Volunteers of America Western Washington is a non-profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other.
The Case Manager position supports the housing efforts to vulnerable families and individuals in Snohomish County. The Case Manager will prepare clients to be housed through the Encampment Resolution Program (ERP), a low-barrier, Housing First and housing subsidy program, that will eventually lead to permanent housing, wraparound services, and long-term self-sufficiency for the clients.
Obtain a minimal case load of clients under the ERP program throughout Snohomish County.
Ensure that all individuals and households receiving services meet program eligibility requirements.
Provide case management to literally homeless individuals and families and have ability to build trust to provide high-quality case management to those living in unhabitable conditions.
Meet with individuals/households to verify final eligibility and assist them in completing all necessary paperwork to facilitate entrance into the program.
Provide intensive housing search and placement assistance, which includes the services and activities needed to assist participants in locating and obtaining suitable permanent housing within 86 days of enrollment. (assessment of needs and barriers to housing placement, negotiation with property owners/landlords, ensure housing safety standards, and rent reasonableness).
Develop strong collaborative relationships with property owners/landlords to help facilitate the placement of clients into safe, decent, and affordable permanent housing.
Ensure clients understanding of rental agreements, housing policies, and procedures.
Complete HMIS paperwork with clients and enroll them into ERP.
Work collaboratively with VOAWW Outreach Specialists, other non-profit partners, local law enforcement, embedded social workers, and Case Managers to ensure continuum of care is provided to clients experiencing homelessness and poverty maximize participant outcomes and contractual program goals.
Ensure clients are following the rules of the VOAWW program, their lease, and other obligations, which also include maintaining the appearance of their home by conducting monthly inspections.
Perform daily administrative tasks such as maintaining confidential paper files that stay in the Housing Services Lombard office in a locked cabinet, processing paperwork with deadlines, maintaining a weekly client case tracker, providing monthly success stories, and adding enrollments, services, and case notes into HMIS within the 5-day county deadline.
Work with clients to complete referral documentation and informed consent documents for services.
Conduct in-person or phone case management meetings. Case Managers are required to meet with clients in person at least once a week until they are housed. After they are housed, the requirement is to meet at least once a month for 1 hour or based on clients’ needs.
Complete chronological case notes within 24 hours of contact or encounter with clients (and log into HMIS and Extended Reach within 5 days per county guidelines (ER).
Routinely assess strengths and barriers to housing stability including health, substance use and mental health issues.
Support clients with developing income-increasing strategies, money management, employability, and wage progression to help achieve their goals.
Prepare Requests for Payments (RFP) for financial assistance and submit all required documentation to the Program Manager in a timely manner to avoid any late fees.
Have a clear understanding of Foundational Community Supports (FCS) for all FCS clients.
Adherence with the Agency's code of ethics and regulations for confidentiality.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and experience working with the Housing First Model.
Experience in creating action plans and meeting with clients on a regular basis to assess the plan and their needs.
At least 2 years of experience working with landlords to meet clients’ needs to get them housed or to prevent clients from becoming homeless, which includes landlord engagement.
Effective organizational skills, and attention to detail and accuracy.
Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively with staff, landlords and participants.
Experience working with clients that have mental illness and substance abuse challenges.
Experience working with families and individuals in crisis.
Preferred experience with using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Experience working with FCS and its billing process.
Experience with Motivational Interviewing and knowledge of strength-based approaches of case management.
Training in: De-escalation, Mediation, Mental Health First Aid, Landlord Tenant and Fair Housing Laws, Domestic Violence, Drug Abuse or Addiction, and NARCAN distribution.
Experience working in teams or pairs to complete a job objective.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel.
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
A Valid Driver License, positive driving record, and reliable form of transportation.
Required work schedule will be at least 3 days on-site (Lombard, ACRC, Motels, Apartments, or other VOAWW locations), with flexibility to work nights and weekends. This position is 40 hours per week.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.
