Homeless Services Case Manager

Job Description

Job Description

JOB POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:           Homeless Services Case Manager 

REPORTS TO:       Program Manager - Homeless Services

FLSA STATUS:       Exempt

This document is intended to describe the general duties required for this position.  It is not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of duties, skills and responsibilities.

About the AHA

Founded in 1991 to address the overwhelming need for affordable housing in Monmouth County, the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) has grown from a small $25,000 grant into a multi million dollar annual operation and powerhouse non-profit. In our decades of service, we've developed over 600 affordable housing units with a strong pipeline fueling future growth. Our passionate team of difference-makers guides residents through every step of the housing journey - from homelessness prevention and rental assistance, to homebuyer education and foreclosure counseling.

At the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA), we believe that safe, decent and affordable housing is a fundamental human right. Everyone deserves to feel secure, comfortable and supported in the place they call home. As a catalyst for change in our community, the AHA strives to uphold this right by providing comprehensive housing services and solutions for all who need it most.

Our Core Values

• Integrity - We demonstrate honesty and unwavering ethical conduct in all of our actions. At the AHA, we build trust through transparency and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards.

• Hope - We meet each person where they are in their unique journey with genuine understanding. By offering tangible assistance, we nurture hope and empower individuals to build their path forward.

• Adaptability - We embrace change as an opportunity to innovate and grow stronger. At the AHA, we respond dynamically to evolving community needs, turning challenges into possibilities for those we serve.

• Community Service - We dedicate ourselves to uplifting others and improving lives through meaningful action. At the AHA, we create positive change by empowering individuals, fostering independence, and building a more vibrant community for all.

Job Summary:

The Homeless Services Case Manager serves as a frontline point of contact for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, guiding each household from initial engagement through housing placement. Working across AHA's Coordinated Entry and Rapid Rehousing (RRH) functions, this position assesses needs and connects households to appropriate housing resources, and administers rental and move-in financial assistance in accordance with each program's funding requirements.

This role is funded in part through a Medicaid-funded initiative that supports pre-tenancy and tenancy-sustaining services for eligible members. As a provider, staff frequently manage sensitive, HIPAA-protected participant records and are required to exercise absolute discretion and strict compliance within AHA's Electronic Health Record (EHR) and case management systems.

The position works closely with community and housing providers, managed healthcare organizations to support movement toward permanent housing. Services are delivered using Housing First, trauma-informed, person-centered, culturally responsive, and low-barrier practices, consistent with AHA's core values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Serve as an accessible point of contact for individuals and families experiencing homelessness; complete intake, screening, and standardized assessments in accordance with local Coordinated Entry procedures; identify immediate safety, shelter, or crisis needs and determine appropriate next steps.

• Determine and document program and income eligibility, including HUD homeless status categories.

• Recruit and negotiate with landlords and property managers to identify and secure housing options and maintain relationships that support current and future placements.

• Support households with housing search, rental applications, and lease-up, including coordinate Housing Quality Standards inspections and rent reasonableness and applicable program requirements.

• Develop an individualized, client-driven Housing Stability Plan with each household and deliver housing-focused case management using a progressive engagement approach, connecting households to mainstream resources (benefits, healthcare, employment, legal, and related services) and monitoring progress toward housing stability and program exit.

• Prepare documentation and process eligible financial assistance including rental assistance, security and utility deposits, moving in supports, and landlord incentives.

• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely recording of client status and progress using internal applications and, AWARDS, uphold HIPAA-compliant confidentiality in all client communications and data handling; 

• Prepare required written notices and documentation when terminating or denying an extension of assistance, and participate in case conferencing with community and CoC-funded partners to identify housing options for households not yet matched to an opening.

Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• At least two years of relevant experience in housing, homelessness, case management, social services, human services, or a related community-based setting.

• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, financial hardship, or other significant barriers.

• Strong interpersonal, interviewing, assessment, advocacy, written, verbal, organizational, and time-management skills.

• Ability to apply program requirements, maintain accurate records, use Microsoft Office and electronic case-management systems, and work independently as part of a team.

• Ability to establish rapport, maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality, and communicate clearly with people experiencing significant housing barriers.

• Working knowledge of Housing First, trauma-informed, person-centered, culturally responsive, and low-barrier service practices.

Preferred

• Experience with AWARDS, HMIS, or a comparable case-management database.

• Experience with housing navigation, Coordinated Entry, housing assessments and referrals, landlord engagement, Rapid Rehousing, or housing-focused case management.

• Experience with NJ FamilyCare, managed care organizations, Medicaid-supporting documentation, or Ocean County housing and community resources.

• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

The successful candidate will:

• Bring a genuine desire to help individuals and families overcome