Veteran's Housing Case Manager II at Blaine

Compass Housing Alliance•Seattle, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Veterans Housing Case Manager II is a senior-level role providing advanced case management and housing support to veterans experiencing homelessness. The position requires independent judgment and initiative and serves as a resource and guide to other case managers. Depending on assignment, the incumbent may work in emergency or housing services. At the Blaine Veterans Center, the program is a 24-hour enhanced shelter for 36 male-identifying veterans, with individual sleeping areas and services including meals, laundry, showers, transportation support, storage, kitchenette access, phones, Wi-Fi, computers, and television. The program provides on-site housing navigation and coordinates with King County Veterans Program and other community services to help participants overcome barriers and achieve stable, permanent housing. The case manager provides trauma-informed, participant-centered support, including assessment, individualized planning, advocacy, referrals, crisis intervention, housing searches and placement, and follow-up after placement. The position also contributes to program operations and continuous quality improvement, helps onboard and guide colleagues, shares expertise and may support trainings, reporting, and department meetings. The role requires careful, confidential documentation and collaboration with participants, coworkers, property managers, and community providers. This is a unionized, non-exempt, full-time position represented by Local 8 of OPEIU. The stated schedule is Monday–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 paid meal period is 30 minutes. The salary is $32.03 per hour. Work is primarily in a housing, shelter, and social services environment in the Greater Seattle area, with travel to program sites and meetings around the county. Occasional or minimal remote work may be possible with manager approval, depending on position requirements and program needs.

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 best practices.
Ability to maintain a caseload and provide case management, crisis counseling, advocacy, and referral services.
Ability to accurately enter data, write case notes and logs, maintain detailed confidential records, and prepare written and statistical reports.
Ability to work within complex regulations and definitions and complete extensive technical documentation.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and follow safety and security policies and procedures.
Ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
Ability to make sound decisions independently, including when supervision is absent, and to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, time-management, and project-management skills.
Ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and to value differing perspectives.
Ability to motivate, inform, and develop others and to contribute to team capability.
Aptitude for learning Microsoft products, internet-based software, office equipment, and devices.
Ability to read, write, and understand English.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including occasionally pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying supplies up to 20 pounds, and periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and stair use.
Work experience is identified as a key success factor; continued professional development or education is also expected.

Nice To Haves

Awareness of or training in belonging, compassion, and meeting people where they are.
Experience in an environment where language may be a barrier.
Current Washington State Food Handler’s Permit; if not current, the employer will sponsor it 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.

Responsibilities

Provide trauma-informed case management using motivational interviewing and strength-based techniques; establish goals, monitor progress, identify barriers, and help participants address them.
Assess housing histories, eligibility, needs, resources, and support networks; complete intake, needs assessments, housing stability plans, VI-SPDAT, and program orientation as required.
Provide information, referrals, advocacy, and connections to internal and external services, including mental health, substance use, primary health, legal, employment, and education services.
Maintain accurate, objective, confidential case notes, stability plans, forms, logs, records, reports, and statistics; document according to DAP protocol and enter information in Clarity HMIS and other systems.
Coordinate with agency staff, referring agencies, community providers, and other representatives to ensure participants receive appropriate resources and support.
Develop and maintain relationships with property managers and landlords; identify housing options, including private-market units that accept subsidies or offer below-market rents.
Help participants evaluate neighborhoods and properties, complete housing applications, prepare for housing interviews, obtain move-in resources, and transition into housing.
Provide post-placement follow-up to support housing stability and reduce the likelihood of a return to homelessness.
Identify interim or bridge housing needs and make connections when requested and available.
Develop, with the program manager, equitable uses of flexible client relocation and assistance funds.
Mediate conflicts, provide de-escalation and crisis intervention, model problem-solving, and refer participants to appropriate services.
Support daily facility operations and milieu management; collaborate with program management on situation assessment and follow-up.
Develop and facilitate life-skills trainings, workshops, groups, classes, and events in coordination with program leadership.
Work with supervisors to develop and implement corrective action plans for participants who are not meeting goals.
Support continuous quality improvement, problem-solving, program systems, procedures, workgroups, and case-management policies and procedures.
Assist with onboarding and provide guidance, instruction, and leadership to other housing case managers and program team members.
Communicate and train others on housing and case-management policies and procedures; share knowledge across the agency and potentially lead or develop agency-wide training modules.
May assist with reports and metrics analysis, hiring interviews, department meetings, agency coordination, and evaluations or leadership development for volunteers and interns.
Maintain cooperative working relationships, contribute to an inclusive team environment, remain current on housing resources, and represent the organization professionally.
Take site responsibility when program management is not present.