Rapid Rehousing Caseworker

About the role

The RRH Caseworker for the MyHOME, KYF, and Yellow Door RRH projects provides comprehensive, person‑centered supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness who are housed in scattered‑site living arrangements. Using a strengths‑based and individualized approach, the caseworker conducts assessments, collaborates with participants to develop and implement housing stability plans, and provides tailored interventions to support participants in achieving their self‑defined goals. The role promotes long‑term housing stability, increases self‑sufficiency, and connects participants with community resources that support successful housing outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the program admission process and established goals, which includes:
  • Reviewing the Coordinated Entry and Barriers Assessment in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
  • Providing clients with a program orientation at the intake meeting.
  • Acquiring necessary releases of information to gather background information and share information for required collaboration of services and mainstream resources.
  • Obtaining third‑party verification of homelessness that determines eligibility for the program and may include documentation of a disability from a qualified licensed professional.
  • Understanding and assisting with the management of program and system performance measures.
  • Collaborating with emergency shelters, homeless outreach workers, and other service providers working with homeless individuals and families.
• Provide case management services to program participants on a regular and consistent basis as determined by the individual’s case plan, including:
  • Assess, plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate the overall service delivered to the participant.
  • Assist clients in obtaining safe, secure living arrangements by teaching apartment‑searching skills.
  • Assist clients with move‑in and move‑out processes.
  • Help participants learn to live in housing, maintain it safely, and get along with fellow tenants and landlords.
  • Create a comprehensive Housing and Employment Stability Plan with the participant and provide appropriate interventions to assist with goal achievement.
  • Help participants create support systems and participate in the community, as desired.
  • Provide individualized budgeting and money‑management services as needed.
  • Teach basic, intermediate, and advanced social skills based on need.
  • Collaborate with landlords and other community service providers.
  • Coordinate educational advancement opportunities, such as GED preparation, post‑secondary training, and vocational education.
  • Assist with job preparation and attainment, including career counseling, job‑preparation training, dress and grooming, job placement, and job maintenance.
  • Assist participants in accessing mainstream benefits, including food stamps, childcare assistance, and health insurance.
  • Facilitate access to mental health, AODA, and medical services as needed.
  • Provide assistance ensuring participants have access to food and clothing.
  • Provide transportation assistance and help develop transportation skills.
  • Work with the client to establish a discharge plan six months prior to program exit and intensively support the client to ensure exit to self‑sufficiency and housing stability.
• Maintain accurate documentation:
  • Use the Client Tracking System to document client contacts and progress.
  • Complete data entry into HMIS as required.
  • Complete monthly check requests and submit them on time.
  • Maintain client files and ensure information matches data entered in HMIS.
  • File discharge plans appropriately.
• Meet with supervisors to review program, paperwork, and case‑management issues.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse values and cultures.
• Promote a harassment‑free environment.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Relationship Development

• Create a positive, relaxed, and supportive environment.
• Actively engage clients in amicable conversation, share activities, and respond to needs/requests promptly.
• Accept and respect the client’s circumstances, inquire about feelings and interests, validate emotions with empathy, offer encouragement, and celebrate accomplishments.

Effective Teaching

• Promote a strength‑based approach to teaching functional skills.
• Use positive, supportive interaction components (voice tone, enthusiasm, appropriate physical proximity, eye contact).
• Preventively teach skills, routines, and program expectations; provide specific praise to reinforce positive behavior.
• Offer constructive feedback that teaches replacement skills and employ safe, planned de‑escalation techniques for aggressive or challenging behavior.
• Respond directly to teaching and problem‑solving opportunities with praise, empathy, specific skill descriptions, and goal‑centered rationales.

Treatment Planning

• Identify the treatment needs of the client and collaborate on an agreed‑upon plan to achieve goals.
• Assess the client’s strengths and challenges, developing a realistic plan together.
• Provide services and collaborate with community resources.
• Identify and teach treatment‑specific skills that support the client’s success.

Professionalism

• Conduct oneself in a professional manner.
• Maintain confidentiality and other rights of participants, families, and staff; follow HIPAA guidelines for all verbal and written communication.
• Problem‑solve difficult situations in a timely manner.
• Manage difficult or emotional consumer situations by responding promptly to needs, requests for assistance, and services.
• Give, receive, and act upon feedback from supervisors and co‑workers appropriately.
• Maintain professional boundaries with consumers and co‑workers at all times.
• Attend training as requested by supervisors.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human‑service‑related field and/or experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness or other issues that put individuals at risk of housing instability.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, in English.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Own auto insurance with at least $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 coverage.
• Ability to maintain records and document case notes daily.
• Ability to give and accept feedback as part of a team.
• Willingness to traverse within the workspace and community frequently.
• Willingness to learn and work with the treatment philosophies.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.