Substance Use Services Case Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Profile:

The Substance Use Services (SUS) Case Manager is a specialized role within SAWC’s Recovery in Motion initiative. Case Managers engage with clients, assess needs, create service plans, provide referrals, and support follow-up. This position emphasizes supporting clients with substance use disorders before, during, and after treatment, ensuring continuity of care and housing stability in line with SAWC’s Housing First model.

The position is a salaried, exempt position. The annual salary range is $49,000 - $55,000. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County offers a strong benefits package that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance with very low deductibles; 403(b) retirement matching; flexible spending account, generous paid time off, disability & life insurance and a flexible schedule. This position is represented by the Delonis Workers United bargaining unit.

We are dynamic work environment that works to inspire hope in those we serve. Our building is open for operations 24/7; this role can work a majority of a daytime schedule, but will require flexibility to early mornings or evenings for better engagement with clients on your caseload.

General Responsibilities:

• Assist with the orderly running of the Delonis Center.
• Manage assigned caseload of active cases.
• Transport clients in personal vehicle, as needed.
• Meet with clients in the community, as needed.
• Perform real-time data entry in HMIS to ensure records are accurate and up to date.
• Support other case managers, as needed.
• Work weekends and/or evenings during winter months, and holidays, as assigned.
• Perform other assignments as directed by supervisor.
• Utilize community resources appropriately to meet client needs.

Case Manager Responsibilities:

• Meet with clients promptly upon assignment and collaboratively prepare action steps to achieve goals.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of the client’s needs, strengths, barriers, and substance use concerns.
• Develop individualized housing and recovery plans, rooted in the Housing First philosophy, and assist clients in securing housing.
• Provide immediate stabilization and crisis support, including access to basic needs and harm reduction resources.
• Connect clients ready for substance use treatment or services for co-occurring disorders to Washtenaw County CMH Access for screening purposes and referral to providers as appropriate.
• Guide clients through SOAR benefit applications, disability income processes, and documentation support.
• Provide education on substance use disorder, harm reduction, prevention, treatment, recovery, and relapse prevention.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate regular group recovery meetings (e.g., SMART Recovery).
• Support reintegration into the community through job training, benefits enrollment, and peer mentorship opportunities.
• Maintain weekly follow-up with clients, assess progress, adjust plans as needed, and record outcomes in HMIS.
• Attend and participate in Case Review meetings and team conferences.
• Together with the client, prepare and work on the necessary action steps for client and case manager to achieve client goals.
• Set up regular follow-up meetings with client, based on client’s needs for intensity.
• Assist client in housing search, based upon a “Housing First” philosophy.
• Assist clients in applying for disability income, and other supportive benefits, as needed.
• Follow up, recommending exit, or reevaluating plan as needed.

Qualifications:

• BSW preferred, or bachelor’s degree in human services with equivalent professional or lived
• experience. Please note the SAWC will consider alternative, comparable experience to a degree.
• Certification in treatment and recovery services (e.g., CADC, CAADC, CPRC) or willingness to start a related Development Plan.
• Extensive knowledge of substance use and substance use disorders, with a strong understanding of evidence-based treatment modalities, harm reduction strategies, and recovery-oriented systems of care.
• Minimum of 1 year of case management or related experience or combination of field practicum and experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Commitment to diversity, poverty issues, and economic justice.
• Cultural competence, including experience with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance-use, serious mental illness, or diverse gender/sexual identities.
• Ability to multitask and manage crises effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Exchange, HMIS, and online research.
• Reliable transportation for apartment inspections, landlord engagement, and occasional client transport.
• Assertive yet welcoming demeanor; able to set boundaries without intimidation.
• Good judgment, maturity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Reliable and willing to work required shifts, including holidays and weekends.
• Bilingual or ASL ability a plus.

Application Process:

Please go to annarborshelter.org/employment and submit your resume and cover letter. Please note that the application deadline is October 29th, 2025. Please apply early as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.