Housing Stabilization Case Manager

Organization: Community Day Center of Waltham

Reports to: Executive Director

Hours: fulltime (40 hrs/week)

About the Organization:

The Community Day Center of Waltham is a drop-in day shelter that provides a core range of services to people facing homelessness in Metrowest.

Our services include but are not limited to: case management that supports our guests with finding, securing, and maintaining housing, a seasonal overnight program, meal services, mail services, AA meetings, Smart Recovery, other support for substance abuse recovery, shower and laundry facilities, and essential hygiene and clothing distributions.

Please also note that the Community Day Center is not a traditional office setting! We are a drop-in center, meaning a typical day looks like 30-40 people mulling about in your workspace. Be prepared that plans often go awry, it will always be noisy, and the unexpected will happen!

If environments like this excite you, and you seek to make a difference in the lives of deeply underserved populations, we want to hear from you!

About the Role:

The Stabilization Case Manager will work to address one of the greatest challenges facing individuals transitioning out of chronic homelessness: maintaining housing once it has been secured. While placing someone into housing is a significant milestone, it is only the beginning of the journey. Nationally, approximately 20% of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness lose their housing within the first year, often because they have never had the opportunity to learn the skills and routines required to successfully maintain a home.

Many of our guests have lived outdoors or in shelters for years. After moving into housing, they may struggle to pay rent on time, navigate benefits, manage housekeeping, comply with lease requirements, maintain healthy boundaries with visitors, or cope with the isolation and adjustment that comes with living independently. Without intensive support during this critical transition, even small challenges can quickly escalate into eviction and a return to homelessness.

The Stabilization Case Manager will begin working with clients after they move into housing and continue providing individualized support as needed. By providing intensive, proactive support during the first year of tenancy and beyond, the Stabilization Case Manager will aim to reduce returns to homelessness, strengthen long-term housing outcomes, and ensure that the significant community investment required to house someone results in lasting stability.

Duties:

• Provide intensive, housing-focused case management to individuals as they transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
• Assist clients in securing furniture, household goods, and essential supplies for their new homes.
• Physically assist clients with moving into their housing when appropriate.
• Conduct weekly or biweekly home visits during the first year of tenancy to assess housing stability and identify emerging concerns.
• Respond proactively to crises that may threaten a client's housing stability.
• Teach and reinforce independent living skills, including housekeeping, budgeting, rent payment, apartment maintenance, and lease compliance.
• Mediate conflicts between tenants and landlords to prevent eviction whenever possible.
• Assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment or other stable sources of income.
• Assist clients with applications and renewals for public benefits, including SNAP, SSI/SSDI, MassHealth, and other income supports.
• Connect clients with mental health services, substance use treatment, primary healthcare, and other community resources.
• Supervise Case Management Interns.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes.
• Collaborate closely with the CDCW Case Management team and community partners to coordinate services and ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has previous case management experience.
• Has previous experience working with the unhoused population.
• MUST have a vehicle, valid driver's license, and an acceptable driving record.
• Has a proven ability to build trust and rapport, especially when working with marginalized communities.
• Speaking Spanish is a HUGE plus.
• Has strong written communication skills, including experience writing letters of support for clients.
• Is flexible and adaptable—every day is different at our drop-in center!
• Holds a degree in psychology, public health, or social work.
• Has basic computer skills, including familiarity with Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, excel, etc.).

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and value lived experience. If you don’t meet every qualification listed but believe you’re a strong fit for this role, we encourage you to apply!

Salary & Benefits

• $50,000 USD/year
• Reimbursed health and dental insurance up to $340/month
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 3 paid personal days
• Stipend for gas and vehicle wear and tear

Health insurance and dental insurance reimbursed up to $340/month

3 weeks paid vacation

one annual shut-down week that does not count towards vacation days

3 personal days

Stipend for vehicle wear and tear and gas

English, fluency required

Spanish, fluency highly desired