Youth Independent Housing Case Manager

SUMMARY:

The key purpose of this position is to assist youth experiencing homelessness to obtain and maintain the best possible housing solution for their individual circumstances. The Youth Independent Housing Case Manager conducts potential client interviews, determines eligibility, develops individualized service plans, links individuals/families with community-based services and resources, manages financial assistance funds (rental assistance, transportation, etc.), and provides case management services in conjunction with community partners. The Youth Independent Housing Case Manager is responsible for ensuring that clients receive sufficient and appropriate care and that the mechanisms to end homelessness are being accessed effectively. The Youth Independent Housing Case Manager will also utilize the HMIS system and work with the team to ensure program compliance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and workshops deemed appropriate by the Program Manager.
• Screens all applicants and determines the eligibility of applicants; makes appropriate referrals as needed.
• Works within the Youth Coordinated Entry System (CES) to complete assessments for participants seeking connection to permanent housing, maintain updated vacancy listings for all housing programs, and quickly coordinate incoming referrals for vacancies.
• Orients all clients on the program policies and procedures.
• Provides Case Management for youth clients including conducting needs assessments, connecting homeless youth participants to appropriate housing options, providing basic needs assistance (ie. Food, transportation, laundry facility, etc.), creating individualized service plans, financial counseling & budgeting to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Maintains professional relationship with clients and landlords/property owners and treats all information with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Increase client’s awareness of available community and agency resources and assist them in accessing these services; including but not limited to, employment, education, substance abuse and mental health services, etc.
• Develops and maintains partnerships and networks with community agencies, landlords, property managers and other stakeholders that best serve the general specific needs of homeless youth.
• Helps clients understand tenant and landlord rights in conjunction with HSP case manager.
• Completes HMIS data collection, data entry, and reporting requirements for various funding sources.
• Helps to ensure program compliance with various funding sources.
• Demonstrates passion for the mission of Advocates for Children and a commitment to ensuring fairness and accessibility for all through active participation in related training and advocacy efforts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Expected to meet / serve a client where they are, Bartow, Gordon, Floyd, Cherokee, Paulding, or Douglas.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field and 2+ years of experience working with youth, mental health, substance abuse, disabled individuals, and/or diverse populations; MSW preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communicator with all persons in a culturally competent manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Familiarity with social service and state agency provided assistance programs.
• Familiarity with transitional housing and rapid rehousing.
• Skilled in documentation.
• Ability to work in high intensity and emotional atmospheres where youth seek assistance. Conflict resolution and verbal de-escalation training preferred.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license and current insurance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and Outlook, HMIS reporting systems.

COMPETENCIES:

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIORNMENT:

• Occasionally required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Continually required to talk or hear
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 25 pounds / frequently lift and/or move up to 15pounds / continually lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include:
• Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to drive a personal vehicle.