Case Manager

Job summary: The Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager is responsible for providing intensive case management services to families experiencing chronic homelessness in which at least one household member has a […]

Encoded

Job summary: The Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager is responsible for providing intensive case management services to families experiencing chronic homelessness in which at least one household member has a disability. Services are focused on helping families obtain affordable housing through rental subsidy vouchers, maintain permanent housing, increase stability and well-being, and reduce the risk of returning to homelessness.

Using a strengths-based, client-centered approach, the Case Manager partners with program participants to identify goals, build on their strengths, and work toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. Key responsibilities include assisting participants with securing and maintaining housing; developing and monitoring individualized goal plans; connecting participants to appropriate community resources and supportive services; conducting regular home visits; and monitoring rental and utility payment responsibilities.

The Case Manager provides ongoing guidance, support, advocacy, and motivation to help participants address barriers, achieve identified goals, and maintain housing stability.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

• Accept and process program referrals from Garden State Community Economic Development Corporation (GSECDC).
• Provide intensive case management services consistent with Housing First, strengths-based, and client-centered principles.
• Complete participant intake, assessments, releases of information, and other required program documentation.
• Gather and maintain required Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) information and submit housing certification documentation to the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA), as applicable.
• Orient participants to Village of Families (VoF) services, available supports, program expectations, and participant responsibilities.
• Assist participants with securing and maintaining safe, stable housing and understanding their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with landlords and property managers and work collaboratively with participants and landlords to address tenancy concerns, lease-related issues, and other barriers that may threaten housing stability.
• Monitor participant rental and utility payment responsibilities and intervene promptly when concerns arise that may jeopardize housing stability. Assist participants with identifying strategies and resources to address rental or utility arrears when appropriate.
• Maintain regular contact with participants through home visits, telephone calls, text messages, email, virtual meetings, and other appropriate methods. Participants are expected to receive a minimum of weekly case management contact, with increased frequency based on individual needs or during periods of crisis.
• Collaborate with participants to identify strengths, needs, and goals; develop individualized goal plans; monitor progress; and adjust interventions as needed.
• Engage and motivate participants to address issues that may affect housing stability, well-being, and progress toward greater self-sufficiency.
• Provide crisis intervention, support, and appropriate referrals during emergencies or other challenging situations.
• Advocate on behalf of participants and connect them with appropriate community-based services and resources to address identified needs.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case records and document all required services and participant contacts in HMIS and other designated systems.
• Collect, track, and report required daily, monthly, and program statistics and assist with other reports as assigned.
• Participate in case conferences, supervision, agency and department meetings, trainings, and special projects as required.
• Collaborate with VoF staff, other agency programs, community providers, landlords, and other partners to coordinate services and support participant needs.
• Fulfill mandated reporting responsibilities by reporting suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult to the appropriate authorities in accordance with applicable laws and agency policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of program and participant needs.

Qualifications and Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in the social/human services field.
• Experience working with individuals and families impacted by homelessness, mental health conditions, and/or substance use, with an understanding of the factors that contribute to homelessness, strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Housing First, strengths-based, and client-centered approaches.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Arabic.
• Knowledge of community resources and supportive services available to individuals and families in Hudson County.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers and the ability to learn and use electronic case management and documentation systems, including HMIS.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment, including recognizing when consultation or supervisory support is needed.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing participant and program needs.
• Ability to adjust work schedule based on participant and program needs, including occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Hudson County and conduct home visits in a variety of community settings and neighborhoods.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing, reliable access to a vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance. Mileage reimbursement is provided for authorized work-related travel.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including sitting for approximately 3–6 hours per day and intermittent walking, standing, and climbing stairs.

Core Competencies

Working effectively with families who have experienced chronic homelessness requires patience, persistence, empathy, flexibility, and an understanding of the impact that homelessness and trauma can have on individuals and families. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A genuine commitment to working with families who have experienced homelessness and an ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with participants.
• Patience and persistence, with the ability to remain engaged and supportive when progress is gradual or setbacks occur.
• A strengths-based, nonjudgmental, and open-minded approach that respects participant choice, autonomy, and readiness for change.
• Strong interpersonal, active listening, engagement, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to motivate and encourage participants toward positive change while respecting their autonomy and recognizing that participants ultimately make their own choices and determine their goals.
• Flexibility, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to consider alternative approaches when initial strategies are unsuccessful.
• Strong advocacy skills and the ability to assist participants in navigating systems and accessing needed services and resources.
• Ability to communicate difficult or sensitive information clearly, respectfully, and professionally while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to remain calm, maintain perspective, and use a positive, solution-oriented approach when responding to challenging situations.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, timely, and thorough case documentation.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, including effective communication with colleagues and a willingness to provide support when another team member is unavailable.
• Initiative in identifying community resources, developing professional partnerships, and seeking learning opportunities that strengthen services to participants.
• Awareness of the importance of professional resilience, appropriate boundaries, and self-care when working with individuals and families with complex needs.
• Ability to recognize and reinforce participant progress and successes, including incremental steps toward greater housing stability, well-being, and self-sufficiency.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the VoF Case Manager. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties in addition to those outlined above from time to time, as needed.

Creator

P

Job summary: The Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager is responsible for providing intensive case management services to families experiencing chronic homelessness in which at least one household member has a disability. Services are focused on helping families obtain affordable housing through rental subsidy vouchers, maintain permanent housing, increase stability and well-being, and reduce the risk of returning to homelessness.