Family First Housing Solutions

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Pay: $23.50 - $24.00/hour
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Mission Statement: "To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services."

Benefits Offered:

• Flexible medical coverage options
• Voluntary dental, vision, life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation + Sick Pay)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matching
• Paid on-the-job training and orientation
• Mileage reimbursement
• Referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career growth

Job Summary: The Housing Solutions Case Manager II, under the direction of the Housing Solutions Manager, is responsible for assisting Mercy House clients in obtaining and sustaining permanent housing by utilizing the Housing First Model. This position provides case management services and housing advocacy to clients who enter our system of care. The Housing Solutions Case Manager II assesses clients, evaluates the effectiveness of housing plans, and tracks clients' progress toward their housing goals. This position advocates for and supports clients enrolled in the Rapid Re-Housing and Homelessness Prevention programs and ensures the team practices Trauma-Informed Care, client-focused strategies, and other evidence-based practices for addressing homelessness
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Case Management

• Attend Family Support Team (FST) and/or Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings as assigned by supervisor
• Provide comprehensive case management services, including intakes, housing stabilization plans, goal planning, service linkage, and ongoing monitoring
• Utilize client-focused strategies such as Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients stabilize their housing
• Maintain case notes using the GIRP (Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan) format
• Provide tenant education, advocacy, and referrals to community resources as needed
• Develop individualized case management plans, including financial planning and housing goals, with individuals and/or families
• Meet regularly with clients to track program progress and ensure compliance with program requirements
• Understand the importance of achieving quality outcomes for clients
• Empower clients in a supportive, objective, and client-centered manner
• Maintain up-to-date case files and ensure all required client information is entered into the HMIS database in a timely manner
• Update the program's master logs daily and ensure information is accurate for each case
• Coordinate home visits with clients as necessary
• Assist clients in overcoming employment and housing-related barriers by building upon their strengths and recognizing their needs in a respectful manner
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and connect clients with appropriate services as needed
• Follow all agency case management policies and procedures
• Maintain a caseload as assigned by the Housing Solutions Manager, including clients with high acuity
• Maintain familiarity with Coordinated Entry System (CES) processes and procedures and participate in match meetings as necessary
• Assist clients with housing searches, provide housing leads, and facilitate relationships between landlords and clients
• Provide support and mediate landlord-resident issues as necessary to help clients maintain housing stability
• Complete recertification of assistance as required and obtain necessary documentation from clients in a timely manner
• Conduct client follow-ups as assigned by supervisor

Team Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively as a team member to support the agency's mission and core values
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, supervision meetings, community meetings, and training workshops as needed
• Participate in monthly Housing Solutions team meetings to discuss client progress, program needs, and available resources
• Collaborate with leasing agents, as applicable, to support clients' housing efforts, including habitability inspections
• Foster positive working relationships with fellow case managers and leadership
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment by multitasking, collaborating across departments, adapting to changing priorities, and demonstrating reliability, trustworthiness, and empathy
• Provide support in training new case managers and assist with day-to-day questions related to job responsibilities
• Demonstrate leadership and team-building skills that support the agency's mission, quality services, and core values
• Maintain effective communication with the Housing Solutions Manager

Administration

• Maintain accurate and current client documentation, including stabilization plans, case notes, call logs, emergency plans, and other required records
• Submit and upload supporting documentation related to client services in a timely manner
• Assist with program activities as needed
• Develop partnerships with community agencies to enhance existing services
• Assist with all data collection systems
• Ensure the confidentiality and security of case files and client information while maintaining knowledge of HIPAA requirements
• Ensure all client documentation is valid, complete, and submitted in a timely manner
• Utilize computers and appropriate software applications effectively
• Respond to phone calls and emails in a timely manner
• Perform duties independently while prioritizing assignments and meeting deadlines
• Perform other projects and duties as assigned by upper management

Requirements
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field, and/or four years of experience in social work or human services within a public or private organization required
• Minimum of one year of case management experience serving individuals experiencing homelessness highly preferred

General Requirements

• Valid California driver's license, proof of insurance, and reliable personal vehicle required; must be comfortable using a personal vehicle to conduct home visits, visit clients at shelters, and meet clients throughout the community
• Ability to communicate effectively and work independently
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication, critical thinking, attention to detail, and client-centered service skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive client information
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, facilitate small group discussions, and provide crisis intervention as necessary
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional, and safe work environment while establishing effective working relationships with clients, landlords, social workers, and other service providers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and basic computer, email, typing, and internet skills
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic, English, Farsi, Spanish, or Vietnamese highly preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk and using a computer