SSVF Homeless Prevention Case Manager

Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina

Homeward Bound is the leading nonprofit organization in Buncombe County focused on preventing and ending homelessness using the best practice Housing First model. We work collaboratively with community partners and have a proven track record of helping individuals and families achieve housing stability. Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved more than 2,615 people off the streets, out of cars, camps, and shelters and into permanent housing.

Homeward Bound's Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Homeless Prevention Program provides short-term financial assistance for housing and case management support to individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness in Buncombe County. The program's temporary financial assistance assists with rental and utility arrears, short-term rental and/or utility assistance and can also provide move-in cost assistance in cases where a client loses their current housing.

The program offers resources and services that are tailored to the unique needs of the household. The Case Manager is a source of support and guidance. Prevention case managers are trained in diversion to assist clients in identifying strengths and social resources in an effort to divert from the homeless shelter system and avoid homelessness. Additionally, Case Managers are trained to assist individuals with identifying barriers to housing stability and engage in goal planning that aims to link individuals to the resources and skills that they need in order to achieve long-term housing stability.

This person must also have experience working with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. Most importantly, we are looking for individuals that have passion for the work and compassion for all people experiencing homelessness in our community, no exceptions. The Homeless Prevention Case Manager reports directly to the SSVF Program Manager.

This is a full time, non-exempt position with $24.15 hourly compensation.

• Bachelors of Social Work or related degree, graduate degree or comparable experience.
• Prior experience with homeless population or populations with high clinical needs.

• Conduct initial assessment and screening to all potential clients to determine eligibility.
• Utilize diversion skills to help those at risk of homelessness to identify immediate alternate housing arrangements, connecting them with needed resources, and identifying strengths and personal resources.
• Will utilize all relevant resources (outside agencies, social support, budget assistance, etc.) to avoid eviction as much as possible.
• Assist clients as advocates for benefits, housing needs to include evictions, landlord negotiations and access to community resources.
• Assist in development of positive working relationships with other agencies serving those at risk of homelessness.
• Work with each client to develop and/or strengthen their goal plan according to individual goals and objectives
• Maintain accurate case notes; assuring all client interactions and support provided are documented
• Maintain contact with all housing clients on a scheduled basis, appropriate to their particular status and needs
• Ensure that client interactions are person-centered, goal-focused and reflect each client's goal plan
• Build professional relationships with clients, providers, and community partners
• Provide clients training in the areas of personal hygiene, accessing community resources, medical adherence, household management or other needs as outlined in the client's goal plan
• Exercise patience, understanding, and concern for each client's well-being, safety, development, and enjoyment of life
• Provide transportation to clients when required
• Make referrals to supportive services in our community as appropriate and support client in navigating this process
• Work with housing specialist to locate and coordinate new housing if eviction cannot be avoided
• Facilitate and assist with client move-in process
• Facilitate and assist with moving out clients and cleaning units
• Must be able to lift 50lbs
• Be an effective mediator and advocate for all housing clients
• Effectively use the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) to report data in compliance with grant requirements
• Document all client interaction and maintain accurate paperwork/reports
• Perform annual re-certifications and inspections for each client and accurately update files as necessary
• Attend weekly case management meetings and other specified meetings/trainings as required.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written forms with clients, their families, their significant others, coworkers, supervisors, other service agencies and the community
• Operate proficiently a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier

** This job description does not list all of your job duties. Occasionally, your supervisor might request…