Housing Case Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct client support (50%)
  • Serve as a housing navigation resource for shelter guests, focusing on those with complex needs, returning guests, or guests facing multiple barriers to housing
  • Conduct or assist with assessments, develop individualized housing plans, and support guests in applications for housing subsidies, obtaining documentation, and engaging in apartment searches
  • Provide targeted advocacy and referrals to medical, mental health, substance use, legal, and vocational services as needed
  • Maintain clear documentation of guest progress and service plans
• Consultation with student case managers (30%)
  • Offer guidance to undergraduate student case managers, helping them problem-solve challenging cases and connect guests to appropriate services
  • Support coordinated case management efforts between both shelters
  • Participate in weekly case review meetings
• Training and resource development (20%)
  • Contribute to and help lead training sessions for student case managers at the start of each season and during the year
  • Contribute to housing and resource guides and case management work flows
  • Foster partnerships with local agencies and service providers to expand available resources for guests

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Knowledge of Boston/Cambridge community resources, particularly in housing, healthcare (including mental health), and public benefits
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of students and shelter guests

Preferred:

• Experience in housing navigation, case management, or related fields
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, chronic mental illness, and/or substance use disorders
• Experience in shelter or housing programs
• Experience providing training or mentorship

This position works in partnership with undergraduate shelter leaders and case managers, requiring flexibility, patience, and a collaborative approach within a student-run environment.

As such, they must possess strong commitment to social justice, knowledge of community issues and partners, and ability to collaborate with young leaders to lead a high quality program.