Case Manager

Overview Housing Resources, Inc. is seeking compassionate, dedicated team members with an outstanding work ethic for case management positions working with people who are experiencing homelessness or in housing crisis. Number of positions available : 2 Work Location : Kalamazoo, MI (Remote work is not available for this position.) Schedule : Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM with evenings, weekends and holidays as assigned Successful candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have reliable personal transportation. BASIC PURPOSE: The Case Manager is responsible for supporting individuals and families who are unhoused, experiencing a housing crisis, or living in permanent housing by providing case management services focused on housing stability and placement, with an emphasis on the arrangement, coordination, monitoring and delivery of services related to housing needs and improving housing stability. The case manager is also responsible for connecting individuals and families to non-housing related resources in the community based on an assessment of their needs and establishing strong partnerships with other community organizations and their team members. The case manager will enroll individuals and families from the Coordinated Entry System (CES) into HRI programs ensuring a coordinated community response that addresses the needs of those who are homeless or at serious risk of homelessness. A primary focus of this position will be developing and maintaining successful partnerships with area landlords and program partners to assist people in achieving their goals. Additional duties include providing information and referral for requested resources, housing solutions, crisis intervention, development of housing plans, landlord mediation and negotiation, coordinating and connecting with housing services. Every effort will be made to divert an individual or family from going into the emergency shelter system. As part of the menu of housing stabilization services, the Case Manager will coordinate temporary and permanent rental subsidy/voucher management along with the execution and coordination of all agency unit inspections. HRI staff will promote homeless prevention and rapid re-housing strategies, and action plans consistent with strength-based and trauma informed case management practices. These functions are to be accomplished within the framework of established policies and procedures, under the overall direction of the Program Manager. Principal Accountabilities Meet with clients at least once monthly or more frequently as required. Meetings must occur in the client’s home unless otherwise approved and documented. Conduct assessments of clients’ housing environment for safety, lease compliance, and other needs. Work outside of the office, in the community, for most scheduled work hours. Develop housing and success plans, review housing needs, progress, and determine actions needed to resolve barriers faced for housing stability. Participate in case conferences, team, staff, and community meetings and committees as scheduled and assigned. Develop and foster landlord relationships including marketing the HRI programs and services, facilitating smooth working relations between landlords and tenants, providing conflict resolution services for complaints and lease violations from participating landlords, agencies, and/or program participants to prevent evictions. Provide direct service assistance for all case management activities ensuring shelter diversion or smooth transition from emergency shelter to affordable housing. Complete all applicable calculations, forms, and documentation related to eligibility and enrollment such as rent calculations, rent reasonableness, fair market rent, area median income, collection of required documents, review and signature of acknowledgements, releases of information, and other items assigned. Assist rent burdened families and individuals by negotiating lease addendums to adjust rental costs based on household affordability through all program areas. Conduct required housing unit inspections following all regulations, laws, and program requirements. Function as a highly responsive team member with prompt, efficient and detailed responses to phone calls, emails and in person visits within 2 business days. Immediately respond to emergent issues. Maintain an active knowledge of all HRI programs, including eligibility requirements and services available. Partner with organizations including human service providers and rental property owners to provide a collaborative effort for referral and supportive services. Function as the Agency’s Fair Housing representative when assigned. Document all client and agency related business and activities accurately and formally in all applicable electronic and paper records and systems within 2 business days. Formally communicate all information, decisions, changes, and other essential information to clients using formal and professional writing and business methods. Assist with data collection as necessary for reporting and program development. Review and comply with all applicable policies and procedures, regulations and laws related to providing services to clients and agency strategic objectives. Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, local, state, and federal laws, and regulations. Act with compassion, empathy, and care for people experiencing homelessness and housing crisis. Maintain the confidentiality and privacy of client and agency business at all times. Position Specifications/Scope Minimum Education/Experience Required: High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred. Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management required. Lived experience with homelessness or housing crisis preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Excellent communication including formal writing techniques. Excellent people skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong organizational and time management skills Knowledge of community resources and services Proficient in Microsoft office, data entry, and use of databases Demonstrated positive customer service. Must communicate with formal writing techniques. Demonstrated experience working with a diverse group of individuals. Professional work and punctuality habits. Maintain a valid driver license with own personal and reliable transportation – this position requires the case manager to meet with clients in the community most of their scheduled work hours by driving their own vehicle. The county’s public transit system schedule does not support the timeliness of the work to be completed in the community. Therefore, personal reliable transportation is a requirement of this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr