Housing Focused Case Manager - Reston, United States - Cornerstones

Description

Housing Focused Case Manager-ERCS

Reports to Job Role:
Case Management Coordinator


FLSA:
Exempt


Role:
Team Member


Descriptive Summary

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages an average caseload of 12 individuals and families experiencing homelessness at ERCS in addition to a varying number of families experiencing homelessness in Overflow Shelter located at a local hotel.
• Conducts comprehensive indepth assessments utilizing uniform intake/assessment tools developed by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) as well as assessment and action planning tools developed for Cornerstones Integrated Care Management (ICM) services.
• Works with shelter participants to prepare, implement and monitor individual plans and budgets that, at a minimum, address the core outcome areas as well as other significant barriers to housing. Plans must include goals and specific action steps needed to meet those goals.
• Works closely with the Housing Locator to educate shelter participants about and assist them with obtaining affordable appropriate housing.
• Assesses household eligibility and need for benefits and services and makes appropriate referrals, including requests for financial and / or housing assistance, and connection with county and mainstream benefits.
• Advocates for and actively assists individuals and families in obtaining services (e.g.

childcare, behavioral health, intellectual disability, substance use disorder, housing referrals, financial assistance, employment, training, medical services, mentoring and socialization).

• Provides mediation and advocacy with landlords on the individual's behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain housing.
• Creates and maintains consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e. tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors, and creditors)
• Applies knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate individuals of their rights and responsibilities.
• Makes referrals for credit counseling and other services necessary to assist participants with critical skills related to budgeting, managing money, accessing a free personal credit report, and resolving personal credit problems.
• Works closely with the Child Services Specialist to ensure that the children's service needs are being met.
• Maintains effective partnerships with OPEH, the Fairfax County Health Department, the Fairfax County Community Services Board (CSB), Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), Department of Family Services (DFS), and the Fairfax County Department of Adult and Aging, to ensure participants receive holistic, integrated care management across Cornerstones.
• Addresses and if necessary, diffuses crisis situations with shelter participants. Assesses safety concerns and assists shelter participants to access emergency services as needed (e.g., medical, behavioral health services, child protective services, adult protective services).
• Maintains level of contact with households served based on the level of service need, and minimum program requirements.
• Maintains case and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) files that meet agency and contractual standards.
• Develops and facilitates psychoeducational groups or trainings for shelter participants and colleagues.
• Conducts housing inspections (as appropriate.)
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings, case staffings, as well as communitywide trainings and meetings.
• Provides intern / volunteer supervision (as appropriate.)
• Works a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
• Uses automated technology including HMIS and hard copy files to maintain, update, and report on case data, goal attainment, and outcomes in a timely manner.
• Assists with front desk coverage when needed.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable human services field or commensurate experience with homeless and/or atrisk populations. Master's Degree preferred.
• MSW plus two years postMaster's degree a plus.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish, English/Arabic, English/French a preferred.

Key Performance Indicators

• Requires knowledge and belief in Housing First and Rapid Re-Housing philosophy and strategies.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families including people with mental health and/or substance abuse disabilities is required.
• Extensive knowledge of current homelessness strategies and priorities [Trauma-Informed Care, Housing First, Equity] essential.
• Knowledge of current social service, homeless, and housing issues and methods/approaches to address issues.
• Knowledge and understanding of tenant's rights and responsibilities as well as strengths based case management.
• Knowledge of the principals and practices of case management.
• Knowledge of regulations and guidelines relating to the a