GENERAL SUMMARY AND PURPOSE:
Provides clients of Cairn Recovery Resources with intensive support to secure and maintain stable housing as a foundation for sustained recovery. Assists clients in navigating housing systems, accessing community resources, and developing the skills necessary to maintain independent living. Acts as an advocate on the client’s behalf across housing, social service, and legal systems.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Upholds the Mission Statement of Cairn Recovery Resources and participates in general meetings and retreats. Maintains professional relationships with all clients and staff. Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including client rights, safety rules and regulations, the agency code of ethics, and all applicable state and local laws, rules, and regulations.
- Conducts comprehensive housing assessments to identify each client’s barriers to housing stability, including rental history, credit, legal history, and benefit eligibility, and incorporates findings into individualized service plans.
- Develops and implements housing-focused service plans in collaboration with the clinical team, including goal setting, action steps, timelines, and criteria for success; regularly reviews and updates plans based on client progress.
- Assists clients in locating and securing safe, affordable, and recovery-supportive housing options, including transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing programs, and private market rentals.
- Provides direct support with housing applications, landlord negotiations, lease signings, move-in logistics, and securing household goods and furnishings as needed.
- Connects clients to rental assistance programs, utility assistance, housing vouchers (including HUD, VASH, and local programs), and emergency financial resources to prevent homelessness and housing instability.
- Maintains active relationships with local landlords, property managers, and housing authorities to expand housing options available to clients and resolve tenancy issues on clients’ behalf.
- Provides education and coaching to clients on tenant rights and responsibilities, budgeting and financial management, household maintenance, and neighbor relations to support long-term housing retention.
- Assists clients in applying for and maintaining benefits that support housing stability, including SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and Ohio Benefits.
- Prepares all required case management documentation in a timely manner, including housing plans, progress notes, referral documentation, and applicable correspondence in accordance with agency guidelines. Maintains well-organized, confidential case records within own caseload.
- Participates in individual and group client supervision and attends all required meetings, including Case Management Meetings, Treatment Team Meetings, Housing Task Force meetings, and other meetings as requested by supervisor.
- Assists with the caseload of other case managers during emergencies, illness, and vacations, and assists others with group coverage upon request from supervisor.
- Remains knowledgeable regarding developments in housing policy, affordable housing resources, and best practices in Housing First and trauma-informed approaches through attendance at meetings, seminars, and industry research.
- Participates in Cairn Recovery Resources’ Quality Improvement activities, conducts peer reviews according to agency policy, and maintains client records in compliance with all Quality Assurance, OhioMHAS, and agency guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- CDCA, LSW, LPC, LCDC-II, or LCDC-III licensure required
- Broad knowledge of the social service and housing systems, including HUD programs, Ohio’s Continuum of Care, and local housing authorities
- Knowledge of Housing First principles and trauma-informed care preferred
- 3–5 years of work with homeless or housing-insecure populations preferred
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Decision-making and problem/conflict resolution skills
- Ability to conduct landlord negotiations and advocate effectively in housing and legal settings
- Ability to relate to and communicate with a broad socio-economic cross-section of individuals
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a complex caseload with competing priorities
OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Hold and maintain an Ohio driver’s license with a good driving record
- Required to travel on company time, including home visits and community meetings
- Furnish a reliable, personal means of transportation to accomplish work objectives
Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
