Case Manager – Youth Drop-In Center

Program Overview

Through this initiative, SAMU First Response will operate a Daytime Drop-In Center in Washington, DC, designed to serve youth ages 18 to 24 experiencing housing instability. This project aligns with Solid Foundations, the District’s strategic plan to prevent and end youth homelessness, and seeks to expand access to year-round, youth-friendly spaces where young people facing housing crises can access specialized resources and supportive services to move toward stability and wellbeing.

Services offered will include, but are not limited to: housing support, case management, mental health and substance abuse recovery services, harm reduction, income and benefits enrollment, sexual and emotional wellness services, life skills development, physical health support, work readiness, employment services, independent living skills, financial literacy, and assistance securing permanent housing. Coordination with DC’s behavioral health, disability, and substance abuse systems, as well as other youth homeless service providers, is required. The program actively participates in the District’s Youth Coordinated Assessment Housing Placement (CAHP) system.

Role and Responsibilities

The Case Manager plays a vital role in providing individualized support to youth accessing the Drop-In Center, ensuring participants receive comprehensive, trauma-informed services designed to promote stability, independence, and overall wellbeing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct client intakes, needs assessments, and service planning in alignment with CAHP protocols.
• Provide ongoing case management, assisting clients in setting goals and connecting to relevant services, including housing, health, behavioral health, and employment supports.
• Assist clients with enrollment in public benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Social Security benefits, and Medicaid.
• Coordinate care with community partners, including behavioral health and substance abuse providers, healthcare agencies, and housing organizations.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records, assessments, and documentation in compliance with DHS, HMIS, and SAMU standards.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and service coordination efforts to ensure a holistic, client-centered approach.
• Provide crisis intervention and support as needed, utilizing trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches.
• Support life skills development and facilitate access to independent living resources for program participants.
• Promote client engagement, empowerment, and self-sufficiency through consistent support and advocacy.
• Participate in the District’s CAHP system, conducting assessments and facilitating placements as required.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or program leadership.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or related social services, science, or healthcare field; and a minimum of two (2) years of experience providing case management services.
• Experience working with clients with behavioral health and/or substance abuse backgrounds.
• In lieu of a degree, with prior approval by DHS, candidates may qualify with at least four (4) years of work experience in a social service and/or human service setting performing case management.
• Relevant certification and/or licensure (e.g., certified addictions counselor) may substitute for educational requirements.
• Experience assisting clients with public benefit applications (e.g., SNAP, Social Security, Medicaid).
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with vulnerable populations and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed, harm reduction, and culturally competent service approaches.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in maintaining case documentation and adhering to confidentiality standards.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Non-Negotiable Expectations

• Punctuality and attendance on all scheduled shifts.
• Communicating with clients and colleagues in a professional, respectful, and constructive manner.
• Treating clients with dignity.
• Upholding confidentiality at all times.
• Commitment to a safe, harassment, and discrimination-free workplace.

Physical Demands

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SAMU First Response is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. SAMU does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

On-site or Remote: On-site

Location: Washington, DC

Travel Required: Within the DMV

Application DeadLine: ASAP, rolling