Housing Case Manager

Brief Description

The Case Manager provides case management services to participants in short-term subsidy programs. The goal of the program is for participants to be able to pay full rent in a market rate unit or connect with a permanent housing option after being in the program. The Housing Case Manager will provide case management, education and employment assistance, health and wellness support, and a focus on increasing income.

Specific Duties

• Conduct interviews and assessments leading to program qualification
• Work with the Connections Housing Resource Specialists and local landlords to monitor housing and advocate for participants and to assist participants in maintaining housing
• Provide ongoing case management to individuals and families who have experienced homelessness with support and comprehensive goal planning around educational, employment, budgeting, housing, health and wellness, and children’s educational goals
• Aid participants in identifying and locating services that will help them implement their goals
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of community resources related to case management
• Complete inspection on potential units before lease signing. Complete consistent home visits throughout the program to ensure safe living conditions
• Maintain contact with other service providers and participate in planning and service coordination meetings as needed
• Advocate to ensure participants receive fair and consistent services and public benefits to which they are entitled
• Assist and advocate for participants when working with housing authorities or other housing entities
• Support participants in organizing and maintaining household basic safety skills, routine home maintenance
• Aid participants in financial skills, including developing a household budget, paying bills in a timely manner, and opening and maintaining a bank account
• Assist with participant move-ins and apartment set-ups
• Transport participants to appointments as needed
• Keep accurate, complete, and up-to-date client files and HMIS data. Prepare reports and other paperwork per established program standards
• Participate in regular staff, case staffing, in-service and other meetings
• Plan and implement family programming along with Case Managers in other Connections’ programs
• Implement trauma informed care and harm reduction best practices
• Adhere to the Core Values and Code of Conduct for Connections for the Homeless
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• At least one year of case management experience, preferably with individuals or families impacted by homelessness, those experiencing domestic violence, or participants impacted by trauma
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel and in client database usage
• The following qualifications are highly desirable: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, Basic knowledge of HUD and state funding requirements, English/Spanish bilingual

Other Requirements

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and must be insurable under agency policy
• Flexible schedule – may be required to attend after-hours meetings or respond to emergencies
• Able to work independently and with diverse populations and able to meet clients in their homes
• Excellent speaking, writing and interpersonal skills
• Must submit to a criminal background check and submit to or provide evidence of a recent test for tuberculosis