Housing Case Manager

About the role

The Housing Case Manager plays a dynamic role working with clients who require housing-first and trauma-informed care. This position demands motivational interviewing skills and the ability to meet clients where they are to help remove barriers to housing and move clients quickly into permanent housing.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active caseload of 18 clients who need housing-focused individualized case management.
• Assess client’s needs and appropriate services, and assist in implementing service plans.
• Assist clients with moving into permanent housing by providing intensive case management services and utilizing the MCCH structured rapid move-out model, with the goal of assisting clients to move out within 30 days, when possible.
• Follow all MCCH and NSES policies and procedures regarding case management service delivery, including providing a wide variety of client services such as referrals, access, and resources; life skills training (e.g., managing a budget, diet, health maintenance, and legal issues); and referrals to community health services, psychiatric services, vocational, educational, and substance use treatment programs, and various housing options.
• Arrange transportation services for clients to scheduled medical and/or social services appointments.
• Coordinate prescribed medications for clients, including arranging refills with pharmacies and addressing pharmacy coverage issues with insurance.
• Complete and update the Acuity Scale, VI-SPDAT, and FULL-SPDAT for assessments, the Individual Housing Plan (IHP), and maintain all pertinent client paperwork. Complete client data for reporting purposes, including accurate and complete data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Assess clients in crisis, resolve conflicts, and develop interventions to address problematic behaviors.
• Work closely with the entire Case Management Team, including the Manager of Housing and Supportive Services, Lead Housing Case Manager, Housing Support Navigator, Employment Support Navigator, Benefit Support Navigator, and Client Care and Operations Team to ensure effective program and facility operation and integrated delivery of case management services.
• Maintain and review clients’ charts and files regularly to monitor progress and assist with moving clients into permanent housing quickly.
• Meet with clients at least once every week and document these meetings (Case Notes) in HMIS.
• Attend and participate in Montgomery County Coordinated Entry bi-weekly meetings, clinical team meetings, monthly NSES staff meetings, and other meetings and staff trainings as necessary.
• Build and maintain relationships with other service providers, including coordinating client service delivery with on-site providers of primary and behavioral health care, and understanding community housing and supportive services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree preferred in Social Work or Human Services field. Bachelor’s degree accepted with additional experience.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience (or 1 year with a Master’s degree) providing clinical or case management services to people experiencing homelessness, persons earning low income, or populations with mental health needs, substance use, co-occurring disorders, or needing assistance with employment and vocational literacy.
• Knowledge of best practices including Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, Harm-Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care, along with their methods of service delivery.
• Ability to negotiate and maintain positive relationships with co-workers and clients.
• Ability to comprehend and follow guidelines of grants and contract agreements.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record preferred.
• Advocate for the homeless population.

Pay

$55,000 per year