Rapid Rehousing Case Manager

Columbus House, Inc.
Job Posting: Full Time (32 hours/week), FLSA Non-Exempt, Non-Essential
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager

VEVRAA Federal Contractor: Priority Referrals of Protected Veterans Requested 

Company Overview & Mission 
Columbus House opened its doors in 1982 to provide services for men and women at least 18 years of age. Our goals quickly broadened from the mere provision of food and shelter and simple survival, to understanding and working toward overcoming the problems which cause people to become homeless. 
 
Columbus House, along with its core of loyal supporters, friends, and volunteers, has remained committed to fulfilling its mission: "To serve people experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk by providing life-saving outreach, shelter and housing and by fostering their personal growth and independence. We advocate for and create affordable housing to end homelessness in our communities." 

Purpose 
Under the purview of the Permanent Supportive Housing Department, the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager provides case management services and time-limited rental and utility assistance to individuals and families currently experiencing homelessness.  The Case Manager assists with finding, securing, and maintaining housing and working with clients to establish financial independence. The Case Manager provides linkages to medical, mental health, and substance abuse resources, entitlement/state benefits assistance, and employment opportunities. The Case Manager monitors progress and elevates clients with higher needs to more intensive housing interventions such as Permanent Supportive Housing.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assist clients with finding, securing, and maintaining housing which includes conducting inspections.
• Submit monthly fund requests for rental and utility assistance.
• Provide linkage to resources for clients who may be at risk of eviction, in addition to community resources for social, mental health, educational, vocational, entitlements/benefits, and or substance abuse services.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with individuals served.
• Able to advocate for clients as well as support self-advocacy.
• Must be able to set and maintain boundaries and adhere to confidentiality.
• May provide transportation to appointments for clients at the discretion of the case manager on a case-by-case basis.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and social service providers.
• Develop mutually reinforcing relationships with landlords and assist clients to become financially independent.
• Ability to understand and accept different backgrounds while providing a non-judgmental approach to rendering services.
• Attending weekly and monthly agency, program, and network meetings.
• Provide temporary caseload coverage for vacant positions as determined by program needs.
• Monitor all cases assigned and complete all documentation/charting required by Columbus House
  1. Expected to complete a variety of high-quality documentation (CARF Accredited, Department of Housing, Etc.)
  2. Experience with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) or ability to become proficient in database systems.
  3. Create strength-based, person-centered service plans.
  4. Complete all required assessments both electronic and in written form.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School graduate required, bachelors preferred
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a deadline-oriented mindset
• Strong written and oral communication skills employing the English language
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other common desktop and online applications
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively navigate substance abuse, mental health, and social services networks
• Familiar with criminal justice barriers and able to engage, motivate, and support the individuals serviced
• Familiar with mental health, substance abuse and dual diagnosis issues and group dynamics
• Able to work with multiple populations including youth (18-24 years old), adults, and families
• Basic knowledge of all aspects of the delivery of person-centered case management
• Able to meet all documentation requirements within set timeframes
• Knowledgeable of crisis intervention, boundaries, confidentiality, universal precautions, harm reduction and motivational interviewing
• Understanding of housing first principles, housing law, tenant rights/responsibilities
• Ability to create professional and respectful relationships with clients, outside providers, landlords and property managers
• Empathetic and compassionate, with individuals that have experienced homelessness and factors that lead to homelessness
• Valid drivers’ license with a good driving history

Supervised by:  Rapid Rehousing Manager
Schedule: Monday- Thursday 8:30am- 4:30pm
Salary range: $25.50-$27.50

Benefits 

• Medical, dental, vision benefits are offered along with other additional voluntary coverages with full time employment
• 401 K retirement plan with employer matching contribution
• Paid time off 
• 10 paid holidays

Please send your resume and a cover letter to Human Resources Generalist, Columbus House Inc., 586 Ella Grasso Boulevard P.O. Box 7093, New Haven CT. 06519 or fax to 203-773-1430 or email to hr@columbushouse.org or apply at www.columbushouse.org 

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities Encouraged to Apply