Shelter Case Manager

Responsible for assessing barriers to housing stability and providing ongoing case management to help shelter participants increase income, make time in shelter brief and not repeated, and secure permanent housing.

Essential Functions:

• Independently manage dynamic caseload: conduct participant assessments to determine and reduce barriers to permanent housing, refer participants to appropriate community resources, advocate on behalf of participant to help secure housing.
• Maintain accurate and timely case files, per grant/funder requirements, this includes, but is not limited to appropriate participant homeless verification and demographic information, signed program agreements, referrals, service plans, and progressive case notes.
• Encourage Night by Night participants to complete Coordinated Entry Assessment and link with additional services; complete timely Adult Shelter Intakes within agency procedure; communicate with HSP’s Coordinated Entry to ensure rapid participant entry into shelter.
• Complete accurate and timely data entry utilizing Community Service Point (CSP): complete program entry and exits within 24 hours, enter services within 3 business days, enter, track, and evaluate participant progress at identified milestones.
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the HSP’s programs and community resources; work in tandem with HSP’s Integrated Services Team including Housing, Opportunity WORKS (re-entry employment program), and Financial Education services to help participants access services, stabilize their lives, and secure permanent housing.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of Housing First best practices, Housing and Urban Development Homeless Programs, Grant, and Funding goals.
• Support strategies to help participants meet “Key” goals to ensure homelessness is short, brief and rare in Carroll County; work with participants to establish SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time based) goals.
• Utilize motivational interviewing, strength-based, and trauma informed care strategies and techniques to deliver participant-driven case management; develop solid rapport with participants; encourage positive skill development for independent living.
• Create a positive shelter environment that supports behavioral change; including monitor shelter participants’ behavior, explain and implement shelter procedures, work with support staff to modify behaviors, and communicate with support staff regarding participant progress, document and deliver safety plans that may include discharge from shelter.
• Assemble data for HUD/Agency Annual Report, and additional monthly/quarterly shelter reports as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidates for this position must possess the following: effective skills to accomplish the program goals and objectives; effective interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to take initiative and be self-motivating. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Strong coaching skills; ability to organize and prioritize; strong project and time management skills. Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups including target population and volunteers required.  Experience working with homeless and/or high-risk participants including those with a criminal background, mental health diagnosis, and/or substance abuse.  Must possess a high level of energy, motivation, and persistence. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and have accurate data entry skills. Must be able to maintain confidentiality.  Must be positive, cooperative and supportive. Valid driver’s license with clean driving record and proof of current automobile insurance required.

Educational Requirements: Candidates for this position are required to have a high school/general diploma, associate or bachelor’s degree preferred. Prior experience in the human services field preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervisory experience is required for participants, interns and/or volunteers.

Work Environment: This position has direct contact with participants and with all levels of personnel within the organization, consumers, vendors, and other agencies. Office setting within 24-hour shelter.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full Time (40 hours/week). Normal office hours: must flex schedule to work 2 to 3 evenings (until 8PM) per week. Occasional evenings, nights, or weekends may be required to address participant emergencies.

Travel Requirements: Minimal local travel. Travel to meetings/trainings and client transportation (in agency vehicle) may be required.  Occasional distance travel may be required for meetings/training.