HOUSING CASE MANAGER

Housing Counseling Services (HCS), a non-profit organization serving the DC metropolitan area since 1972, is seeking a SSVF Housing Case Manager to deliver intensive and comprehensive housing services to unhoused and at-risk Veteran households in the DC Metropolitan area. HCS is seeking employees who are energetic, quick learners, committed to helping Veteran families and able to work on a dynamic team to support Veterans needs in achieving and maintaining stable, permanent housing.

The SSVF Housing Case Manager will help Veterans identify and implement strategies that support long-term housing stability by assisting them to develop and implement a plan to respond to presenting housing barriers. As appropriate, the SSVF Housing Case Manager will support Veterans in accessing available community resources and use a collaborative approach to service delivery. The goal of this program is to use a person-centered approach in working with Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in securing long term housing stability.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide case management services to veteran families on all housing and social service issues to resolve their housing emergency and improve their housing/financial situation;
• Complete appropriate comprehensive housing assessments for Veterans enrolled in Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program services;
• Develop housing plans in collaboration with the veteran, identifying specific housing related tasks to be accomplish that support short and long term housing stability;
• Access appropriate support services and programs (including SSVF and non-SSVF financial assistance programs) that will assist the veteran stabilize their housing situation;
• Assist veterans apply for appropriate Veteran Administration (VA) and public benefit programs;
• Connect veterans with on-going VA and/or community based case management services to support long term self sufficiency;
• Advocate on the behalf of veterans with landlords, social service agencies, etc.;
• Assist homeless veterans secure appropriate temporary and/or permanent housing;
• Conduct follow-up with veterans to ensure their housing situation remains stable and to assess foradditional service needs;
• Maintain accurate written and computer based files;
• Provide accurate and complete monthly reports detailing service activities and outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least four years of specialized professional experience in case management/social work (MSW with field placements may count towards professional experience.);
• Experience providing supportive services to veterans or at-risk populations;
• Experience working with homeless individuals and households experiencing barriers to stable housing;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Must have daily access to reliable vehicle to conduct home visits and attend community meetings;
• Ability to respond to multiple emergency needs with patience and diligence;
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate with variety of professionals including doctors, social workers, attorneys, and real estate professionals as well as low and moderate income families of varying ethnic backgrounds;
• Ability to translate technical information into layman’s terms;
• Must demonstrate an ability to work with minimum supervision;
• Must be versatile in order to handle a wide variety of duties;
• Sensitivity to the needs within the veteran community and to individual clients;
• Knowledge of confidentiality and ethical issues when working with veteran populations;