Case Manager

Case Manager

In keeping with the Mission Statement and Principles of Covenant House, part of the Covenant House international network, is committed to giving homeless youth a safe haven, absolute respect, unconditional love, and a path to lasting independence through housing programs and providing a continuum of care through supportive services. The Case Manager is responsible for providing comprehensive, trauma-informed case management services to youth experiencing homelessness. This role is designed to support youth in achieving stability, safety, and long-term independence through individualized case planning, resource connection, and advocacy. The Case Manager will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the needs of youth are met, while prioritizing their emotional, mental, and physical well-being in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Key Responsibilities

Case Management and Support:

• Provide individualized case management services to youth (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness, developing tailored case plans that address housing, health, education, employment, and personal growth goals.
• Conduct thorough assessments to understand each youth's unique needs, experiences, and challenges, including trauma history, mental health, substance use, and family dynamics.
• Support youth in setting realistic goals and identifying steps to achieve long-term housing stability, education, and employment success.
• Offer ongoing emotional support and guidance to youth, empowering them to take ownership of their recovery and future.

Resource Coordination and Referrals:

• Connect youth with necessary community resources, including medical care, mental health services, substance use treatment, education programs, employment opportunities, and legal assistance.
• Facilitate referrals to external service providers, ensuring timely access to critical services such as housing, healthcare, and educational support.
• Assist youth in obtaining essential documentation (e.g., identification, social security card) and applying for public benefits, such as food stamps, Medicaid, or housing subsidies.

Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning:

• Provide immediate support and crisis intervention to youth in distress, helping to stabilize situations and address urgent needs.
• Develop and implement personalized safety plans for youth, ensuring their protection from harm while in the shelter after transitioning to independent housing.
• Address any safety concerns, including physical or emotional abuse, and work with law enforcement or child protective services as needed to ensure youth are safe and supported.

Trauma-Informed Care:

• Apply trauma-informed care principles in all interactions with youth, providing a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment that supports healing and growth.
• Recognize and respond to the effects of trauma on behavior, emotions, and decision-making, offering appropriate interventions and support to help youth overcome challenges and heal.
• Integrate strengths-based, youth-centered approaches into case management, focusing on building resilience, self-esteem, and empowerment.

Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team:

• Collaborate with internal staff, including housing specialists, mental health professionals, and employment counselors, to provide holistic care to youth.
• Participate in regular team meetings and case reviews, sharing updates on youth progress and identifying strategies to address any barriers to success.
• Work closely with community partners, such as social service agencies, healthcare providers, and legal advocates, to ensure comprehensive support for each youth.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files, documenting all case management activities, assessments, progress notes, and service referrals.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality standards, protecting the privacy of youth and maintaining secure records in accordance with agency policies and legal requirements.
• Track and report on client outcomes, goals, and service delivery, ensuring data is entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) and other relevant systems.

Program Support and Advocacy:

• Advocate on behalf of youth to ensure they receive the services and resources necessary for their well-being and success.
• Empower youth to be active participants in their own case plans and decision-making processes, fostering their independence and self-sufficiency.
• Support youth in understanding their rights and accessing the resources they need to move forward in their lives.

Youth Engagement and Empowerment:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with youth, creating a supportive and respectful environment where they feel safe and heard.
• Promote positive behaviors and coping skills through one-on-one interactions and group activities, encouraging personal development and resilience.
• Engage youth in the development of their case plans, setting achievable goals and identifying resources to help them succeed.

Advocacy and Community Engagement:

• Advocate for the needs and rights of youth in the workplace, ensuring that employers are supportive of youth's unique challenges and provide a fair working environment.
• Attend local career fairs, networking events, and meetings with community organizations to promote the shelter's services and build relationships with potential employers.
• Engage with local businesses and partners to create job opportunities tailored to youth in the shelter, including entry-level, part-time, and seasonal positions.

Community and Partner Relations:

• Maintain positive, professional relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and service providers to expand the network of resources available to youth.
• Represent the agency at community meetings, trainings, and events, advocating for youth homelessness issues and resources.

Self-Care and Professional Development:

• Engage in regular self-care practices to manage the emotional demands of the role.
• Participate in ongoing training, workshops, and professional development opportunities to stay informed about best practices in trauma-informed care and human trafficking prevention.

Qualifications:Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management or social services, with a focus on youth homelessness, at-risk youth, or trauma-informed care.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and their application in working with youth who have experienced homelessness or adverse experiences.
• Ability to develop and maintain individualized case plans and track progress toward goals.
• Experience working with youth in crisis and applying crisis intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources for housing, healthcare, education, employment, and social services.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to build rapport with youth and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with proficiency in case management systems (HMIS, ETO, etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, manage a caseload, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent psychology, and best practices in supporting young people in overcoming homelessness.
• Ability to work in a flexible and supportive team environment, maintaining a positive attitude and approach to difficult situations.
• Successful completion of background checks and the ability to work flexible hours as needed.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership, management, and clinical supervision skills, with the ability to support and guide a multidisciplinary team.
• Deep understanding of the psychological and emotional challenges faced by homeless youth and the impact of trauma on mental health.
• Ability to assess and respond to crisis situations, including developing risk management plans for youth in acute distress.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with youth, staff, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to ensure integrated care for youth residents.

Working Conditions:

• Work will be performed both in office settings and on-site at the shelter.
• Potential exposure to challenging behavioral situations or high-stress environments, requiring
• the ability to maintain composure and apply trauma-informed practices.

Why Join Us:

Covenant House Texas offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. The Case Manager will play a key role in supporting youth experiencing homelessness by providing individualized care, guidance, and resources in a trauma-informed,