Housing Stability Case Manager

Under General Supervision, provides comprehensive, strength-based case management services to individuals and families experiencing housing instability and whom may be homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Hours:  M-F, 8a – 5p; additional hours as required 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.  Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide case management to 20-30 individuals and households at any given time to promote housing stability and self-sufficiency with focus on areas of housing, finances, basic needs, health and wellness and connection to other community resources. Specific case management duties include but may not be limited to:
  • Engage clients through outreach and referral, screen for program eligibility, and complete program enrollment.
  • Develop individualized service plans and housing stability plans to establish scope of services and monitor progress toward clients’ goals. Ensure service plans are collaborative, holistic and process oriented.
  • Create working budgets with clients and provide and/or connect clients to financial literacy training.
  • Administer financial assistance as needed to support housing and basic needs expenses.
  • Identify, refer to and collaborate with formal and informal networks to support clients’ service plans.
  • Assist clients in applying for and enrolling in public benefit programs.
  • Conduct home visits and meet clients in the field at common meeting spaces for those lacking transportation access or to assess client needs in the home.
  • Advocate for clients as needed when connecting with other mainstream and local service and housing providers; act as mediator and seek solutions to housing stability concerns.  
  • Respond to communication with and regarding clients within two (2) business days; maintain ongoing communication with property managers regarding leasing and housing concerns, and program eligibility as applicable.
  • Maintain client records in compliance with HIPPA, PII, and program eligibility requirements, and perform quality assurance activities in preparation for program monitoring by third parties.
  • Complete accurate and timely data entry and submit eligibility documentation in accordance with program requirements.          
• Work closely with financial staff to create/support budgets and recommendations of financial assistance, and to ensure proper processing of payments.
• Perform special projects as assigned (e.g., participating in program or agency workgroups)
• Provide program information to the public and community as needed and attend and participate in meetings, seminars, training workshops and conferences as required.

Education, Experience and Training Guidelines:

Associates Degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field of study consistent with this position; at least two (2) years of case management experience; knowledge of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules and regulations preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.   

Knowledge of:

• Client-centered approach and trauma informed care principles
• Department policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.

Skill in:

• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, including but not limited to comprising and drafting letters, memorandums and other correspondence.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with managers, supervisors, employees, external public agencies, property owners and managers, program applicants and participants and the general public.
• Using initiative, discretion and decision making within established procedures, guidelines and rules.
• Defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions.
• Performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Providing effective customer service.
• Exhibiting strong organizational skills with emphasis on details, follow-up, and coordinating schedules.
• Operating a personal computer and using Microsoft Office Suite programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Texas Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work occurs in the office, in clients’ homes, and other remote locations (e.g. Social Security Administration office, SNAP/Food Stamps office, community centers, other social service offices). May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. Exposure to communicable diseases is possible. Frequent contact with homeless or at-risk homeless population including individuals who have mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders, and trauma survivors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.