The Organization:
Homeward Bound is the leading nonprofit organization in Buncombe County focused on preventing and ending homelessness using the best practice Housing First model. We work collaboratively with community partners and have a proven track record of helping individuals and families achieve housing stability. Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved more than 2,615 people off the streets, out of cars, camps, and shelters and into permanent housing.
Position:
Homeward Bound’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Homeless Prevention Program provides short-term financial assistance for housing and case management support to individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness in Buncombe County. The program’s temporary financial assistance assists with rental and utility arrears, short-term rental and/or utility assistance and can also provide move-in cost assistance in cases where a client loses their current housing. The program offers resources and services that are tailored to the unique needs of the household. The Case Manager is a source of support and guidance. Prevention case managers are trained in diversion to assist clients in identifying strengths and social resources in an effort to divert from the homeless shelter system and avoid homelessness. Additionally, Case Managers are trained to assist individuals with identifying barriers to housing stability and engage in goal planning that aims to link individuals to the resources and skills that they need in order to achieve long-term housing stability. This person must also have experience working with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. Most importantly, we are looking for individuals that have passion for the work and compassion for all people experiencing homelessness in our community, no exceptions. The Homeless Prevention Case Manager reports directly to the SSVF Program Manager.
Schedule and compensation: This is a full time, non-exempt position with $24.15 hourly compensation.
Education/Experience Requirements:
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Bachelors of Social Work or related degree, graduate degree or comparable experience.
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Prior experience with homeless population or populations with high clinical needs
Responsibilities:
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Conduct initial assessment and screening to all potential clients to determine eligibility.
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Utilize diversion skills to help those at risk of homelessness to identify immediate alternate housing arrangements, connecting them with needed resources, and identifying strengths and personal resources.
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Will utilize all relevant resources (outside agencies, social support, budget assistance, etc.) to avoid eviction as much as possible.
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Assist clients as advocates for benefits, housing needs to include evictions, landlord negotiations and access to community resources.
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Assist in development of positive working relationships with other agencies serving those at risk of homelessness.
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Work with each client to develop and/or strengthen their goal plan according to individual goals and objectives
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Maintain accurate case notes; assuring all client interactions and support provided are documented
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Maintain contact with all housing clients on a scheduled basis, appropriate to their particular status and needs
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Ensure that client interactions are person-centered, goal-focused and reflect each client’s goal plan
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Build professional relationships with clients, providers, and community partners
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Provide clients training in the areas of personal hygiene, accessing community resources, medical adherence, household management or other needs as outlined in the client’s goal plan
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Exercise patience, understanding, and concern for each client’s well-being, safety, development, and enjoyment of life
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Provide transportation to clients when required
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Make referrals to supportive services in our community as appropriate and support client in navigating this process
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Work with housing specialist to locate and coordinate new housing if eviction cannot be avoided
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Facilitate and assist with client move-in process
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Facilitate and assist with moving out clients and cleaning units
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Must be able to lift 50lbs
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Be an effective mediator and advocate for all housing clients
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Effectively use the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) to report data in compliance with grant requirements
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Document all client interaction and maintain accurate paperwork/reports
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Perform annual re-certifications and inspections for each client and accurately update files as necessary
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Attend weekly case management meetings and other specified meetings/trainings as required.
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Communicate effectively in oral and written forms with clients, their families, their significant others, coworkers, supervisors, other service agencies and the community
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Operate proficiently a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier
** This job description does not list all of your job duties. Occasionally, your supervisor might request that you perform other reasonable duties in order to most effectively work towards Homeward Bound’s mission of ending homelessness.
Our values:
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We believe in the absolute value and worth of every single human being.
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We believe that housing is a basic human right, integral to self-worth and dignity.
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We believe that homelessness is a solvable problem.
Mission: To prevent and end homelessness in our community through permanent housing and support.
Homeward Bound bases its human resource decisions on objective criteria without regard to any characteristic or condition protected by law. We are committed to a workplace that offers equal opportunity without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, disability, genetic information/medical history, military/veteran status, or any characteristic or condition protected by law, but not specifically mentioned here.
