Housing Case Manager

Housing Case Manager

The Rapid Re-Housing Program (RRH) and the Casa Sandra Transitional Housing Program support survivors and their families by connecting them with tailored housing services to secure safe, private, permanent housing after fleeing domestic violence. RRH seeks to avoid or shorten shelter stays by creating sustainable housing plans; providing move-in costs, broker fees, and temporary rental assistance (payments made directly to management); and providing supportive services to identify available housing options, including preparing and organizing rental applications and documents. Casa Sandra seeks to provide temporary shelter through rent-free, time-limited occupancy of an apartment. While creating housing plans and applying to various apartment opportunities through private applications, Housing Connect, NYCHA, Supportive Housing, and other rental subsidy opportunities. Both programs aim to help clients set and achieve goals to sustain their own homes.

With the goal of supporting clients in obtaining permanent housing, the Housing Case Manager (HCM) is responsible for assessing clients' service needs and providing case management and advocacy related to public benefits, access to education, and employment opportunities. In addition to individual services, the HCM will provide informational workshops on benefits and employment and coordinate services with other providers to bridge service gaps for clients. The HCM is responsible for having a sound knowledge of the system and database navigation and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that clients and the program are kept informed on all updated protocols and policies related to public benefits and housing. The HCM will be responsible for establishing and maintaining positive relationships with other service providers, community-based organizations, and government entities to ensure supportive and collaborative efforts on behalf of clients. The HCM will work closely with the Senior Housing Case Manager and the Housing Justice Advocate to ensure the client's journey to secure permanent housing is tailored to the household's needs.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can work effectively in both autonomous and team settings, and is creative, organized, communicative, and passionate about the intersection of housing rights and gender justice.

Essential Functions:

• Knowledge of trauma-informed domestic violence services to provide counseling as needed.
• Experience working with shelters, Department of Homeless Services (DHS), Human Resource Administration (HRA), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.
• Conduct screenings and intakes to assess eligibility for the program;
• Conduct needs assessments to help identify client service needs/goals, providing regular updates on an ongoing basis;
• Collaborate with clients to develop a case management plan for economic sustainability, and implement that plan through support services, advocacy (verbal and written), and accompaniment to appointments, etc.;
• Review eligibility and assist with applications for benefits/entitlements;
• Provide post-placement follow-up services to support stability; this includes continual needs assessment, reducing isolation, problem-solving, and identification of resources to assist with community integration;
• Support building and maintaining strong relationships with relevant government agencies for referrals to VIP's RRH and TH programs;
• Remain abreast of all changes to government protocols impacting housing and entitlements options for survivors of domestic violence;
• Maintain proper and timely documentation of client activities in VIP's client management system, Salesforce, including complete and accurate information about service outcomes;
• Participate in preparing reports and statistical information in collaboration with VIP's Data Team, and as required by supervisor and senior management;
• Conduct research and maintain a current resource directory regarding referral sources and the various options available;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, and other service providers to ensure high-quality services;
• Participate in program meetings such as case conferences, all-staff, and team meetings;
• Conduct community outreach and/or educational workshops, as needed by the program;
• Promote and amplify the values, and comply with all policies and protocols of the Violence Intervention Program;
• Perform other tasks as required by the direct supervisor and senior management, as requested.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's in relevant field, or equivalent experience;
• Fluent in both English and Spanish (verbal and written);
• A minimum of three (3) years crisis intervention, case management, advocacy and/or counseling experience, preferably in the areas of housing and/or domestic violence, sexual assault, or related field;
• Strong verbal, written, communication and documenting skills;
• Must be well organized and be able to work both independently and as a team member;
• Must be knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low-income populations, and must deliver services with cultural humility;
• Must have the ability to operate office equipment such as computers, copy machine, fax machine, phone systems, etc., with strong internet and software skills; incl. Microsoft Office and client database;
• Must be able to work effectively in a remote service model ("work from home");
• Must have the ability to lift at least 30 lbs. and travel via public transportation (bus, train, etc.);
• Must be able to exercise good judgment and sensitivity at all times;
• Must maintain agency, program, and client confidentiality at all times;
• Must work well with a team and bring self-awareness and accountability to the workplace
• Great sense of humor a huge plus.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Full-time, non-exempt position, working 35 hours per week with a pay rate of $57,500/year.
• VIP covers 90% of medical insurance premium costs for employees and their families.
• Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Accounts available.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off program, 12 paid holidays, a mid-year and end-of-year office closure.
• Summer Friday schedule (optional)
• Commuter benefits (Mass Transit & Parking)
• 403b retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Disability & Life Insurance