Shelter Case Manager

Job Type Full-time Description Call to Action Are you someone who is looking to work for a mission driven organization looking to make a BIG IMPACT Do you want to use your skills, passion, and drive to EMPOWER the lives of others? If this sounds like you or someone you know, then apply today YWCA Hartford Region is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all . What we do : We have served nearly 2,000 people annually, we are helping women and girls bridge the educational, career and financial gaps to prepare them for life-long stability and economic security. Help make a difference and join our mission by securing an exciting career with YWCA Harford Region Compensation : $25.00/ hour Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Position Summary: The Shelter Case Manager assists individuals identifying as female, or gender-expansive, in moving from homelessness to permanent housing by providing case management and supportive services. We are seeking an individual with strong critical, analytical thinking and transformative skills that will meet program guidelines and ensure participant success. Services are delivered using a low barrier, harm reduction, housing-focused, person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally conscious, voluntary services model, designed to support participants in obtaining housing and developing the independent living skills necessary for living in the community. Schedule: The Shelter Case Manager is a full-time, non-exempt position. Work schedule is Tuesday- Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm ; may offer flexibility based upon program needs. Due to the nature of the role, working on a Saturday is required and non-negotiable . Essential Functions of the Job: Case Management Supporting a caseload of 18-24 individuals, provides housing-focused case management to engage, assess housing needs and develop individual housing plans with participants to quickly exit shelter and build skills toward housing stabilization; Performs participant intake assessment to determine participant's needs and goals, and in partnership with participant, develops a strengths-based, solution-focused individual service and action plan that promotes obtaining and maintaining permanent housing; Assists participants in obtaining identity and income documentation for housing applications, and any other documents required to qualify for housing programs in accordance with Coordinated Access Network (CAN) guidelines; Supports participants in removing barriers to reduce participants' average lengths of stay and increase the number of households who exit to permanent housing, including using shelter diversion techniques, family mediation, and other resources to assist participants in self-resolving their housing crisis; Assists participants in conducting housing searches, identifying units, applying, and attending housing-related appointments; Connects participants to cash, medical and other benefits; supportive services including workforce development, financial literacy, child care, and transportation; and healthcare and other community-based services; Assists participants to attend appointments, including providing transportation utilizing personal vehicle for agency business, as appropriate; Provides or arranges for tenancy classes or skill-building in preparation participants' assuming the rights and responsibilities of a lease. Shelter Operations Engages in activities that support the health and safety of the participants, and smooth operations of the emergency shelter in accordance with program and funder guidelines, including provision of toiletries or other personal care items, and restocking of supplies; Prepares shelter rooms for new intakes, including room clean outs when needed after a discharge; Partners with the Clinical Case Manager or other staff to conduct room checks of participant rooms; Provides individual or group feedback, role-modeling, counseling, instruction and/or assistance with activities of daily living, including cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, and shopping; Facilitates monthly house meetings to deliver important information to participants in the program and discuss any relevant information. Documentation and Recordkeeping Completes all required assessments and paperwork in a timely manner and in accordance with deadlines; Records participant engagement, maintaining timely and accurate case management logs, participant assessments, and intervention plan records in accordance with agency requirements; Performs audits of files in order to ensure all documentation is input and all interactions are recorded in HMIS in a timely manner, documenting detailed participant interactions within a 24-48 hour window. Service Provision and Crisis Intervention Engages with participants using trauma-informed, trauma-responsive approaches, integrating practices from the Sanctuary Model; Implements a harm reduction philosophy with participants who have relapsed into substance abuse or continue to use substances, so that health care, support and housing continue to be provided; Mediates between participants and homeless system providers using empathy, relationship-building, conflict resolution and mediation skills to build and maintain participant trust; Engages in crisis intervention and de-escalation during crisis or urgent situations, working as part of a team to de-escalate crisis; Remains up-to-date and provides immediate crisis intervention care to participants while supporting team. Collaboration Develops and/or sustains relationships with clinical, healthcare, educational, vocational and other community-based social support services in order to effectively reduce barriers, support, and advocate for participants in the community; Establishes a network of landlords to ensure participants secure immediate housing; Provides assistance with locating and securing permanent housing, including participating, advocating, and contributing at CAN meetings, twice monthly; Collaborates and effectively communicates with team members ensuring that desired outcomes are achieved. Training and Development Participates in relevant trainings and additional personal and professional development activities to enhance knowledge and understanding of homelessness, counseling, racial justice, gender and economic empowerment of all; Gains familiarity with CAN acronyms, policies, and procedures; Other duties as assigned within the team and/or by supervisor. Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree preferred. Preferably in human services or related field. Experience: Two years' experience in human services or related field required. Bachelor's degree in human services will be considered alongside of related experience; Demonstrated ability to work with participants experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental health and substance use issues required; Experience providing residential and community case management services, determining appropriate interventions, and solving practical problems; Candidates already part of the Coordinated Access Network are encouraged to apply. Knowledge and Licensure: Bi-lingual Spanish/English preferred; Possession of and ability to maintain valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and current registration and insurance. Skills: Skilled at individual and group based interventions. Adaptableness: Adaptable easily to change and competing priorities. Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Composure: Responds to information and situations in a self-controlled manner. Customer Service: Excellent interpersonal skills including professional demeanor and positive, service-oriented attitude toward all internal and external customers. Diversity: Commitment to racial, gender and social justice. Recognizes and values the diversity and uniqueness of others. Empathetically and respectfully accepts these differences and works cooperatively and sincerely to optimize contributions of all individuals. Ethics & Integrity: Ability to adhere to confidentiality guidelines. Makes decisions and conducts self in a manner consistent with the organizations mission. Respects all individuals in the work environment and treats them as such. Demonstrates high personal standards of acceptance and openness to others. Personal Accountability: Accepts responsibility for own actions, embraces experiences as learning opportunities. Planning: Strong organizational and time management skills. Problem Solving: Ability to de-escalate crisis situations with professionalism and sound judgement. Service: Passion, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven and self-directed. Team Building: Preference for working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. Technical Skills: Proficient use of Microsoft Office and other computer applications used for tracking data and reporting outcomes. Benefits : A career with YWCA Hartford provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or special part-time (intermittent). Benefits may include: Health Insurance - A group medical plan and group dental plan offers comprehensive coverage to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Long-term Disability - Eligible employees receive company-paid long-term disability insurance. Short-term Disability - All eligible employees may elect short-term disability to cover the employee for 12 weeks, if disabled. This is an employee-paid option. Life Insurance - A company-paid group life insurance plan is available to eligible employees. Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible dependents. Time Off From Work - Eligible employees receive ten paid holidays per year, paid vacation and personal time, as well as paid sick time. Retirement Plan - All eligible employees are enrolled in a non-contributory pension plan after two years of employment. Childcare Discounts - Employees receive discounts on childcare offered at YWCA Hartford Region. EOE/ AA Salary Description $25.00 per hour