Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Case Manager

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Case Manager

The work involves helping families enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, including participants in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs and Public Housing, achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life.

Incumbents are responsible for a wide range of duties to ensure the successful implementation of the FSS program and the well-being of program participants. This role requires a compassionate and dedicated professional with a deep understanding of housing programs and social services. Supervision may be exercised over subordinate staff. Does related work as required.

Full Salary - $53,272 - $67,939

Hiring Range - $53,272 - $61,631

This position is an Open-Competitive Onondaga County Civil Service position and if hired, continued employment will be contingent on qualifying for, successfully passing, and reachability off the applicable Onondaga County Civil Service Exam.

After a conditional offer of employment, a favorable background check, verification of education and work history, and illegal drug screening must be completed prior to starting employment. Proof of identity and legal work authorization will also be required.

Typical Work Activities

• Implement and oversee the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program, including providing information to prospective participants and the public.
• Develop program materials, brochures, and forms to facilitate program enrollment and participant engagement.
• Identify, recruit, and recommend Public Housing/Section 8 participants for FSS program enrollment. Prepare Contracts of Participation (COP) and Individual Training and Service Plans (ITSP) for FSS participants.
• Provide comprehensive case management services, including orientation, action plan development, regular progress reviews, and preparation for graduation.
• Identify individual needs and barriers in areas such as education, job training, childcare, transportation, financial literacy, credit repair, and home ownership.
• Facilitate FSS meetings, workshops, and training sessions, using audio-visual equipment when necessary. Compile, maintain, and update resources and lists of service providers.
• Develop a network of community organizations and service providers to support FSS clients.
• Document and maintain complete participant files and records. Track participant escrow payments for accuracy and accountability.
• Compile statistics, develop reports, and provide data to the Executive Director, HCV and Resident Support Services Supervisors, and Management.
• Attend meetings and collaborate with Human Service agencies, non-profits, public agencies, and internal resident support services, including occasional evening or weekend community events related to FSS activities.
• May develop needs assessment instruments to determine interests, goals, services needs and barriers to success with the clients.
• May counsel participants regarding establishing and attaining personal goals which will achieve success within the program, assists in identifying barriers to success within the program, offering strategies to overcome these barriers, assists in goals revision if needed.
• May document all contacts with participants including counseling sessions, interviews, and referrals.
• May monitor client progress in skill training programs, job seeking, and goal attainment.
• May calculate escrow account amounts based on increased income due to program participation.
• May assist in the development of software to maintain and calculate escrow accounts.
• May develop and execute a system for feedback from participants.
• Attend and participate in required training as determined by supervisor which may include local, in-state, and or out of state travel, which may include evenings and or weekends.

Full Performance, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain all required files, records, and documentation.
• Ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with difficult people, issues, and situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work. Previous experience in case management, housing assistance, or social services.
• Familiarity with the Family Self-Sufficiency program and Section 8 and Public Housing regulations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and networking abilities.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changes in the schedule.

Minimum Qualifications

Open Competitive

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Baccalaureate Degree in social work, human services or resources, psychology, or counseling and three (3) years of professional level work experience, or its part-time equivalent in providing services to low-income persons; or,

B. Seven (7) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in social work, casework, community services, or a human service field involving direct client contact, three (3) years of which must have been professional level work experience in providing services to low-income persons; or,

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

*Paraprofessional level work experience involves the performance of non-interpretive, routine, and non-technical duties in a supportive role to a professional.

*Professional-level work experience requires specialized and theoretical knowledge usually acquired through college education or through experience and other training. The experience involves independence of action and personal responsibility for actions.

Special Necessary Requirement

Must have access to a reliable vehicle to travel between apartment complexes and attend meetings or events as needed.