Housing Case Management Coordinator - Beacon House

Organizational Summary:

Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP) is a multi-service public health organization dedicated to protecting the health and welfare of the homeless, drug users, sex workers, and the uninsured. Using a harm reduction approach, PPP offers culturally sensitive, non-judgmental services to address the health and social service needs of drug users and sex workers in Philadelphia. PPP meets people where they are, providing information and access to resources with dignity and respect. PPP promotes harm reduction through mobile medical care, sterile syringe exchange,

referrals to social services, and comprehensive prevention case management services.

Position Overview:

The Housing Coordinator is part of the leadership team in PPP’s homeless services department. Their focus is on supporting the department’s emergency shelter program that provides up to 70 people with shelter each night. They supervise Housing Case Managers and the CRS Team to support residents in developing housing plans and assist them in accessing other necessary resources. The Housing Coordinator works with housing case managers to identify housing related goals and action plans as well as linkage to necessary medical care, drug treatment, and benefits services for residents. They also serve as liaison between PPP’s emergency housing programs and outside agencies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Maintain an up-to-date census and alert partner outreach teams of bed openings.
2. Review referrals to determine eligibility and assist in alternate placements if necessary.
3. Review client files on paper, in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and the electronic medical record (EMR). Ensure that case managers enter all documentation consistently and in a timely manner.
4. Lead regular case conferences to review resident housing plans, barriers, and ongoing resident issues with case managers.
5. Conduct regular individual supervision with case managers.
6. Train all new housing case management staff and provide ongoing training and supervision.
7. Assist individuals who meet criteria in accessing housing placements, including emergency shelter, safe haven, Journey of Hope, rapid re-housing, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and other placements as available.
8. Coordinate with onsite PPP teams to ensure referral and linkage of residents to all available onsite medical and behavioral health services.
9. Collaborate with referral service providers, including assessment centers, housing programs, Office of Homeless Services (OHS), and Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).
10. Work with shelter support staff to address resident issues in a timely manner. Meet with residents as needed to discuss safety planning, shelter expectations, and other concerns related to residency.
11. Work with case managers and shelter supervisors to develop life-skills-building programs and activities for residents.
12. Take point in collaborating and managing the partnership with Project HOME’s Hospital to Home initiative, working directly with hospital staff and coordinating care for hospital referrals.
13. Work seamlessly with PPP’s Homeless Outreach team to assist past, current, and future residents with placements.
14. Actively participate in supervision, team, interdepartmental, and staff meetings.
15. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Please note that this job may require working staggered, non-traditional hours including weekends and evenings.   

Skills Required:

• Skill in communicating effectively with a variety of people of different backgrounds  
• Strong computer and professional writing skills 
• Ability to use a harm reduction approach to housing and substance use
• Dynamic, creative, flexible, able to learn and adapt in a changing environment  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team   

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least two years’ experience with communities impacted by homelessness, substance use, and/or HIV. Staff supervision experience strongly preferred.
• Fluency in English and Spanish strongly preferred
• Valid driver’s license preferred
• ASAM certification preferred, or the ability to become ASAM certified within ninety days of start date.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia homeless and housing services.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocacy and social justice, particularly as related to harm reduction, poverty, and homelessness.
• Skill in communicating effectively with a variety of people of different backgrounds
• Strong computer and professional writing skills
• Ability to use a harm reduction approach to housing and substance use
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to navigate public transportation and work outdoors

Education:

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Social Work, Public Health Sociology, or a related field

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Other Requirements:

• This position includes the normal physical demands of a community-based health program, including lifting/moving up to 25lbs, bending, and carrying. Other physical requirements include walking and standing for long periods and sitting for up to 30 minutes.
• This position requires travel to outreach locations within Philadelphia and the ability to work out-of-doors for up to 8 hours.
• This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act