Outreach Housing Case Manager

Be the Bridge to Change!

Job Title: Outreach Housing Case Manager

Department: Diversion

Reports to: Outreach Program Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Scheduled Work Times

Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm Schedule is subject to change to accommodate client/program needs

Why CHA?

Community Housing Advocates (CHA) a parent company of Mercy Housing & Shelter and My Sister’s Place, two agencies who in 2018 united forces based on a common mission- combating homelessness and providing support to individuals and families in need. We provide safe housing, life-changing services that include medical care, management of financial affairs, short- and long-term housing and all the necessary tools to reclaim their independence. At CHA, you will be part of a team that truly makes a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Location: Hartford, CT

Job Summary:

The Outreach Housing Case Manager (OHCM) is primarily responsible for the service coordination with homeless “unsheltered” individuals who have a history of mental illness and/or substance abuse in the Greater Hartford region. As a part of this outreach team, the OHCM will utilize various methods to locate and engage people who are experiencing homelessness including but not limited to canvassing daily for people living in woods/encampment areas, abandoned buildings, parking lots, emergency departments, soup kitchens, and any other areas not meant for human habitation.

The OHCM will assess client needs related to housing and basic needs, help them find appropriate/safe shelter and identify affordable housing opportunities, reduce harm/risk, provide advocacy, and ensure individuals are linked to resources quickly. The OHCM will work closely with the Street Outreach Case Manager to minimize service gaps and to support the unsheltered individual through the entire process of securing permanent housing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Collaborate with Greater Hartford’s Coordinated Access Network (CAN), City of Hartford, and Hartford Police Department to identify clients in need of engagement.

· Conduct face-to-face interaction with unsheltered individuals residing in places not meant for human habitation. Canvassing locations include but are not limited to woods/encampment areas, abandoned buildings, parking lots, emergency departments, soup kitchens, day centers, warming centers, motels, shelters, libraries, public facilities.

· Establish a strong, trusting relationship to alleviate systems’ mistrust and lack of engagement amongst unsheltered individuals served.

· Distribute essential supplies (e.g., hygiene kits, blankets, food, water).

· Complete intake assessments to evaluate client primary needs (vital documentation, housing, mental health, substance use, income, etc.).

· Assist clients with obtaining any missing vital documentation (e.g., license, birth certificate, social security card, etc.)

· Develop and implement individualized service and housing plans using person-centered and strengths-based approaches.

· Facilitate referrals and warm hand-offs to shelters, housing staff, treatment centers, and healthcare providers.

· Maintain an active caseload and provide consistent follow-up to alleviate barriers.

· Provide targeted services to individuals experiencing homelessness, resulting in individuals being diverted to immediate housing options, being added to the CAN By Name List, shelter waitlist, and/or connected with longer term housing.

· Develop and maintain working relationships with a variety of providers to provide linkages to employment and job training supports, transportation, medical and behavioral care, benefits and entitlements as well as crisis prevention/management to individuals in need.

· Assist clients with housing search, application, inspection, leasing, and transition into housing.

· Attends Hartford CAN meetings to provide client updates, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate housing resources.

· Ensure all documentation is completed using CT’s Homeless Management Information System (CT HMIS) and Smartsheet’s properly and within required timelines.

· Maintain appropriate and professional relationships with partner agencies.

· Perform any other task that will assist the agency in carrying out its mission.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Self-starter, able to work and make decisions independently.

· Excellent interpersonal skills: strong ability to set boundaries with clients.

· Lived experience in homelessness and/or behavioral health is a plus.

· Ability to collaborate with community organizations and Supervisor.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills including virtual settings.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Excellent time management skills: ability to prioritize tasks.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a can-do attitude.

· Ability to lift boxes and other materials up to 20 pounds.

· Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and program requirements.

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree (B.A) from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a similar Human Service field is preferred.

· Have a familiarity with homeless outreach and the housing first model.

· Experience with conflict resolution and mediation.

· Two (2) years relevant work experience and demonstrated ability to provide effective services to clients required.

· Culturally competent across all populations.

· Bilingual a plus.

Licenses and Certifications

Must have valid Connecticut driver’s license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance.

Compensation & Benefits

· $23-$25 per hour, based on experience plus generous incentive compensation plan.

· Community Housing Advocates provides a generous employee benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, short- and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement. Full-time employees receive 10 days of PTO (paid time off) per year, plus 12 paid holidays.

Physical Demands

· The physical demands associated with the essential functions of this job are intermittent physical activity, such as walking, sitting and occasional lifting, stooping, bending, and reaching.

· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.