Case Manager

Title:                    Case Manager (Drop-in Program)            

Department:      Eastern Loudoun Drop-in Center

Reports to:         Program Manager

Salary Range:    $52,000 - $54,000

Location:             Eastern Loudoun (Sterling)

FLSA Status:       Exempt

About Us:

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County.  Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 200 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence.  In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children.  Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)

About the Role: 

The Drop-In Program Case Manager is a part-time position working primarily with single individuals eligible to utilize and those utilizing the Loudoun Homeless Services Center (LHSC) Drop-In Program. The hours for this position are Saturdays, 8am – 5pm and Sundays, 8am-5pm. The Drop-In Case Manager will welcome all clients with dignity and respect and will work to form trusting relationships with clients geared toward helping each client identify and achieve their goals. The Case Manager will support the delivery of low-barrier, Housing First, housing-focused services utilizing a trauma-informed approach. Day to day responsibilities include assisting clients in utilizing Drop-In services (showers, locker access, laundry, and meal services), and ensuring the space is safe and welcoming for all. Additionally, the Case Manager will engage in relational and responsive case management services geared toward connecting clients to services and resources specific to their needs and goals, including the Drop-In program itself. This may include meeting with clients in the community and in the Drop-In to connect clients with shelter, public benefits, health/mental health services, employment, or reconnecting with family and friends. The Case Manager must be comfortable forming relationships with community partners to ensure clients are able to meet their basic needs and work to achieve their goals. 

How you will contribute:  

• Ensure each client feels safe and welcome in the Drop-In program and that each client has access to drop in services (shower, locker access, laundry, food, etc.), and that basic needs are met during their visit. 

• Work to ensure those individuals eligible to utilize the Drop-In Program are aware of the resource and the benefits of utilizing the program. This may include some work in the community to form trusting relationships with clients who may be eligible for the program but who are not currently utilizing the service. 

• Provide relational and responsive case management services to clients, helping to connect clients to community services and resources including shelter, health and mental health services, public benefits, employment, etc. both in the Drop-In Center and in the community if necessary. 

• When clients are interested, work to develop Housing First focused service plans individualized to the client’s unique housing needs, and assist each client through the housing location process. 

• Complete any relevant assessments or referrals to support the client’s goals and needs. 

• Empathetically and firmly address and de-escalate any safety issues that may arise during the client’s visit to the Drop-In Program. 

• Assist clients in securing needed or requested basic needs items and services such as clothing, employment opportunities, benefits, health resources, employment, childcare, educational resources, etc. 

• For clients open to working on a housing plan: 

• Work to collect financial information, identification, and any other information necessary to access housing 

• In collaboration with the Housing Locator, communicate and establish working relationships with local landlords to negotiate lease terms and advocate on behalf of clients 

• Assist with developing a rental assistance package for clients utilizing a variety of funding sources, properly document the distribution of these funds, and lead the recertification process if the household requires additional funds to maintain housing 

• Function as a contributing member of a multidisciplinary team with Shelter House Inc. employees, deployed staff, and involved agencies to ensure clients receive needed services in a timely manner. 

• Assure that all relevant information pertaining to clients is disseminated to all appropriate staff members in a timely manner. 

• Encourage and support the household to focus their efforts on attaining the objectives specified in their Service Plan. 

• Document contact with all clients in a timely manner (within 24 hours) using internal tracking methods, client files and HMIS as required. 

• Develop and facilitate trainings and workshops for clients on topics including but not limited to budgeting, self-care, seeking employment, mental health, etc.   

• Maintain complete client records in accordance with agency standards, funder requirements, and best  practices. 

• Maintain current knowledge and ability to implement emergency procedures including responsibilities as a mandated reporter. 

• Be on call as directed by supervisor. 

• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor. 

• Commit to being a continuous learner; study best practices implemented by Shelter House and Loudoun County DFS and collaborate with program management to implement . 

• Empower and support clients in their successful completion of their identified goals. 

• Safely utilize Shelter House owned vehicles to drive clients to various locations. 

• Ensure compliance with all agency policies. 

• Proficiently operate a computer, fax, printer, copier and Microsoft Office products (email, calendar, drive, etc.). 

• Exemplify the Shelter House core values of (iCARE); Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment. 

• Perform other duties deemed necessary to support the program and agency. 

Required: 

• A bachelor's degree in human services/ related field or commensurate experience 

• 1+ years of street outreach/case management/ direct services/other related experience 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Ability to prioritize competing priorities and make sound judgements 

• Ability to complete tasks while navigating frequent interruptions 

• Ability to deliver creative, resourceful solutions to unique challenges 

• Strong organizational and time management skills 

• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation  

• Ability to Drive a 15-passenger van 

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed 

Preferred: 

• Foreign Language fluency in a language other than English (ex. Spanish, Farsi, Arabic or Amharic) 

• Experience with providing services to clients experiencing homelessness, Mental Health or substance abuse issues 

• Experience utilizing the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). 

Physical Requirements: 

• Annual TB Test is required 

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods 

• Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 

• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match 

• 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off 

• Four Annual Employee Engagement Events

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department. 

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:  

Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.