Rapid Initiative Case Manager

The Case Manager (CM) will provide engagement and housing stability support services as a Rapid Housing Initiative Permanent Supportive Housing team member. We provide supportive housing services in community settings that promote socialization, recovery, wellness, self-advocacy, development of natural supports, and maintenance of community living skills to a caseload of up to 25 members placed in scattered site housing in the community.

The CM will join a Housing First team formed to expand Step Up’s successful permanent housing model to the Metro Atlanta area. The team will assist adults experiencing chronic homelessness, co-occurring mental health, substance use, and medical disabilities to maintain permanent supportive housing.

• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Generous paid time off (13 paid holidays, 10 days of EPTO, 12 sick days).
• Competitive salary and benefits package. Health, dental, vision, Aflac, and life insurance $25,000.00
• 403(b) retirement plan available on the first day of work. After working 1000 hours, Step Up matches 3% of the 6% the employee contributes.

The following reflects essential functions for this job but does not restrict other tasks, which may be assigned:

• Provide intensive case management Housing First services to chronically homeless persons to maintain Permanent Supportive Housing. Services include: conduct intake and assessment of barriers, service plan development, linkages and referrals to clinical and appropriate community resources, leasing up and moving into housing.
• Meets with assigned members individually through home visits and or telehealth sessions to provide support and case management services and interventions, to review progress toward goals, and ensure housing stability.
• Comprehensive coordination of care including developing/maintaining relationships with community treatment providers to ensure ongoing clinical supports and successful transition to and maintenance of independent living.
• Support member’s vocational choices and assist with overcoming job-related anxiety and choosing positions that match their strengths.
• Assist members in building social and interpersonal skills that will enhance employment opportunities and job retention.
• Models effective coping techniques, self-advocacy skills, and self-help strategies and facilitate linkages to life skills groups and community-based recreational opportunities.
• Monitor members for warning signs of de-compensation and crisis, and coordinate with the treatment team to respond accordingly.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision, and training as required.

• Using the BIRP note format, document all services provided to members and collateral contacts on behalf of members as required by Step Up in Welligent and in the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS).
• Responsible for tracking productivity, charting and documentation for all services, and file maintenance.
• Responsible for documenting all services provided and submitting paperwork promptly and accurately.

• Demonstrated and thorough knowledge of Housing First and Harm Reduction philosophies of service delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate community resources applicable to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges.

• Bachelor's Degree if not a Certified Peer Specialist.
• Certified Peer Specialist require a High School Diploma

• A minimum of 2 years related housing/case management experience working with chronically homeless adults struggling with a mental illness required. Knowledge of housing vouchers, providing services in community settings and documenting services provided using the BIRP note format preferred. Proficient use of Office 365 products required.

• Georgia Driver’s License with a good driving record
• Certified Peer Specialist Certification is preferred, but not required

Work with people experiencing homelessness whether on the streets, in shelters or other places of habitation or services, may present inherent challenges and difficulties such as: exposure to bed bugs or other infestations, unpleasant smells or odors, individuals who may have poor hygiene or unclean homes due to homelessness, mental health symptoms, or poverty. Additionally, in working with our members, employees may encounter instances of profanity, sexually explicit or derogatory language, or verbal or physical expressions of anger and trauma.

Very rarely do these situations ever escape to physical contact, and negative or derogatory communication patterns can often be negotiated successfully. All direct care staff are provided adequate training to develop skills to deescalate crisis situations that may arise and Step Up has established procedural safeguards for all employees to mitigate (but not eliminate) these inherent risks of…