Case Manager - Permanent Supportive Housing

About the role

Lifeworks of Austin, TX is seeking a Case Manager to join our Permanent Supportive Housing team.

Responsibilities

• Provide client-centered, healing-centered case management services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, systems involvement, mental health challenges, substance use challenges, a history of trauma, early pregnancy/parenthood, etc.
• Identify and leverage clients’ strengths as part of service planning to help clients achieve their self-defined goals.
• Avoidance of crisis situations, with calm, care, and positive regard for client, using de-escalation and safety planning techniques as appropriate.
• Analyze barriers and challenges as they arise and deliver safe, effective, and client-focused solutions.
• Engage in the community alongside clients to support the achievement of client’s self-defined goals, including collaborating with internal and external partners to advocate for client needs, coordinate services, and provide referrals.
• Build a network of support and (re)build relationships with family and friends.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case records and documentation, including (but not limited to) service plans, assessments, progress notes, intake reports, and incident reports.
• Perform heavy data entry into agency/funder databases and ensure timeliness and accuracy of data entry.
• Discern how and when to provide approved financial assistance to support the client in meeting their basic needs and ensure proper utilization of the funds.
• Aid clients in obtaining necessary documents to secure employment or housing (e.g., State ID, birth certificate, Social Security card).
• Aid clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities, referring clients to benefits counseling, as needed.
• Ensure required client consents are collected and documented and that clients have a thorough understanding of the program prior to consenting to participate.
• Prepare for and actively participate in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings.
• For Permanent Supportive Housing Program, perform targeted, community-based outreach when a client is pulled for housing.
• Support and guide clients and their self-defined household members from homelessness to housing by navigating potential housing options, addressing barriers to housing, and ensuring clients understand their rights as tenants.
• Set up utility accounts in client’s name, review previous rental and utility arrears, and negotiate late fees on behalf of clients.
• Support the move-in process by attending lease signings, arranging furniture deliveries, and transporting client’s personal effects.
• Collaborate closely with clients on lease re-signings, lease ends and move-outs.
• Help clients apply for Social Security Income/Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI), complete SOAR applications, and assist with appeals when applicable.
• Research, prepare reports, and negotiate with the office of Social Security and/or judicial staff to resolve cases as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in social or behavior sciences or administrative field; Requires a minimum 2 years related experience; or Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Lived experience of homelessness is a plus and may count towards related qualifications.
• Proficient in HMIS, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and agency database.

Benefits

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $24.86/hr.-$27.17/hr. depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!