Gillespie Center Shelter Case Manager

This is a full-time, salaried position at Homes with Hope, Inc. that includes medical and dental benefits, and vacation time. This position reports to the Gillespie Center/Hoskins Place Program Director.

DESCRIPTION:

The Case Manager works with the residents of the agency's emergency shelter. The Gillespie Center has 15 beds for men and Hoskins' Place for has 4 beds for women in downtown Westport. We work to end clients' homelessness by addressing housing barriers utilizing a Housing First service model approach and connecting clients to appropriate resources. Since the facility is an emergency shelter, the aim is to move clients as quickly as possible to a positive housing situation.

In addition, the Case Manager is responsible, along with other staff members, for the smooth operation of the shelter facility and community kitchen. Adherence to chores, overseeing the preparation and clean-up of lunch, needs for supplies, general cleanliness of men's dormitory, dayroom, kitchen and outside areas are all examples of this position's responsibilities. The Case Manager is expected to help maintain the structure of the program.

SPECIFIC CASE MANAGEMENT DUTIES:

Depending on the client, case management may play a greater or lesser role as needs vary. In general, the case manager should:

Assess client's situation/needs.

Determine individual housing goals.

Develop an individual case action plan to help the resident meet certain needs, goals, or to solve problems that led to homelessness.

Provide referrals to community resources, including benefits and entitlement counseling, substance abuse treatment referrals, detox, psychiatric evaluations, medical concerns, and ultimately housing as required.

Secure release of information, consent forms for all outside services where the client is identified by name.

Conduct ongoing interaction with the client to help coordinate all activities from the action plan. Communication with clients' other workers/counselor's/ physicians for case planning and collaboration with other services.

Monitor adherence to medication regimen and communicate with physician if there is a problem with compliance or side effects.

Plan transportation for clients to ongoing appointments or transports when it is deemed necessary for successful case management but not to the exclusion of public transportation.

Re-evaluate the housing plan periodically or when the situation changes.

Advocate for the client to help them obtain necessary services or benefits.

Intervention during crisis such as job loss, substance abuse or other issues that may affect the housing action plan.

Document case notes and update client information in CT HMIS and external systems.

Case work follow up and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

BSW degree or higher from an accredited college or university in the social sciences; or related degree.

Minimum of two years’ experience in case management services preferred.

Motivated with sense of teamwork.

Good communication and people skills.

Bi-lingual/Bi-cultural a plus.

Demonstrated skills in working with clients from various backgrounds.

Embrace the agency's mission to provide basic human needs with compassion and sound ethics.

Demonstrated proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Internet usage.

Valid CT driver's license and insured automobile.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Must demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and competency by attending outside conferences, workshops and continuing education.

Develop contacts within the social services community locally and attend appropriate meetings within the agency and off site.

Case Managers are required to conduct themselves in an ethical manner, in accordance with confidentiality laws, professional standards and in line with agency policies and procedures.

Salary $55,000 - $60,000 a year -Please send your resume to Katie Weldy via email at Kweldy@hwhct.org.