Case Manager, Housing Stabilization

Job Description

Job Description

Summary: Provide case management services to assigned clients transitioning from emergency shelter into their own housing. Case management includes initial and ongoing assessment with regular follow up and referrals/linkages to community-based services. Perform home visits. Provide coordinated housing search of private market rate housing as well as various subsidized housing programs. Develop and maintain relationships with outside landlords and community providers to assist in the identification of affordable housing options for families. The target population is families leaving/transitioning out of shelter. As stabilization caseloads vary, the Stabilization Case Manager may work as a Housing Search Specialist as determined by Division Director.

Why Work for SMOC?

• Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
• Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide case management services for clients exiting emergency shelter systems in an effort to successfully transition to enhanced self-sufficiency, beginning with a meeting between shelter staff and the family prior to the family exiting shelter to determine supports and services needed by the family to help them remain housed after leaving shelter.
• Establish a stabilization plan with each family, using the Stabilization touchpoint created in ETO, and update every 30 days until stabilization services have ended.
• Provide housing search assistance to clients without a voucher or subsidized housing, including applying and updating existing applications for public and private subsidized housing.
• Maintain up-to-date case notes, telephone contact log and referrals to community-based services. Enter all client data into the required database(s) on a daily basis.
• Provide related information and referrals to community-based resources, including Fuel Assistance, Food Stamps, WIC, RAFT, food pantries, and other services that can assist the client in the maintenance of sustainable housing.
• Coordinate all services required by the stabilization plan.
• Work collaboratively with other SMOC staff on housing, employment search and stability as indicated in the stabilization plan.
• Establish a respectful relationship with clients and schedule quarterly home visits to monitor the service plan.
• Maintain monthly phone contact and re-assess, evaluate and document adherence to the stabilization plan on a monthly basis.
• Support clients in their continued economic development planning.
• Assist clients in establishing positive relationships with the landlord. Provide monthly communication where necessary and mediate any conflict. Advocate in Housing Court.
• Maintain monthly phone contact with the landlord to confirm the family is paying rent and to identify any issues that may have arisen.
• If the tenancy is endangered for any reason, ensure that the client resolves the issue and retains the tenancy or assist the client in finding a sustainable housing alternative instead of returning to shelter.
• Conduct groups and workshops related to the clients’ needs as appropriate.
• As a mandated reporter, understand the requirements under 51A and report child incidences in accordance with agency and state requirements.
• Assist clients and families in arranging appointments and transportation.
• Provide client transportation as needed, using SMOC vehicles.
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or a minimum of three years experience in Human Services or related field.
• Minimum one year assessment, advocacy and case management skills.
• Sensitivity to low-income people of diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Bi-lingual preferred (Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese are valued language skills).
• Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and meet insurance standards.

Organizational Relationship:

• Directly reports to Program Manager.
• Direct reports of this position are none.

Physical Requirement:

• Ability to drive a vehicle.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs.
• Must be able to sit or stand for a prolonged period of time.
• Must be able to operate a computer and complete extensive paperwork.

Working Conditions: Desk space is provided in an office setting. Some travel via employee’s personal car is required. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Stabilization Case Manager will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

Hybrid Work Option: Hybrid work is permissible in some positions at SMOC depending on the key functions and responsibilities. The Case Manager position is eligible to work from home 0-20% of the week in scheduling coordination with the department manager.