit, legal, rental history.
Identify apartment, SRO, and other appropriate housing vacancies, and travel to potential placements with participants as needed.
Ensure rapid and smooth transitioning into the community, coordinating and securing rental assistance, furniture banks and moving assistance with NECHV and other community agencies before utilizing SSVF funds.
Utilize and coordinate housing efforts with representatives from NECHV, VA - HUD/VASH, local Housing Authorities, and other programs working with homeless assistance.
Ensure timely completion of subsidized housing applications for all eligible Veterans.
Assist with post-placement housing stabilization services via follow up (weekly and tapering off to monthly as needed), reporting back to team to help ensure Veterans are connected to needed community-based resources to assist them in sustaining their housing.
Engage in Case Conferencing.
Review cases during SSVF weekly meetings and meetings with collaborating internal and external providers.
Ensure compliance with SSVF and internal documentation requirements and standards.
Work closely with the Stabilization Services Coordinator to ensure timely and accurate data entry practices.
Attend Program, Department meetings and trainings, as well as meetings with collaborating agencies as required.
Assist with the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, as needed.
Perform other SSVF duties as assigned.