Case Manager

Case Manager

In keeping with the Mission Statement and Principles of Covenant House, part of the Covenant House international network, is committed to giving homeless youth a safe haven, absolute respect, unconditional love, and a path to lasting independence through housing programs and providing a continuum of care through supportive services. The Case Manager is responsible for providing comprehensive, trauma-informed case management services to youth experiencing homelessness. This role is designed to support youth in achieving stability, safety, and long-term independence through individualized case planning, resource connection, and advocacy. The Case Manager will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the needs of youth are met, while prioritizing their emotional, mental, and physical well-being in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized case management services to youth (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness, developing tailored case plans that address housing, health, education, employment, and personal growth goals.
• Conduct thorough assessments to understand each youth's unique needs, experiences, and challenges, including trauma history, mental health, substance use, and family dynamics.
• Support youth in setting realistic goals and identifying steps to achieve long-term housing stability, education, and employment success.
• Offer ongoing emotional support and guidance to youth, empowering them to take ownership of their recovery and future.

• Connect youth with necessary community resources, including medical care, mental health services, substance use treatment, education programs, employment opportunities, and legal assistance.
• Facilitate referrals to external service providers, ensuring timely access to critical services such as housing, healthcare, and educational support.
• Assist youth in obtaining essential documentation (e.g., identification, social security card) and applying for public benefits, such as food stamps, Medicaid, or housing subsidies.

• Provide immediate support and crisis intervention to youth in distress, helping to stabilize situations and address urgent needs.
• Develop and implement personalized safety plans for youth, ensuring their protection from harm while in the shelter after transitioning to independent housing.
• Address any safety concerns, including physical or emotional abuse, and work with law enforcement or child protective services as needed to ensure youth are safe and supported.

• Apply trauma-informed care principles in all interactions with youth, providing a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment that supports healing and growth.
• Recognize and respond to the effects of trauma on behavior, emotions, and decision-making, offering appropriate interventions and support to help youth overcome challenges and heal.
• Integrate strengths-based, youth-centered approaches into case management, focusing on building resilience, self-esteem, and empowerment.

• Collaborate with internal staff, including housing specialists, mental health professionals, and employment counselors, to provide holistic care to youth.
• Participate in regular team meetings and case reviews, sharing updates on youth progress and identifying strategies to address any barriers to success.
• Work closely with community partners, such as social service agencies, healthcare providers, and legal advocates, to ensure comprehensive support for each youth.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files, documenting all case management activities, assessments, progress notes, and service referrals.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality standards, protecting the privacy of youth and maintaining secure records in accordance with agency policies and legal requirements.
• Track and report on client outcomes, goals, and service delivery, ensuring data is entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) and other relevant systems.

• Advocate on behalf of youth to ensure they receive the services and resources necessary for their well-being and success.
• Empower youth to be active participants in their own case plans and decision-making processes, fostering their independence and self-sufficiency.
• Support youth in understanding their rights and accessing the resources they need to move forward in their lives.

• Build strong, trusting relationships with youth, creating a supportive and respectful environment where they feel safe and heard.
• Promote positive behaviors and coping skills through one-on-one interactions and group activities, encouraging personal development and resilience.
• Engage youth in the development of their case plans, setting achievable goals and identifying resources to help them succeed.

• Advocate for the needs and rights of youth in the workplace, ensuring that employers are supportive of youth's unique challenges and provide a fair working environment.
• Attend local career fairs, networking events, and meetings with community organizations to promote the shelter's services and build relationships with potential employers.
• Engage with local businesses and partners to create job opportunities tailored to youth in the shelter, including entry-level, part-time, and seasonal positions.

• Maintain positive, professional relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and service providers to expand the network of resources available to youth.
• Represent the agency at community meetings, trainings, and events, advocating for youth homelessness issues and resources.

• Engage in regular self-care practices to manage the emotional demands of the role.
• Participate in ongoing training, workshops, and professional development opportunities to stay informed about best practices in trauma-informed care and human trafficking prevention.

Qualifications: Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management or social services, with a focus on youth homelessness, at-risk youth, or trauma-informed care.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and their application in working with youth who have experienced homelessness or adverse experiences.
• Ability to develop and maintain individualized case plans and track progress toward goals.
• Experience working with youth in crisis and applying crisis intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources for housing, healthcare, education, employment, and social services.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to build rapport with youth and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with proficiency in case management systems (HMIS, ETO, etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, manage a caseload, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent psychology, and best practices in supporting young people in overcoming homelessness.
• Ability to work in a flexible and supportive team environment, maintaining a positive attitude and approach to difficult situations.
• Successful completion of background checks and the ability to work flexible hours as needed.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, management, and clinical supervision skills, with the ability to support and guide a multidisciplinary team.
• Deep understanding of the psychological and emotional challenges faced by homeless youth and the impact of trauma on mental health.
• Ability to assess and respond to crisis situations, including developing risk management plans for youth in acute distress.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with youth, staff, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to ensure integrated care for youth residents.

Working Conditions

• Work will be performed both in office settings and on-site at the shelter.
• Potential exposure to challenging behavioral situations or high-stress environments, requiring the ability to maintain composure and apply trauma-informed practices.

Why Join Us:

Covenant House Texas offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. The Case Manager will play a key role in supporting youth experiencing homelessness by providing individualized care, guidance, and resources in a trauma-informed, youth-centered manner. This position helps youth build the necessary skills and confidence to transition to stable housing and a brighter future while navigating the complexities of homelessness and trauma recovery.