Description

This Housing Case Manager is responsible for providing trauma-based and housing focused services to families experiencing homeless or who are at-risk of becoming homeless. The Housing Case Manager will work with both parents and children, with a focus on permanent housing, connections to community supports and broader systems of care with the goal of promoting housing and family stability. This position supports families residing in the shelter or on the streets, as well as families who are housed. 

This Housing Case Manager position is funded in whole through One80 Place’s Day 1 Families Fund. This case manager will dedicate 100% of their time on providing permanent housing solutions to homeless families.

One80 Place ends and prevents homelessness throughout South Carolina with offices located in Charleston and Columbia. This position will be based in Charleston.

Requirements

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. Supports and demonstrates One80 Place’s mission, vision, and values. 
2. Belief and ability to demonstrate Housing First philosophy and strategies.
3. Bachelor’s degree in human services related field preferred. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
4. Minimum two (2) years’ experience in case management.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent computer skills including basic office programs and the ability to learn and utilize the HMIS database.
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a fast-paced team.
7. Ability to relate effectively to diverse individuals. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Re-housing Activities

· Identify, target and engage families and begin discussions about permanent housing. 

· Facilitate the housing planning process, by completing the housing barrier assessment, housing preference worksheet, and supporting client choice. 

· Assist families in obtaining necessary documentation for both housing and employment.

· Assist families in locating and securing housing of their choice.

· Identify participant strengths and barriers to stability and assist participants to reducing barriers and linking to resources and services.

Case Management

· Meet with families as often as appropriate, to assess needs specifically related to housing, noting other issues that could impede housing stabilization.

· Assist families in developing and following a personal budget, provide budget counseling and education to assist families in establishing payments plans for bills and past debts and to assist families in obtaining and maintaining their housing.

· Assist families in developing a strength-based/solution-focused individualized housing stability plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, timely referral network in order to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed.

· Refer families to community resources to gain support for goals and follow up to ensure referrals were completed. A referral may include providing or setting up transportation for a client to access the resource effectively. It may also mean accompanying them and/or setting up an advocate to attend a meeting with the participant. Resources may be external to the organization or internal (SOAR, PATH, Legal).

· Track and document client progress.

· Hold families accountable for achieving goals and objectives as identified on their housing stability plan.

· Ensure that home visits are conducted at least monthly and more often, as appropriate.

· Provide pro-active follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to assist with reintegration of families in the community.

· Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs.

Diversion Activities

1. Coordinate with CoC staff to identify homeless families for diversion activities. 

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

3. Conduct problem solving conversations with families to identify resources, existing support networks, and alternative housing options to quickly resolve family homelessness. 

Property Management

1. Serve as an ongoing liaison between property managers and families to support long-term housing stability.

2. Provide education about landlord tenant law and strongly encourage family compliance with lease agreements to sustain housing stability.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

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

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

3. Actively participates in all staff meetings.

4. Attends scheduled training programs for professional development.

5. Role models effective team behavior.

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

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

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

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.

PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS:

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