Job Description
Corvallis Housing First is a growing organization dedicated to providing supportive housing to individuals experiencing homelessness. We currently operate four supportive housing facilities, conduct outreach housing case management in partnership with local shelters and outreach programs, as well as provide support for people in community-based housing. Following the philosophy of Housing First, we provide low-barrier, behavior-based housing without preconditions and barriers to entry, such as sobriety or treatment participation requirements.
CHF Housing Case Managers primarily work with people experiencing homelessness to help them stay stable in housing while meeting their goals. This position involves building relationships with clients, navigating social service programs and benefits, and coordinating services. The case manager ensures that clients’ needs are assessed, collaboratively sets goals with the clients, and provides “warm hand-offs” to community services, including mental and physical health care, housing, job training, and financial support programs. Case Managers are responsible for following organizational policies and procedures, working collaboratively with partners, property management, and other housing staff for the benefit of our clients, and utilizing trauma-informed care, harm-reduction and other best practices in our field.
Case managers should be be proactive and timely, while maintaining professional boundaries, and able to complete required documentation. We are passionate about what we do and work as a team to help people who have traumatic backgrounds live their best life. Being practical, self-reflective, non-judgmental, calm in stressful situations, and possessing a sense of humor are necessary. Practicing good self-care is encouraged and a must to be successful in this position. Corvallis Housing First also strives to be a supportive employer as our staff are key to ensuring the success of our clients!
Specific duties:
- Establish goals and a service plan with clients, utilizing a strengths-based, trauma-informed, harm reduction approach. Utilize assertive engagement and motivational interviewing techniques to meet clients where they are, help clients attain their goals, and identifying realistic steps in order to achieve them.
- Work with CHF staff and partner agencies collaboratively to assist clients. Update CHF case workers on client goals on a regular basis and work with them to troubleshoot client concerns.
- Work with case workers and property management staff for move-in planning and support, addressing housing issues such as lease violations with clients, and in troubleshooting behaviors that could lead to losing housing.
- Meet on a regular basis with clients, generally on a weekly schedule, to check in on progress and to ensure client feels connected and supported by the program. This may include meeting with individuals in their housing unit.
- Document work with clients in client files using our online database. Complete required funder documentation with clients for reporting and billing purposes.
- Collaborate proactively with other providers involved in client care. Initiate communication regarding shared clients. Ensure follow-through on the referral process. Advocate for clients when there are difficulties obtaining needed services in the community.
- Assist clients in developing and accessing natural community supports as well as community services. Promote active and appropriate inclusion of family/identified individuals in treatment and support planning.
- Adhere to confidentiality guidelines outlined in our policies and procedures.
- Practice cultural competency, recognizing the cultural strengths and needs of the people we serve, staff, and partners in the community. Training will be provided, but recognition of the importance of this approach is key.
- Work to ensure a positive approach toward clients, other staff, and partners. Follow best practices and ensure they are integrated into the day to day client services and housing operations. Follow organizational policies and procedures consistently.
- Model healthy communication and behaviors with clients.
Other responsibilities include:
- Participate in staff meetings, CHF Housing meetings, and relevant trainings as required.
- Drive personal car to meet with clients in their homes and in the community. Must possess a current driver’s license, maintain vehicle insurance coverage. Occasionally transport client to appointments, etc.
- Carry a CHF provided cell phone and laptop computer in order to complete work in the field.
- Practice confidentiality in all dealings with clients and staff.
Required Experience/Abilities:
- At least 1 year of case management or related experience in a professional setting.
- Worked with marginalized populations, preferably people who have experienced homelessness and/or poverty
- Knowledge of/training in Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Harm-Reduction, Crisis Intervention, Case Management
- Ability to pass a background check
Preferred Experience:
- Direct service experience with clients experiencing homelessness
- Be knowledgeable of and able to navigate local resources for benefits (ie SNAP, SSDI), medical services, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, employment, peer support, etc.
- Have lived experience with homelessness
- Are a certified Peer Support Specialist or Community Health Worker
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field
WE ENCOURAGE applicants from diverse backgrounds. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience.
Supervision: This position reports to the Lead Case Manager.
Hours and Benefits: This is a full-time hourly position with paid health insurance, vacation and sick time, disability benefits and life insurance. Work is performed Monday-Friday during business hours with some evenings and weekends. Starting pay is $23/hr, but may be more depending on experience.
Work Environment: Work is performed in a normal office environment and at clients’ homes, partner agency offices.
To apply, please upload a cover letter that includes a description of your experience, your interest in the position and skills, resume, and two professional references to Indeed or email to:
Andrea Myhre, Executive Director
director(at)corvallishousingfirst.org
Job Type: Full-time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $24.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Tell us a bit about why you would like to work with people experiencing homelessness and how your past experience would help you be successful in this position.
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
- Community Health Worker Certificate (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Corvallis, OR 97330 (Required)
Work Location: In person
