Housing and Stability Case Manager

Position Description 
Our Housing & Stability Case Management Team develops focused relationships with our guest families to assist them in obtaining and maintaining stable housing. Additionally, this team works with guest families to increase their economic mobility either through expansion of benefits or employment opportunities. The average caseload is 10-12 families seeking housing, and follow-up referral services for another 10-12 families for up to six months after attaining housing. This on-the-go position is officed out of Project Home at 1010 Bandana Blvd. W. in Saint Paul, but works throughout the community, meeting with Project Home families in shelter, at other community agency offices, potential housing agency/landlord offices, as well as making in-home visits after stable housing is achieved.

The Housing & Stability Case Managers are a vital part of the family shelter staff team. Housing & Stability Case Managers report to the Director of Project Home.

Responsibilities 

Create and Implement Housing Action Plans

• Work with families to develop realistic housing action plans that help families:  1) gain stability as quickly as possible, thus shortening their shelter stays and lessening the trauma of homelessness; and 2) maintain stable housing.
• Build a positive working relationship with all guests utilizing Motivational Interviewing techniques to coach and support each family to determine their unique goals, barriers, and strengths.

• Assist families in obtaining necessary documents and filling out forms necessary for various housing opportunities, including providing transportation when needed.
• Help families resolve barriers to housing, stability, and economic growth, understanding that homelessness is traumatic and resolution requires case managers to provide trauma-informed care.
• Mentor families to develop self-advocacy skills, including how to best present themselves to potential landlords.
• Mediate and advocate with community agencies and landlords on behalf of families.
• Educate families about common lease agreements, tenant rights and responsibilities, appropriate renter/landlord conflict resolution, and area tenant rights agencies, as needed.
• Offer six months of follow-up services to ensure housing stability; refer families to community resources and mediate with landlords when needed.

Create Space for Economic Mobility in Shelter and Beyond

• Work with families to assess their economic potential, and when possible, create a plan to increase their income either through expanded benefits or improved employment opportunities.
• Assist families in obtaining necessary documents and filling out forms necessary for various benefit options.
• Help families obtain and understand their credit report; assist in correcting errors and coach families to increase their score.
• Pair families with physical, mental health, and/or legal needs to community and inter-agency resources.

Develop a Community Resource Network

• Network with other agencies, Project Home volunteers, and other community members to help families access housing, employment opportunities, and other needed resources.
• Cultivate positive relationships with area landlords and employment training programs.
• Promote our work to constituents, including speaking at area faith communities and community organizations.
• Actively seek culturally specific resources to enrich network for all families served.
• Compile and disseminate community resources to families and colleagues.

Program Administration

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and volunteers.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with program guests, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Maintain program and guest confidentiality, including former guests, staff, and volunteers.
• Exercise patience, understanding, creativity, and fairness with guests; manage personal stress constructively.
• Demonstrate professionalism in behavior, dress, and conduct in all aspects of work with program guests, volunteers, colleagues, and community members.
• Create accurate and thorough files, including case notes, releases of information, and agreed upon housing and economic mobility action plans.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings. Ongoing professional development is encouraged and expected.
• Follow and implement all program policies, procedures, and guidelines, as well as assist in developing and revising policies and procedures, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience 

• Associates or Bachelors degree in the field of social work, human services, or equivalent experience is required.
• Maintain a valid Driver’s License, insurance coverage, and have access to a reliable vehicle.
• Broad knowledge of area resources for low-income families.
• Ability to work independently with personal initiative, and as a part of a team.
• Possess an acceptance and respect for cultural and faith community diversity.
• Ability to work with and relate to people of various income levels in a multi-cultural, multi-generational environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as experience in initiating and navigating challenging conversations.
• Computer proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. and climb stairs regularly.
• Personal commitment to the mission of Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul.

Salary : $27 - $29