Housing Case Manager I at Dexter

Description

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Housing Case Manager provides trauma-informed services to individual program participants, many of whom have multiple barriers (i.e., mental health, substance use disorder, 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, and coordination of services. The Case Manager assists and empowers participants to make necessary connections with the community and providers to stabilize and improve the quality of their lives. This is a unionized position, represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Our home in South Lake Union provides 72 units of housing for individuals and families who have formerly experienced homelessness and housing insecurity. On-site amenities include a children’s center, outdoor play area, shared community room and case management. This building offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services and affordable housing for individuals and families experiencing housing instability in the greater Puget Sound region. We envision a world in which every person lives in a safe and caring community. Compass offers an open, supportive, and challenging work environment committed to promoting the dignity and well-being of each person that we serve. We consider the diversity of the staff, guests, residents, and community partners to be an important asset. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization. Compass is proud to be an affiliate agency of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW). LCSNW partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope by providing support services in key areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, refugees, and support to aging adults and people with disabilities to live independent lives To learn more about the agency visit www.compasshousingalliance.org.

LOCATION: South Lake Union Neighborhood (Seattle, Wa)

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

SCHEDULE: 10:30am-7Pm Monday-Friday; weekly staff meeting Tuesdays at 1pm

MEAL SCHEDULE: unpaid (30 minutes)

SALARY RANGE: $29.87 per hour (level I)

Starting full-time benefits package includes medical/vision/dental insurance (at low or no monthly cost), Orca transportation card, $500 towards a health Flexible Spending Account, retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (free mental health counseling), up to 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO), up to 12 days of floating holiday leave, and up to 9 days of holiday work pay.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role may be required to perform any duties as determined by program management to meet program specific needs. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with notice.

Engagement & Assessment

• •Provide trauma-informed case management utilizing motivational interviewing and strength-based techniques to assigned participants.
• •Engage professionally and compassionately with participants in all settings and environments.
• •Write clear, objective, and accurate case notes of significant interactions in participant 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.
• •Hoarding and housekeeping support and interventions
• •Assess participant histories and resource/support needs (e.g., food, health, transportation, CPS APS engagement etc.) and opportunities (e.g., family, friends).
• •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 flexible program-based participant 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. (landlords, rental assistance, Veteran programs, supportive guidance on housing selection)
• •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, Veteran support services, employment and/or educational supports for adults and youth (where applicable).
• •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 participants 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 management, 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 participants, which could include groups, classes, workshops, and special events with the support of the Program Manager.
• •Dependent on your work site, certain responsibilities will be prioritized by the Program Manager to meet the needs and funding requirements.
• •Attend community meetings such as CEA, Veteran meetings, or other community services to represent Compass Housing Alliance in helping people obtain housing.

Leadership

• •Recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization.
• •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 case managers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• •Ability to remain flexible to handle the crisis of the day.
• •Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• •Collaborate with property management and program staff to address