Transitional Housing Case Manager I
About The Position
The Case Manager Level 1 is a core member of the Veterans Place Housing Team, providing direct case management to veterans residing in transitional housing and VA contract bed programs. The position supports stabilization, goal achievement, permanent housing placement, and community reintegration. The case manager is a consistent point of contact for veterans addressing homelessness, behavioral health, unemployment, substance use, and trauma, and coordinates with internal departments and external systems, particularly the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the direction of the Transitional Housing Manager, the role ensures veterans receive personalized, timely, and effective care. The position manages an active caseload, completes comprehensive assessments, develops and updates individualized service plans, conducts weekly in-person check-ins and monthly budgeting sessions, and uses motivational interviewing and trauma-informed practices. Discharge planning begins on admission and includes housing, income, ongoing care, and aftercare supports. The role maintains required records in BestNotes, coordinates access to benefits and services, facilitates groups and community participation, and collaborates with the housing team, VA contacts, workforce and recovery services, and other partners. This is an on-site position at the Veterans Place residential campus involving daily interaction with veterans and weekly in-person meetings. Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed for emergency transportation, discharge support, or community events. The role requires professionalism, cultural humility, integrity, and the ability to remain calm and solution-oriented when working with people in crisis or emotional distress. Other job-related duties may be assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- At least 1–2 years of experience in case management, homeless services, behavioral health, or recovery settings.
- Excellent documentation and communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a dynamic caseload.
- Ability to work in a structured, policy-driven environment while meeting veterans where they are.
- Valid driver's license and insurable driving record.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
- Ability to focus on program details, meet timelines, and manage multiple tasks and interactions.
- Ability to retain and recall information about clients, policies, procedures, and schedules.
- Ability to identify issues, evaluate solutions, and make decisions independently or collaboratively.
- Ability to understand written and verbal information and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
- Ability to manage time, maintain accurate records, and coordinate meetings.
- Adequate visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, to read documents, use a computer, and observe participants.
- Adequate auditory ability, with or without assistive devices, to understand in-person, telephone, and virtual conversations.
- Clear verbal expression to articulate expectations, give feedback, and conduct presentations.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds regularly using proper lifting techniques.
- Ability to stand or walk 6 to 8 hours daily on concrete surfaces.
- Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods of 4 or more hours, with breaks.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.
- Ability to remain calm and solution-oriented when working with individuals in crisis or emotional distress.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree.
- Strong knowledge of veterans' services, trauma-informed care, and housing-first approaches.
- Experience with BestNotes or other electronic health record systems.
Responsibilities
- Manage an active caseload of veterans in transitional housing and VA contract bed programs.
- Complete comprehensive initial assessments within 72 hours of admission, documenting psychosocial history, needs, strengths, and barriers.
- Develop and maintain SMART Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), updating them monthly or as circumstances change and documenting veteran progress, challenges, and decisions.
- Conduct weekly in-person check-ins with assigned veterans to monitor safety, stability, and progress.
- Conduct monthly budgeting sessions to support financial management and housing readiness.
- Use motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care practices to promote veteran engagement and empowerment.
- Begin discharge planning on each veteran's first day and create structured plans addressing permanent housing, income stability, long-term care or community support, and ongoing mental health or substance-use services.
- Coordinate housing searches, applications, and lease-up processes for veterans approaching discharge.
- Provide referrals and aftercare connections, and ensure veterans have a complete, documented discharge plan and appropriate support.
- Maintain required documentation in BestNotes in accordance with VA GPD requirements, Veterans Place policies, and CARF standards.
- Enter case notes within 24 hours of contact, respond to audit feedback, and report milestones such as housing placement, employment gains, and community service hours accurately and on time.
- Help veterans access and manage VA healthcare, SSDI/SSI, Medicaid/SNAP, HUD-VASH, and SSVF benefits.
- Refer veterans to mental health counseling, substance-use recovery, medical services, legal assistance, and veteran advocacy.
- Assist with housing documentation, applications, landlord connections, and support-program connections.
- Support veterans with appointment scheduling, follow-up, and transportation when needed.
- Facilitate a weekly veteran group; attend townhouse meetings and monthly community meetings; and support participation in group activities and community accountability.
- Co-lead or support groups on life skills, budgeting, interpersonal communication, and relapse prevention when appropriate.
- Help resolve interpersonal conflicts using de-escalation and mediation techniques.
- Participate in bi-weekly treatment team meetings and provide updates on caseloads, behavior, service-plan progress, and discharge readiness.
- Coordinate with VA GPD and Contract Bed Liaisons, the Assistant Case Manager Coordinator, Workforce Development and the Veteran Resource Center, and Recovery Services.
- Immediately report veteran crises or incidents to the Transitional Manager and participate in debriefs and follow-up planning.
- Perform other job-related duties as requested by the supervisor.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
