CLIENT SERVICES CASE MANAGER

SUMMARY:

The Client Services Case Manager provides intensive case management services for families enrolled in the Hildebrand Housing Program with a pronounced emphasis on intensive housing search. The Client Services Case Manager provides comprehensive assessment, linkage, and referral services to individuals and their families in order to achieve long-standing and independent housing stability.

Responsibilities:

Conduct the initial placement and intake interview of referred families. Gather all necessary pre-placement follow-up to include documentation.

Review all pertinent program documents with families; thoroughly explain program expectations and all related rules and requirements. Provide a mechanism for translation as needed to ensure the family's understanding and willingness to comply.

Assess immediate needs and provide an orientation to the facility and/or neighborhood as applicable.

Evaluate the family's needs and strengths through interviews and when necessary consult with other providers and professionals.

Provide intensive housing case management services to assigned families by conducting face to face meetings a minimum of one (1) time per week and telephone check-ins two (2) times per week. At least one (1) home/unit visit per month.

Conduct unit inspections each month as assigned.

Maintain up to date case records for each family including but not limited to weekly progress notes, summaries, correspondence, letters and other appropriate materials.

Work with the family to develop an individualized family self sufficiency plan (SSP) which includes aggressive housing search tasks, service providers as needed to support the family's self-sufficiency plan, and referrals to services designed to remove barriers to permanent housing. Advocate for or assist the client in obtaining such services.

Develop service plan goals that begin to address housing sustainability. These goals can relate to any barrier in the way of achieving permanent housing such as job training, workforce development, socialization/tenancy, educational medical or other psycho-social intervention and supports, financial assistance according to state and federal regulatory guidelines and budget limitations.

Provide basic intervention and client/family counseling as required; provide crisis intervention to include responding to emergency calls; report instances of neglect or abuse to the appropriate authorities; utilize appropriate protocols and procedures for residents who may display behavior that is aggressive, combative or hostile, and/or refuse to follow established program protocols and policies.

Work with other designated staff to implement a program of life skills through group workshops, individualized programs and support groups as needed to assist the family with self-sufficiency.

Participate in collaborative meetings with all stakeholders to assist in the removal of barriers to housing where possible.

Participate in meetings, workshops and trainings as assigned and participate in activities designed to increase skill in related areas.

Attend supervision meeting on a regular basis, as assigned.

Attend staff meetings, regular case review meetings, specialized training as offered and other related meetings and seminars.

Participate in the on-call rotation.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Three to four years experience in case management, housing search or related work with homeless or low-income families.

B.A. degree minimum in social services or related field. A combination of education and experience will be considered.

Detailed understanding of Massachusetts benefit programs, state and federally funded housing programs, private housing developments and the social service network.

Residential program experience is a plus.

Ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of ethnic and social backgrounds is critical.

Strong and demonstrated ability to network with a variety of service providers while sustaining appropriate and professional connections and contacts.

Must be computer literate, familiar with MS Word and competent to utilize a variety of software programs necessary for reporting requirements.

Bilingual in Spanish or Haitian Creole a plus.

Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Must be able to successfully complete a CORI check.

Ability to ambulate stairs unassisted to conduct home visits.

Use of a personal vehicle and the maintenance of a valid MA driver's license and/or ability to efficiently utilize public transportation for home visiting is required.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week.

As with all Hildebrand staff positions, a CORI check is required