Description

Under the direct supervision of SSVF Program Managers, this housing case manager is responsible for increasing access to both private and public rental markets for Veterans co-enrolled in both SSVF and HUD-VASH programs. This is a unique position that will work closely with the VA’s HUD-VASH Program. The Housing Case Manager will also be responsible for serving as the point of contact to communicate housing leads, assist clients with applying for units, negotiating with landlords if challenges emerge related to rental payment, housing conditions, or other concerns that may lead to eviction. The Housing Case Manager will be responsible for communicating updates and client progress to both SSVF and HUD-VASH Case Managers. 

This position is funded in whole by the VA through One80 Place’s SSVF Program, and they will dedicate 100% of their time on Veterans and their families served by the SSVF Program.

One80 Place ends and prevents homelessness throughout South Carolina with offices located in Charleston and Columbia. Positions are available in both locations. 

STATUS: Full-time, regular, exempt

Requirements

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. Required Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or human services related field. 

2. Three to five years’ experience working with indigent and/or at-risk populations.

3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

4. Excellent computer skills including basic office programs and the ability to learn and utilize appropriate database programs.

5. Ability to work independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.

6. Ability to relate effectively and without judgment to diverse individuals.

7. Experience working with landlords and placing homeless households with barriers into permanent housing.

8. Knowledge of housing resources throughout the 7 county Lowcountry Continuum of Care.

9. Knowledge of Landlord/Tenant Laws and Fair Housing Regulations.

10. South Carolina driver’s license and able to travel independently between multiple work sites within a day.

11. Requires knowledge and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Teamwork and Collaboration:

1. Work in collaboration with VA HUD-VASH staff and SSVF case managers to finding appropriate permanent housing solutions for veterans.

2. Coordinate care with HUD VASH Social Workers to ensure inspections and housing related forms are completed in a timely manner.

3. Works in collaboration with shelter and all other One80 Place staff to facilitate a team environment.

4. Participates in CES with the appropriate VA, CoC and other partner agencies.

5. Participates in team discussions regarding guest progress or lack of progress, with possible solutions to ensure best support for success. 

6. Actively participates in monthly staff and clinical team meetings and commits to group decisions.

7. Attends scheduled training programs for professional development.

8. Demonstrates effective communication skills in building relationships with all One80 Place employees, volunteers, vendors, Board of Director’s, and clients.

9. Reports to work on time, well-groomed, appropriately dresses and ready to serve as a positive role model to all clients.

10. Substitutes for other case management staff when the need arises.

11. Actively participates in the peer chart review process.

Strength-Based & Housing First Case Management 

1. Utilize solution focused motivational interviewing and mediation skills to rapidly resolve homelessness at time of screening and assessment. 

2. Conduct problem solving conversations with Veteran households to identify naturally occurring resources, existing support networks, and alternative housing options to quickly resolve Veteran homelessness. 

3. Provides and assists households with information, referrals and community connections to develop supports and connections to community benefits and other community resources to maintain housing stability.

4. Acts as an advocate in maintaining housing stability, including assisting families with education on tenant’s rights, landlord mediation and advocacy and connections to other services as necessary.

5. Effectively communicate with the participant and his/her landlord about the required documentation needed to move the client along with all housing programs the client is engaged with.

6. Perform unit move-in inspections as well as coordinate with HUD-VASH and the Housing Authority to ensure inspections our occurring timely. 

7. Coordinate with landlords to obtain necessary documentation such as landlord forms, W-9s, Tax Records to verify ownership, lease agreements, and any needed by the Housing Authority to issue a Section 8 voucher. 

8. Provide strengths-based case management and supportive services to Veterans households.

9. Conduct office and in-home visits with Veterans per the housing stability plan. 

10. Document progress, linkages and referrals to permanent housing, mainstream, Veteran-serving, and community-based resources, including income supports.

11. Be proactive in your approach to case management and approach every housing opportunity with a sense of urgency.

12. Assist Veteran to create a budget and to identity safe, affordable housing considering Veteran preferences/income. 

13. Assist Veterans in identifying housing options.

Housing Stability Case Planning

1. In collaboration with Veteran household, develop housing stability plan addressing crisis housing needs, obtaining, and maintaining permanent housing, participant goals, actions steps, case manager interventions, and referrals. 

2. Assist households in understanding the importance of following through on all expectations of their lease, including on-time rental payments, caring for their unit, etc. 

3. Update progress, goals, actions, and interventions as needed.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

1. Maintain files on each client and document their plans and progress to obtain and maintain housing in HMIS. 

2. Provide routine documentation of coordination and follow-up of all services. 

3. Document all financial assistance needs, including rental and utility assistance.

4. Collects all required data necessary for funding and statistical reports.

5. Document in HMIS all case notes and service transactions for all services provided by Housing Locator.

Other

1. Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS:

1. Requires sound mental reasoning, sound judgment, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively in a crisis. 
2. Requires the ability to relate effectively to diverse individuals. 
3. Requires corrective vision and hearing to normal range; ability to move between service locations; ability to lift 25 lbs. 
4. Possible exposure to communicable diseases, emotionally stressful working conditions, and irregular hours.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: SSVF Program Manager