ABOUT THE POSITION: The Housing Case Manager provides trauma-informed case management services to individual program participants, many of whom have multiple barriers (i.e., serious mental illness, substance use disorders, chronic health conditions, frequent contact with law enforcement, etc.), so that secure, stable and permanent housing may be achieved and/or maintained.

This service includes assessment, documentation, information and referral, goal setting, direct advocacy, cooperative case planning, collaboration with Seattle public schools and coordination of services.

An incumbent in this position assists and empowers participants to make necessary connection with the community and providers to stabilize and improve the quality of their lives.

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time. The employee in this position must be able to read, write, and understand English.

Engagement & Assessment

• Provide trauma-informed case management utilizing motivational interviewing and strength-based techniques to assigned participants.
• Write clear, objective, and accurate case notes of significant interactions in client files, including stability plans, measurement scales, leases, and all other required forms and paperwork including logs, records, reports, and statistics, as requested. Perform documentation (following DAP protocol) and input data in the Clarity Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other organizational data and case management systems.
• Identify barriers and steps necessary to overcome obstacles to successful program participation.
• Assess participant histories and resource/support needs (e.g., food, health, transportation, etc.) and opportunities (e.g., family, friends).
• Per program policy, screen individuals for program eligibility (this may include collaboration with referring agencies). Complete a needs assessment, services acknowledgment, and orientation to the program.
• Assess eligibility for permanent housing resources, such as deposit/move-in financial assistance, rapid rehousing, affordable housing, and permanent supportive housing.
• Develop a plan with Program Manager to utilize program-based flexible client relocation and assistance funds in a way that emphasizes equitability not equality.
• Identify need for interim or bridge housing, link as requested and available.
• Establish goals and objectives, monitor achievements through regular meetings and case consultations with referral partners, as needed or required contractually.
• Provide information, referrals, and direct advocacy as needed, utilizing both internal and external resources.
• Link participants with services intended to address significant barriers to housing stability, such as mental health services, chemical dependency services, primary health services, legal services, employment and/or educational supports.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with a network of community providers and services to address and advocate for participant needs.
• In supporting housing stability and retention, work with property management, supervisor and residents in successful tenancy practices and resolutions.
• Work with program management on situation assessment and follow-up.
• Work with supervisor to devise and implement corrective action plans for participants failing to meet goals.
• May be required to assist management in running monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports (e.g., HMIS).
• Daily activities are varied and the day may be interrupted by emergencies or other daily events.
• Mediate conflicts provide de-escalation and crisis intervention. Model appropriate problem solving. Refer to appropriate services as needed.
• Provide milieu management as well as support to the program and operations team in daily operations of the facility.
• In coordination with Program Manager and/or Coordinator, develop and facilitate life skills trainings and other relevant workshops.
• Develop and implement community programs supporting housing stability, wellness, and promote meaningful daily activities for residents, which could include groups, classes, workshops, and special events with the support of the Program Manager.

Housing Search & Placement

• Develop relationships with landlords and property managers, to assist in breaking down barriers to create pathways to housing.
• Utilize available landlord information and referral resources to identify and access private market housing that will accept housing subsidies or that provide below-market rents. Establish and develop additional private market landlord resources to supplement these other sources.
• Help participants to tour neighborhoods and properties. Provide and discuss options as part of selection decision.
• Assist participants with obtaining the resources necessary to apply for and move into housing, such as application fees, security deposit, first month rent, furnishings, etc.
• Help participants to complete and submit required housing applications and other materials. Help participants prepare for housing interviews or other meetings.
• Assist participants with move-in to new housing and with transitioning supports to other provider or other community resources.
• Participate in follow-up support after the participant has been placed in housing to ensure stability and reduce the likelihood of that participant returning to homelessness.

Education Liaison

• Support families and students across a diverse spectrum of backgrounds to increase student academic success and support social -emotional development.
• Communicate with parents, teachers, and administrators on an ongoing basis regarding each student’s progress.
• Coordinate and facilitate after school programming that promotes social, emotional, and academic growth.
• Assist families in understanding and navigating school district enrollment, services, programs, and systems.
• Collaborate with families, school staff, and community partners to support student overall growth.
• Attend school events and participate in meetings and training for the purpose of sharing information, implementing school initiatives, and addressing student needs.
• Identify local educational/vocational/career development programs and services and develop linkages with community programs.

Leadership

• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work. All employees are expected to make efforts in their work and in their conduct to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level.
• Maintain a favorable working relationship with all other agency employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate.
• Project a favorable image of the organization to promote its aims and objectives and foster and enhance public recognition and acceptance of all its areas of endeavor.
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established agency policies to achieve the overall objectives of this position.
• Work as a team in remaining current with available resources and sharing resources with other agency housing case managers.