What are the responsibilities and job description for the Case Manager Homeless Prevention position at Lutheran Community Services Northwest?
Lutheran Community Services NW is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with a wide range of services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.
WHAT WE WILL DO FOR YOU:
As an employer of choice, we’re deeply committed to supporting our employees—because when you’re empowered, our mission thrives. We provide resources, tools, and care that allow you to focus on what matters most: delivering Health, Justice, and Hope to the communities we serve. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind
The Case Manager provides progressive housing stability case management and advocacy for participants in the Homelessness Prevention Program. The Case Manager is responsible for accepting referrals of individuals and families who are at imminent risk of homelessness in Pierce County.
The Case Manager will implement a rapid intake process and work with the family to develop a housing stability and rental assistance plan, conduct housing search and landlord engagement, make referrals to needed services, work with the family to modify the plan as service needs are addressed, and ultimately achieve permanent unsubsidized housing.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WHAT WE WILL DO FOR YOU:
As an employer of choice, we’re deeply committed to supporting our employees—because when you’re empowered, our mission thrives. We provide resources, tools, and care that allow you to focus on what matters most: delivering Health, Justice, and Hope to the communities we serve. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind
- A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy
- Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance coverage at no cost to you
- Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked)
- Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked)
- 12 paid agency recognized holidays
- 2 floating holidays to use your way
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies)
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
- Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
The Case Manager provides progressive housing stability case management and advocacy for participants in the Homelessness Prevention Program. The Case Manager is responsible for accepting referrals of individuals and families who are at imminent risk of homelessness in Pierce County.
The Case Manager will implement a rapid intake process and work with the family to develop a housing stability and rental assistance plan, conduct housing search and landlord engagement, make referrals to needed services, work with the family to modify the plan as service needs are addressed, and ultimately achieve permanent unsubsidized housing.
- Assist referred participants to verify and document HP program eligibility and complete program application materials.
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served.
- Conduct comprehensive in-depth assessments utilizing the intake, assessment and housing barriers tools.
- Utilize motivational interviewing to help the participants develop a strengths-based plan of action to achieve optimal self-sufficiency.
- Provide coaching and conflict resolution services to assist clients in resolving conflicts that may be endangering current or future housing including but not limited to scenarios between clients and landlords, property managers and/or friends, family and neighbors.
- Assist the participants with referrals to a customized array of services that will help them achieve plan goals, including employment, pre-employment, and life skills programs.
- Help participants find and obtain safe and stable housing.
- Assist clients with completing rental applications, if needed.
- Submit financial assistance requests for client rent subsidies and other approved expenses as needed.
- Reassess participant eligibility at 90-day (or shorter) intervals to determine ongoing need for rental subsidy.
- Maintain up-to-date and accurate client files. The Case Manager is expected to develop proficiency in maintaining accurate client records in Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS), the client tracking software application used by programs throughout the agency.
- Cooperate on the collection and analysis of data related to participants.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of participant information in conformance with related policies and procedures. Requires strict adherence of HIPAA standards in the office workspace to ensure confidentiality.
- Participate in ongoing training and program development, and other relevant community activities as requested.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Associate's degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
- At least 2 years’ experience in related field.
- Must have well-developed communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Must have strong organizational skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and willingness to learn new databases.
- Previous experience working with participants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Previous experience in community and human services including prior experience serving homeless and low-income communities.
- Previous experience providing community presentations.
- Must demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of populations served by the program.
- Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
- Must be able to enter and retrieve data using computer systems, systems applications, and other office equipment.
- Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people.
- A Washington State Driver’s License and proof of current auto insurance is required.