Position Title: Ithaca Shelter Case Manager
Reports to: Program Manager-Ithaca
Position Summary
The Case Manager works directly with residents of the single adult emergency shelter to support them in developing individualized goals and successfully transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. This role emphasizes person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed care practices, ensuring that all services are delivered with dignity, respect, and in accordance with agency guidelines and professional standards in the social work field.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
-
Complete intake assessments and develop individualized service plans for each resident within 48 hours of shelter entry, using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.
-
Review intake applications, screenings, and program orientations to ensure eligibility and appropriateness for the shelter.
-
Provide crisis intervention and ongoing support to help residents stabilize and address barriers to housing.
-
Create transition plans to help residents identify and secure safe, affordable, permanent housing.
-
Refer residents to medical, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, and other supportive services as appropriate.
-
Assist residents in obtaining identification, public benefits, and documentation required to access housing and supportive programs.
-
Support residents by maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive shelter environment guided by trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices.
-
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with residents to monitor progress, adjust service plans, and provide emotional and practical support.
-
Facilitate life skills workshops, community meetings, and group activities that promote independence, resilience, and stability.
-
Provide job readiness assistance, including resume support, referrals to training programs, and employment search assistance when appropriate.
-
Transport residents to essential appointments when necessary.
-
Build and maintain strong working relationships with landlords, housing providers, and partner agencies to expand housing opportunities and resources.
-
Maintain accurate case notes, records, and documentation in compliance with agency and funder requirements.
-
Enter data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in a timely and accurate manner.
-
Communicate resident progress, concerns, and outcomes to the Shelter Manager.
-
Participate in weekly case conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.
-
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in human services or social work or equivalent
- 2 years of case management experience with homeless individuals
-
Working knowledge of Department of Human Services (DHS) and Housing & Urban Development (HUD) guidelines.
-
Must obtain First Aid & CPR certification with ninety days of hire
- Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office
-
Clean, valid NYS Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Performing the duties of this job requires occasional walking and standing in and around the office and /or residential setting. Employee must be able to occasionally lift loads of 30 pounds without assistance. Employee must remain attentive to their surroundings.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The majority of essential duties are performed indoors, in an office/dorm style environment.
RESPONSIBILITY OF OTHERS:
The employee has no direct responsibility/supervision of other staff but is responsible for individuals that are receiving services.
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.
The Volunteers of America of Western New York is an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and reserve the right to perform substance abuse testing as needed.
