Housing Case Manager

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:

Case Managers are responsible for engaging with clients, assessing their situation and needs, creating service plans, providing referrals, and providing support and follow-up. Case Managers provide referrals for basic needs, and prepare a plan with the client to identify safe, affordable housing as soon as possible, following the “Housing First” model. Case Managers provide assistance to those in need and do so with empathy and compassion.

The position is a salaried, exempt position. The annual salary is $48,568.00. 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 Union.

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 where necessary with the orderly running of the Delonis Center.

· Manage assigned caseload of active cases of clients not primarily served in our residential program

· Transport clients in personal vehicle, as needed.

· Meet with clients in the community, as needed.

· Do real-time data entries in HMIS system to ensure that case record is complete and up-to-date.

· Support other case managers, as needed.

· Work weekends and evenings during winter months, and holidays, as assigned.

· Perform other assignments as directed by supervisor.

· Understand and utilize community resources, as appropriate to client needs.

Case Manager Responsibilities:

· Meet with client upon case assignment, as soon as possible after admission.

· Conduct initial assessment of the client’s needs, desires, strengths and barriers.

· Create housing plan with goals and timeframes.

· Evaluate client’s need for duration of shelter stay.

· Together with client, prepare 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.

· Assess client progress and record in HMIS ServicePoint.

· 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.

· Attend and participate in Case Review meetings.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree in the human service or related field with a proven track record of successfully working with diverse populations. Please note the SAWC will consider alternative, comparable experience to a degree.

· Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Willingness to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.

· Exhibit a commitment to diversity and issues related to poverty.

· Be culturally competent, including working with those who have serious mental illnesses, who are suffering from chemical dependency, or who have varying gender identifications or sexual preferences.

· Have the ability to multitask.

· Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Exchange, and use of the Internet in locating resources.

· Have reliable transportation.

Additionally the person that fills this position must be:

· Have strong diagnostic skills especially related to mental health and substance abuse issues

· Have familiarity with issues related to homelessness

· Have familiarity with community resources

· Have good engagement skills

· Utilize good judgment

· Be both assertive and welcoming

· Have the ability to de-escalate conflict and manage crises

· Have the ability to work independently or as part of a team

· Be culturally competent, including working with those who have a serious mental illness and those with chemical dependencies, or who have varying gender identifications or sexual preferences

· Be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations and the primacy of client needs

· Have a commitment to economic justice, civil and human rights issues

· Be mature in nature and professional in action

· Be reliable and willing to work required shifts, including evenings and weekends.