Veteran's Housing Case Manager II at Blaine

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST•Seattle, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Housing Case Manager II is a senior-level position that applies advanced subject knowledge and independent judgment to support veterans experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The role may be assigned to emergency or housing services and includes serving as a resource, guide, and leader for other housing case managers. At the Blaine Veterans Center, the position supports a 24-hour enhanced shelter serving 36 male-identifying veterans, coordinating housing navigation and case management with King County Veterans Program services and other community resources. The work focuses on trauma-informed support, housing stability, and helping participants secure permanent housing. This is a union-represented position with Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). The case manager conducts assessments and provides case management, advocacy, referrals, crisis intervention, housing search and placement assistance, documentation, and follow-up support. The role also helps improve program operations, supports and trains colleagues, and provides onsite leadership when program management is absent. Work takes place in a human services and shelter environment in the Greater Seattle area, with close contact with residents and occasional or minimal remote work possible with manager approval based on program needs. The position is based in Seattle’s Lower Queen Anne neighborhood. Its scheduled hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with a monthly staff meeting on the first of each month. The 30-minute meal period is paid. The stated pay is $32.03 per hour.

Requirements

At least 3 years of case management experience, including at least 1 year in a Compass program; applicants without Compass program experience need 3–4 years of case management experience.
Education and experience demonstrating competency with housing insecurity, mental health, substance use, sexual assault, and/or domestic violence issues.
Working knowledge of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and strength-based case management.
Knowledge of local resources and services for people experiencing homelessness.
Knowledge of de-escalation, crisis intervention, and stabilization practices.
Ability to maintain a caseload and provide case management, crisis counseling, advocacy, and referral services.
Ability to work within complex regulations and definitions and complete extensive technical documentation accurately.
Ability to maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential records, enter data, create case notes and logs, and prepare written and statistical reports.
Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries and follow policies and procedures for facility safety and security.
Ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment without direct supervision, and use strong problem-solving, time-management, and project-management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical problems and solutions.
Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and promote a team environment that values differences.
Ability to motivate, inform, and develop others; model sound interpersonal boundaries and emotional intelligence.
Aptitude for learning Microsoft products, internet-based software, and office equipment and devices.
Must be able to read, write, and understand English.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including occasionally pushing, pulling, lifting, and/or carrying supplies up to 20 pounds.
Must follow safety precautions concerning hazardous chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and other potentially infectious materials.

Nice To Haves

Awareness of or training in belonging, compassion, and meeting people where they are.
Experience working in an environment where language may be a barrier.
Current Washington State Food Handlers Permit; if not current, the permit will be sponsored within one month of hire.
For positions requiring driving: valid Washington State driver’s license, proof of car insurance, and a driving record meeting Compass standards.
Passion for knowledge and commitment to continuing professional development or education.

Responsibilities

Provide trauma-informed case management using motivational interviewing and strength-based techniques; establish participant goals, monitor progress, identify barriers, and help participants address them.
Complete program intake, needs assessments, housing stability plans, VI-SPDAT assessments, and participant orientations; assess housing histories, resources, needs, and eligibility for housing assistance and permanent housing options.
Provide information, referrals, advocacy, and connections to internal and external services, including mental health, substance use, primary health, legal, employment, and educational supports.
Coordinate with internal and external agency representatives and maintain relationships with community providers to address participant needs.
Document participant interactions and services accurately, including DAP case notes, forms, logs, records, reports, statistics, and required data in Clarity HMIS and other systems.
Work with program management to plan the equitable use of flexible client relocation and assistance funds, and identify interim or bridge housing when needed and available.
Mediate conflicts, de-escalate situations, provide crisis intervention, model problem solving, and refer participants to appropriate services.
Support daily facility operations and milieu management; develop and facilitate life-skills trainings, workshops, and other relevant activities with program leadership.
Develop relationships with property managers and landlords, identify housing opportunities, and help participants tour and select housing.
Help participants obtain application and move-in resources, complete housing applications, prepare for housing interviews, move into housing, and transition to ongoing supports.
Provide post-placement follow-up to support housing stability and reduce the likelihood of a return to homelessness.
Help develop and implement corrective action plans with supervisors for participants who are not meeting goals; work with program management on situation assessment and follow-up.
Support continuous quality improvement, problem solving, program systems, procedures, workgroups, and housing stability and case management policies.
Assist with onboarding and training housing case managers, provide onsite guidance and leadership to team members, share knowledge across the agency, and help develop training materials and modules as assigned.
May assist with reports and metrics analysis, hiring interviews, department meetings, coordination with outside agencies, volunteer or intern evaluations, and development of volunteer or intern leadership skills.
Maintain cooperative working relationships, share current housing resources, represent the organization favorably, follow agency policies, and take site responsibility when program management is absent.