Housing Focused Case Manager

Housing-Focused Case Manager

The mission of Hope the Mission is to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger, and homelessness by offering immediate assistance and long-term solutions.

Permanent housing is not simply a destination — it is the foundation from which recovery, stability, and forward momentum become possible. For participants living in interim housing, the path to that foundation requires skilled guidance, consistent support, and someone committed to making it happen. The Housing-Focused Case Manager is that person.

Working under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Housing-Focused Case Manager provides individualized, housing-first case management to participants in Hope the Mission's interim housing programs. This role prioritizes rapid placement into permanent housing using low-barrier, harm-reduction, and trauma-informed approaches — and is directly accountable for the documentation, engagement, and cross-team collaboration that makes those placements possible. The goal is not just to find someone a home. It is to shorten their time in shelter, strengthen their readiness, and build the stability that allows them to stay housed once they get there.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individualized, housing-focused case management using Housing First, low-barrier, and trauma-informed approaches with a primary emphasis on rapid permanent housing placement.
• Conduct participant assessments to identify housing barriers, preferences, and eligibility for housing resources and subsidies
• Develop, implement, and regularly update Housing Action Plans with clear, measurable goals oriented toward permanent housing placement
• Maintain active, regular contact with participants focused on housing progress, problem-solving, and motivation
• Support participants in understanding tenant rights, lease obligations, and expectations for successful tenancy
• Assist participants with all housing navigation activities including applications, referrals, document collection and verification, housing interviews, unit viewings, lease signings, and move-in logistics
• Communicate consistently with partnering housing navigation agencies to ensure participants are actively accessing housing services
• Coordinate move-in assistance resources including deposits and other housing supports as available
• Document all services, participant contacts, and housing activities accurately and on time in HMIS or agency-approved data systems in compliance with contract obligations and internal standards
• Ensure all HMIS data is updated within 48 hours of participant contact or activity
• Track and report housing outcomes including referrals, placements, length of stay, and program exits
• Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, and safety protocols including incident reporting and grievance procedures
• Collaborate with Housing Navigators, Data Coordinators, Assistant Program Managers, Program Managers, and external housing partners to support participant housing progress
• Participate in case conferences, supervision, housing case reviews, chart reviews, and team meetings as required
• Coordinate with site staff, operations, and leadership to address housing-related concerns that may impact participant stability while in interim housing
• Conduct field-based work as needed, including off-site housing appointments, unit viewings, document collection, and landlord meetings
• Support specific populations — individuals, families, or Transitional Age Youth — based on program assignment
• Work flexible schedules including occasional evenings or weekends based on participant and housing availability needs
• Support interim housing staff with wellness checks, de-escalation, and unit compliance as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills & Competencies

• Strong housing-focused problem-solving, navigation, and participant engagement skills
• Ability to manage a caseload with competing priorities and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong documentation and organizational skills with consistent attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Professional boundary-setting and sound ethical decision-making
• Proficient in HMIS, Client Track, Microsoft Office Suite, and basic computer applications
• Strong understanding of contract compliance, program accountability, and outcomes measurement practices.
• Ability to lead with integrity and uphold organizational mission, values, and service philosophy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or equivalent experience
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in homeless services, housing navigation, or case management OR Minimum three (3) years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or similar populations
• Knowledge of Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care,, and motivational interviewing practices
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines, subsidized housing programs, and Coordinated Entry System preferred
• Experience with HMIS or similar data systems is preferred

Mandatory Requirements

• Background Screening – Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks as required per worksite.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing – Candidates must pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screenings in accordance with company policy.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check – For roles requiring driving, employment is contingent upon an acceptable driving record (meeting criteria of HTM's commercial insurance), a CA drivers license, and proof of vehicle insurance coverage.
• Legal Eligibility to Work – Candidates must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the US.
• Compliance with Company Policies and HIPAA standards – All employees must comply with company policies, including safety, confidentiality, and conduct standards.
• Must have reliable transportation.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The employee is required to: walk and climb stairs; stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis; grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead; handle, finger, grasp and feel objects and equipment; reach with hands and arms; be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; repeat various motions with the wrists, hands, and fingers; be able to perform visual activities for (including, but not limited to) administrative and clerical tasks; ability to lift up to 25 lbs.; communicate, receive and exchange ideas, information by means of the spoken and written word; drive vehicles in and around Los Angeles County; be able to enter various buildings that may require climbing stairs; be periodically subjected to outside environmental conditions. The employee may work in proximity to service animals and emotional support animals; use a desktop and/or laptop computer; various office machines. Complete all required forms in personal writing.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using alcohol and drugs, and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene, health and safety practices. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the participants' use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal hygiene. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in an office setting. Sometimes work may become stressful when working under pressure or in crisis intervention.

EEO: HTM (Hope the Mission) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HTM complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, placement, promotion, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

HTM will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if HTM is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing's Fair Chance Act webpage.