Housing Case Manager I at Nyer Urness House

Description

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Housing Case Manager provides trauma-informed services to individual program participants, many of whom have multiple barriers (i.e., mental health, substance use disorder, chronic health conditions, frequent contact with law enforcement, etc.), so that secure, stable, and permanent housing may be achieved and/or maintained. This service includes assessment, documentation, information and referral, goal setting, direct advocacy, cooperative case planning, and coordination of services. The Case Manager assists and empowers participants to make necessary connections with the community and providers to stabilize and improve the quality of their lives. This is a unionized position, represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Operating on a “housing first” model, Nyer Urness House provides 80 units of permanent supportive housing to adults who were formerly unhoused. Supportive services include case management, a medical clinic operated by Neighborcare Health on-site, daily meals and other community building resources. The community is named for the Reverend Nyer Urness, whose philosophy of meeting people where they are is a fundamental principle of the work at Nyer Urness House.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services and affordable housing for individuals and families experiencing housing instability in the greater Puget Sound region. We envision a world in which every person lives in a safe and caring community. Compass offers an open, supportive, and challenging work environment committed to promoting the dignity and well-being of each person that we serve. We consider the diversity of the staff, guests, residents, and community partners to be an important asset. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization. Compass is proud to be an affiliate agency of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW). LCSNW partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice, and hope by providing support services in key areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, refugees, and support to aging adults and people with disabilities to live independent lives. To learn more about the agency visit www.compasshousingalliance.org.

• LOCATION: Ballard Neighborhood (Seattle, WA) 
• REPORTS TO: Program Manager
• FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
• SCHEDULE: Sunday-Thursday 9am-5:30pm
• STAFF MEETINGS: Monthly staff meetings last Wednesdays 9am and weekly case management meetings Tuesdays 11am
• MEAL PERIOD: Unpaid (30-minutes)
• SALARY: $29.00 per hour (Level 1)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. The employee in this position must be able to read, write, and understand English.

Engagement & Assessment 

• Provide trauma-informed case management utilizing motivational interviewing and strength-based techniques to assigned participants.
• Write clear, objective, and accurate case notes of significant interactions in client files, including stability plans, measurement scales, leases, and all other required forms and paperwork including logs, records, reports, and statistics, as requested. Perform documentation (following DAP protocol) and input data in the Clarity Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other organizational data and case management systems. 
• Identify barriers and steps necessary to overcome obstacles to successful program participation. 
• Hoarding and housekeeping support and interventions
• Assess participant histories and resource/support needs (e.g., food, health, transportation, etc.) and opportunities (e.g., family, friends).
• Per program policy, screen individuals for program eligibility (this may include collaboration with referring agencies). Complete a needs assessment, services acknowledgment, and orientation to the program.
• Assess eligibility for permanent housing resources, such as deposit/move-in financial assistance, rapid rehousing, affordable housing, and permanent supportive housing.
• Develop a plan with the Program Manager to utilize program-based flexible client relocation and assistance funds in a way that emphasizes equitability not equality.
• Identify need for interim or bridge housing, link as requested and available.
• Establish goals and objectives, monitor achievements through regular meetings and case consultations with referral partners, as needed or required contractually.
• Provide information, referrals, and direct advocacy as needed, utilizing both internal and external resources. 
• Link participants with services intended to address significant barriers to housing stability, such as mental health services, chemical dependency services, primary health services, legal services, employment and/or educational supports.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with a network of community providers and services to address and advocate for participant needs. 
• In supporting housing stability and retention, work with property management, supervisor and residents in successful tenancy practices and resolutions.
• Work with program management on situation assessment and follow-up. 
• Work with supervisor to devise and implement corrective action plans for participants failing to meet goals.
• May be required to assist management in running monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports (e.g., HMIS).
• Daily activities are varied, and the day may be interrupted by emergencies or other daily events.
• Mediate conflicts provide de-escalation and crisis intervention. Model appropriate problem solving. Refer to appropriate services as needed.
• Provide milieu management as well as support to the program and operations team in daily operations of the facility.
• In coordination with Program Manager and/or Coordinator, develop and facilitate life skills training and other relevant workshops.
• Develop and implement community programs supporting housing stability, wellness, and promote meaningful daily activities for residents, which could include groups, classes, workshops, and special events with the support of the Program Manager.

