Housing Case Manager

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 individuals in Washtenaw County. 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, 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:

Housing Case Managers are responsible for engaging with clients, assessing their individual situations and needs, creating person-centered housing and stability plans, providing referrals and support, and conducting follow-up. Housing Case Managers provide referrals for basic needs and prepare a plan with the client to identify safe and affordable housing as soon as possible. Case Managers provide assistance to those in need and do so with empathy and compassion.

The position is salaried and exempt. The base annual salary is $48,960. This role is represented by our Union, the Delonis Workers United of Ypsilanti, an Industrial Workers of the World chapter. Please note SAWC greatly values lived experiences and considers it during the hiring process.

We are a dynamic work environment that inspires 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 work early mornings or evenings to better engage 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 as needed. A personal vehicle is likely needed; a company vehicle can be used if available.
• Meet with clients in the community, as needed.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date client records and ensure compliance with funding guidelines through real-time data entries in the HMIS system.
• Support other case managers, as needed.

• Work weekends and evenings during winter months, and holidays, as assigned.
• Perform other assignments as directed by supervisor.
• Have a thorough understanding of and utilize community resources, as appropriate to client needs.

Case Manager Responsibilities:

• Familiarize and utilize SAWC’s Case Manager Manual
• Meet with client upon case assignment, as soon as possible after admission.
• Conduct initial assessment of the client’s individualized needs, desires, strengths, and barriers.
• Coordinate with specialty team members for client’s access to improved quality of life
• Create a monthly housing and stability plan with goals and timeframes.
• Evaluate client’s needs regularly 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 programming
• Assess client progress and record in HMIS ServicePoint.
• Assist client in housing search
• 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 Manager Meetings
• Working one Meal Service per week(Lunch or dinner)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's orAssociate'sdegree in human services or related field with experience working with vulnerable populations. SAWC also looks for a proven track record of successfully working with diverse populations.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Exhibita 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 and use of the Internet in locating resources.
• Have reliable transportation.

Additionally, the person that fills this position must be:

• 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 tode-escalate conflict and manage crises
• Have the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• 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.

Benefits Information:

The position is salaried and exempt. 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; a flexible spending account; generous paid time off; disability & life insurance; and a flexible schedule.

EEOC Statement:

Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of homelessness. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, height, weight, disability, age, or veteran status.