Supportive Housing Case Manager chez Clare Housing

II.    Job Summary:

The purpose of this position is to provide direct client services to individuals who are coming out of housing instability and moving into a Clare Housing site. Through direct and collaborative assessments, the Housing Stability Specialist will identify possible barriers in the client’s life which may impact their ability to maintain permanent housing stability. The Housing Stability Specialist will work to address those barriers. The House Stability Specialist also assists with procuring vital public benefits with the client to afford their housing placement.

The major challenge of this position is to provide direct services and support to individuals who often are living with multiple issues and diagnosis such as substance abuse, mental illness, traumatic brain injury and HIV disease. It may also be a challenge to maintain contact with the prospective resident prior to their coming into housing due to the transient nature of housing instability. 

The Housing Stability Specialist will primarily work with the Supportive Services Managers of Clare Midtown and Clare Terrace.  The Housing Stability Specialist will also work closely with property management (PPL, Premier Management, private landlords) when appropriate.

This is a 32/hour week benefits eligible position and may require non-standard hours which may require evenings and weekends. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 4% match of 403(b) retirement fund, four weeks of Paid Time Off in year one, and more. The position is based on-site in Robbinsdale.

III.    Core Job Functions:

Duties and Responsibilities:

•    Create supportive, direct relationships with up to 50 clients who are coming out of histories of homelessness and/or housing instability.

•    Conduct thorough assessments of chemical health, mental health, cognitive and physical health status in order to understand client’s background and risks.

•    Utilize motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and a strength-based approach to client work.

•    Create collaborative service plan with client, with goal being to stabilize once in housing and create long-term success in housing

•    Communicate with shelter workers, HIV case managers, therapists and other support professionals on a regular basis.

•    Meets with clients prior to their housing placement if possible and regularly during their housing placement for 18 months and/or as needed after housing placement has occurred.

•    Provide lease education, tenant handbook education and other pertinent education for the client

•    Work collaboratively with the on-site Support Services Manager as an advocate and intermediary between the client and the property manager if/when lease violations or other housing problems occur.

•    Create Eviction Prevention Plans with client and assist client in meeting goals of Plan.

•    Provide direct support when appropriate, such as hoarding management and organizing in unit.

•    Provide transportation and/or accompaniment for client to housing-related appointments (eg, furniture, lease signing, GRH benefits procurement, etc.).  Accompany client to medical and/or mental/chemical health appointments as appropriate.

•    Provide assistance with grocery shopping, cooking, budgeting skills, and other independent living skills as needed to ensure success once in housing.

•    Understand and uphold the Vulnerable Adults Act and HIPPA regulations.

IV.    Position Requirements:

Education and Experience:

•    Associate’s degree in the human service field.

•    Three to five years of experience working with homeless populations and/or the HIV+ populations in the Twin Cities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

•    Have a sensitivity and aptitude for working with individuals who were formally homeless and persons living with HIV/AIDS, mental illness and chemical health problems. 

•    Ability to work respectfully and communicate effectively with multi-cultural, diverse populations in what can be at times stressful and emotional situations.

•    Must be able to relate professionally with residents, staff, shelter workers and case managers.

•    Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team.

•    Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise good judgment and pay close attention to detail.

•    Strong organizational and problem solving skills, and the ability to multi-task. 

•    Ability to develop support-based relationships with clients who are coming out of histories of homelessness and/or housing instability.

•    Excellent interpersonal communication skills; verbal and written.

•    Ability to maintain professional boundaries and practice self-care in a position that is confronted often with physical illness, mental illness and chemical abuse issues.

•    Must have the emotional stability needed to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

•    Ability to maintain confidentiality of client information.

•    Access to reliable vehicle and ability to maintain good driving record and insurance levels, as directed by the agency, to fulfill job duties that require travel into the community.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

•    Driver’s License, State ID or Passport

V.    Working Conditions and Environment:

This position is located in a supportive housing building for adults living with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities. Many of the residents are formerly homeless individuals. The building is accessible and smoke free.  This position works during normal business hours which may include evening and weekend hours. The person in this position will be exposed to body fluids, infections, odors.

All employees are expected to work effectively in a mission-driven organization whose residents and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to age, race/color, disability, marital status, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or veteran’s status.

Note:    Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.