EDH Shelter Specialist Case Manager - HOST

EDH Shelter Specialist Case Manager

The EDH Shelter Specialist Case Manager is a DESC HOST employee responsible for providing engagement, resource linkage, housing navigation, and intensive case management services to individuals residing at the Bayside Shelter managed by Everyone Deserves Housing (EDH). The Shelter Specialist Case Manager serves as the primary HOST liaison at the shelter and works collaboratively with EDH leadership and staff to support shelter clients in achieving housing stability, improving access to healthcare and behavioral health services, and addressing barriers to long-term stability.

Each client receives individualized outreach and engagement designed to build trust and encourage participation in services. Services are primarily provided onsite at the EDH shelter, with additional outreach conducted throughout the community as needed. This position requires a high degree of coordination and collaboration with EDH staff, DESC programs, and external service providers. While supervised through DESC HOST, the position is expected to maintain a strong collaborative working relationship with designated EDH leadership to ensure effective service delivery and shelter operations.

Engagement & Outreach

• Provide engagement and case management services onsite at the EDH shelter and, as needed, in community settings including shelters, encampments, healthcare settings, and public spaces.
• Build relationships with shelter clients and provide ongoing outreach, engagement, and support focused on housing stability, behavioral health needs, and connection to community resources.
• Participate in case conferencing with EDH employees and screen clients for HOST eligibility when appropriate and facilitate referrals to HOST or other internal and external programs based on client needs.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with EDH leadership and staff to ensure effective coordination of services and continuity of care.
• Participate in EDH operational meetings, shift briefs, case consultations, and other collaborative meetings as appropriate.
• Participate in community education regarding the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders, including effective engagement and service delivery practices.
• Provide survival resources, hygiene products, harm reduction supplies, and resource referrals as appropriate to meet basic needs and build rapport.
• Collaborate with EDH staff regarding client needs, shelter access, housing opportunities, and service coordination.

Case Management

• Provide intensive case management services to assigned shelter clients.
• Coordinate survival services with a focus on access to food, shelter, clothing, housing acquisition and retention, medical care, psychiatric treatment, benefits enrollment, criminal justice system coordination, and substance use treatment.
• Support clients in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing through housing assessments, housing applications, housing navigation, and coordination with housing providers.
• Complete vulnerability assessments and other required housing documentation, including VAT assessments and Coordinated Entry-related activities as assigned.
• Advocate for clients' access to community resources and services while ensuring client rights are maintained.
• Consult and collaborate with community providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Prioritize crisis intervention as needed, including de-escalation, outreach to emergency departments, coordination with crisis responders, and referrals to behavioral health services.
• Provide information, education, and services designed to increase financial stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term housing success.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with DESC staff, EDH staff, and community partners.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in weekly supervision, HOST Team Meetings, clinical reviews, case conferences, and required trainings.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation in accordance with DESC policies and contract requirements.
• Comply with agency clinical accountability policies, quality assurance procedures, and program evaluation requirements.
• Support contract reporting requirements and data collection activities as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Living Conditions

Support clients with achieving and maintaining healthy living conditions. This may include attending care conferences, providing skill-building and support related to housing maintenance, coordinating with housing providers and shelter staff, assisting with housing stabilization efforts, and documenting barriers to maintaining healthy living environments.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Relevant bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related behavioral science, OR a combination of 1 year of relevant paid work experience and demonstration of the ability to perform required job duties.
• Ability to meet Washington Department of Health…