Housing Search & Placement

• Develop relationships with landlords and property managers, to assist in breaking down barriers to create pathways to housing. 
• Utilize available landlord information and referral resources to identify and access private market housing that will accept housing subsidies or that provide below-market rents. Establish and develop additional private market landlord resources to supplement these other sources.
• Help participants to tour neighborhoods and properties. Provide and discuss options as part of selection decision.
• Assist participants with obtaining the resources necessary to apply for and move into housing, such as application fees, security deposit, first month rent, furnishings, etc.
• Help participants to complete and submit required housing applications and other materials. Help participants prepare for housing interviews or other meetings.
• Assist participants with ‘move-in’ to new housing and with transitioning supports to other provider or other community resources.
• Participate in follow-up support after the participant has been placed in housing to ensure stability and reduce the likelihood of that participant returning to homelessness.

Leadership 

• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work. All employees are expected to make efforts in their work and in their conduct to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level. 
• Maintain a favorable working relationship with all other agency employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate.
• Project a favorable image of the organization to promote its aims and objectives and foster and enhance public recognition and acceptance of all its areas of endeavor. 
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established agency policies to achieve the overall objectives of this position.
• Work as a team in remaining current with available resources and sharing resources with other agency case managers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to maintain a caseload, provide case management, crisis counseling, advocacy, and referral services to participants.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local resources and services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in de-escalation, crisis intervention and stabilization skills.
• Ability to follow agency policy and procedures to maintain safety and security within the facility.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness, and respect for participants from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Record keeping skills. Ability to obtain and maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential notes and participant files specific to program requirements.
• Working knowledge of the following evidence-based practices: harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based case management.
• Ability to enter data accurately. Create log entries and case notes. Prepare written reports and generate statistical reports.
• Ability to set and maintain boundaries in a professional manner.
• Promote a team environment that values, encourages, and supports differences.
• Work independently and as part of a team, particularly to exercise sound decision making in the absence of supervision, with strong collaboration skills.
• Relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people, while valuing their differences. 
• Model sound interpersonal boundaries and emotional intelligence. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate effectively about technical problems and solutions. 
• Strong problem solving, time and project management skills are required to be successful in this role. 
• Aptitude for learning new technology skills with Microsoft products and other internet-based software. 
• Ability to learn new functions on office equipment and devices (printer, scanner, projector, mailing machine, copier).

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 2-years’ experience in a social/human service setting related to housing and homelessness, required.
• Experience and education that demonstrates competency in and awareness of equity, intersectionality and belonging is essential. As well as a familiarity with issues of housing instability, mental health, substance use, sexual assault and/or domestic violence, desired.
• Experience working in an environment where language may be a barrier, desired.
• Current WA State Food Handlers Permit, desired (If not current, will be sponsored within 1-month of hire). 
• Certain positions will require driving duties. Driving related qualifications include Valid WA driver’s license, proof of car insurance, and a driving record that meets Compass standards.
• Work experience and education are both evaluated in determining the likelihood of success in this role. A degree in human services, social work or related field would be a complement to the required experience. 

Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. 
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/ handle/feel/type, and reach with hands and arms. Requires the ability to occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry supplies up to 20 pounds. 
• Work takes place in a supportive/emergency housing/social services environment where long periods of sitting, working on a computer, walking to various work areas, going up and down stairs, and standing are required.
• Travel to program sites and meetings outside the office and around the county may be necessary.
• Mental efforts like attention to detail, interacting with others in-person and through email, using critical thinking skills to strategize, develop and implement business plans, create, and edit documents, listen, and participate verbally at meetings.  
• In compliance with the ADA Amendment Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department via phone at 206-474-1100 or via e-mail at [email protected].

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is normal. Compass programs are housed within a human services environment in the Greater Seattle area. Our diverse client/guest/resident community includes many single, formerly homeless adults who lack any family support system. Compounding the constraints of poverty, our community includes individuals who are physically and/or mentally disabled, persons living with AIDS, those who struggle with chemical dependencies, veterans, and vulnerable, elderly adults. Working at Compass will mean that you will be in close proximity to the people we serve. 
• Employees can reasonably be anticipated to come in contact with hazardous chemicals, blood borne pathogens (BBP), and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) which require following basic safety precautions. Regular training will be provided by Compass that covers all elements of the occupational exposures, such as BBP, OPIM, and hazardous chemicals, expected to be found in the work environment. 
• This position is not eligible for remote work, it requires onsite work only. 
• Compass facilities are monitored with camera surveillance equipment for safety and security purposes. The cameras will generally be utilized only in public areas where there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy.