Job description
Corvallis Housing First – Outreach Housing Case Manager
Corvallis Housing First is dedicated to providing support and housing to individuals experiencing homelessness to help them achieve stability and improve their lives. We currently operate four supportive housing facilities, and provide housing case management in partnership with local shelters and partners, as well as supportive services for people in community-based housing. Following the philosophy of Housing First, we work to provide low-barrier, behavior-based housing and services without preconditions and barriers to entry, such as sobriety or treatment participation requirements.
The Outreach Housing Case Manager is primarily responsible for working with people who are in shelters, transitional housing, or are unsheltered, assessing their needs, collaboratively setting goals with their clients, and connecting them to community services such as mental and physical health care, housing, job training, and financial support programs. The primary focus is to help individuals and families get housed. Case Managers also follow CHF policies and procedures and work with other providers to help clients. Case Managers follow best practices in our field, including trauma-informed care, harm reduction, de-escalation, motivational interviewing, and assertive engagement.
We are looking for someone with experience working successfully with people who have experienced homelessness, who has effective communication skills, can build positive rapport with partners and clients, and who can work independently but also at times, closely with their supervisor and team. This position also requires flexibility, an ability to manage time well despite frequent changes in plans, the ability to complete processes for assisting clients in applying for benefits and documenting work daily.
This work requires compassion and kindness, but also an ability to provide structure and establish healthy boundaries in working with clients. We are passionate about the work we do 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.
Specific Duties
Build Relationships
- Build rapport and trust with clients, practicing non-judgment, empathetic listening and communication skills to better understand their individual goals.
- Model positive interactions to help clients build a greater sense of self to move forward in wellness and recovery. Utilize assertive engagement techniques to meet clients where they are and coach clients in setting goals, primarily focused on housing, and identifying realistic steps to achieve them.
- Practice confidentiality in all dealings with clients and staff.
Connect to Resources and Housing
- Complete Coordinated Services assessment with clients
- Assist participants through the housing process, which includes assessing housing needs and barriers, identifying potential housing options, locating apartments, assisting with the application and financing processes, and connecting clients to community resources. Work with the team and partners on move-in planning and support.
- Be aware of resources available to support clients and collaborate with other providers involved in client care. Initiate communication regarding shared clients in order to support them in meeting their goals. Ensure follow-through on the referral process and ensure “warm hand-offs”, including other service providers in the case management process. Advocate for each individual when difficulties arise in obtaining needed community services.
- 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. Provide follow-up support to clients after they move in.
Document Your Work
- Update records daily about assessments and plans, client interactions, coordinated services, residents' progress, and other activities, as required.
- Complete grant-specific processes and paperwork as required. Complete data entry into Shelterware, and HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) as required.
Other responsibilities include:
- Participate in weekly staff meetings, CHF housing meetings, partner meetings, and relevant trainings as required.
- Drive a personal car to meet with clients in their homes and in the community. Must possess a current driver’s license and maintain vehicle insurance coverage. Occasionally, transport clients to appointments, etc. if necessary.
- Carry a CHF-provided cell phone and laptop computer in order to complete work in the field.
- Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
Required Experience/Abilities:
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- At least 1 year of case management or related experience in serving people experiencing homelessness or who are vulnerable
- Training in Trauma-Informed Care, De-escalation skills
- Ability to lift 30 lbs, assist in moving small items such as a bag of groceries
- Valid State Driver’s License
- Ability to pass a state/federal criminal background check.
Preferred Experience/Abilities:
- Certified Community Health Worker or Peer Support/Wellness Specialist
- Training in Motivational Interviewing, working with people who have Substance Use Disorder/Mental Health issues
- Bachelor’s degree/associate's degree in a social service area (Psychology, Human Development and Family Science, Social Work, Public or Community Health, etc.) OR equivalent training/experience
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.
This is a full-time, hourly position, 40 hours a week, $24.00 hr.
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Health Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- We want to get to know you a bit more! Tell us more about your interest in this position and how you would apply your skills and experience. Answers should be about two paragraphs in length.
Experience:
- Case management: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