Full-Time Benefits Offered:
Health Insurance: (100% paid plan) We care about your health, which is why we provide a robust health insurance plan. The company covers the premium for the standard plan, and employees have the option to choose from buy-up options for enhanced coverage. Our free plan currently covers all of these services at 100% with NO copay: mental health & substance abuse, Primary Care, Preventative & Urgent Care visits.
Mercy Urgent Care Membership: (100% paid plan with medical) We offer a Mercy urgent care membership. This is 100% included in our base free base insurance plan or those who choose the buy-up plan can purchase this at a discounted rate. The membership covers a family of 4 at no additional cost. You do NOT have to cover the daily on your insurance plan for them to be covered on this membership. The membership covers Primary Care, Urgent Care, X Rays, Labs and discounted prescriptions at Sona Pharmacy.
Dental Insurance: (100% paid plan) Your dental health matters to us, and we offer comprehensive dental insurance with coverage paid by the employer.
Paid Holidays: We believe in work-life balance and provide paid holidays on all Federal holidays to give you time to celebrate and relax with your loved ones. In addition to the federal holidays we also offer, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, your birthday & a floating holiday. A total of 15 paid holidays.
Vacation: Enjoy your time off with 4 weeks of paid vacation within your first year. We understand the importance of rest and encourage you to take the time you need to recharge. The accrual rate increases at every anniversary until you hit 5 years of service.
Sick Time: Your health is essential, and we offer 96 hours of sick time in your first year to ensure you have the support you need when facing health-related challenges. This accrues at 8 hours per month.
Life Insurance: (100% paid benefit) Your loved ones' security is important, and we provide life insurance coverage equivalent to your annual salary, paid by the employer. You have options to increase the amount as a buy-up option.
Long Term Disability- (100% paid by employer) In the event of a long-term disability, you can rely on our disability insurance to help you during your recovery.
401(k) with Match: Secure your financial future with our 401(k) plan, and take advantage of the company match to help you save for retirement. We do have a match program. You are eligible to contribute at 30 days of employment and we begin to match at 1 year of employment. The current match is 2%.
Vision Insurance: We've got your vision covered with our vision insurance plan, ensuring you have access to regular eye care.
Short-Term Disability: In the event of a short-term disability, you can rely on our disability insurance to help you during your recovery.
Accident Insurance: Accidents happen, and we offer accident insurance coverage to assist you in unforeseen circumstances.
Critical Care Policy: Your health is our priority, and we provide additional coverage through a cancer policy to support you in challenging times.
Remote Work: We understand the value of work-life balance and offer one optional remote work day each week, allowing you to work from the comfort of your home. In positions that do not require 100% on-site work. Example: Resident Safety Advisors or AHOPE staff are 100% in person.
Work Cell Phone: Stay connected with a work cell phone provided by the company, enabling smooth communication and collaboration. This is provided to certain positions that require communication off-site.
EAP Program: We offer a free employee assistance program to assist with free counseling, financial assistance and more.
FSA: Flexible Spending Account available for medical and dependent care. We allow the IRS maximum to be added to the card.
Employee Discount Program: We have an outstanding discount program! The program currently offers many discounts that can be shared with your family. Discount concerts, vacations, Sam’s Club memberships, health, fitness & beauty, and more!
YMCA Membership- $30 off your monthly YMCA gym membership
YMCA Market: A biweekly market that is paid for ½ by Homeward Bound and ½ by employees through payroll deduction. You shop for your family for locally sourced protein, eggs, fruits & vegetables. Employee only cost is $80 per month for a month's worth of groceries.
Financial Wellness Program that includes Loans: We offer a benefit that helps you achieve financial wellness and learn many budgeting and financial courses. No credit check loans up to $5000 with no credit check and payroll deduction up to 12 months.
CPR/AED/First Aid: CPR/AED/First Aid certification & recertification covered by company and offered on-site.
We love being able to offer outstanding benefits and we continue to keep our eyes open for more ways to show our appreciation to our employees!
