POSITION DESCRIPTION

Responsible for providing case management and support services from a client-centered, trauma informed perspective to individuals and families at risk of and who are currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Case Managers work with each household on housing navigation, placement, and a wide array of housing stabilization activities. NHA’s Pathways services include prevention and housing stabilization services for households where the head of household has a SPMI that places them at an increased risk of homelessness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct an in-depth eligibility and assessment with all program participants upon intake.

Build rapport and engage participants in exploring strengths and identifying barriers to housing and housing stability.

Cooperatively develop an individualized housing stabilization plan according to the unique household situation.

Schedule regular meetings with participants to monitor progress towards housing stabilization.

Provide information and referral of community resources to participants in order to achieve goals. Assist in connecting with those resources as needed.

Provide advocacy as appropriate.

Landlord outreach and engagement with the goal of being able to house new participants and prevent evictions for existing participants.

Provide skills-training in navigating the mental health system, social service system, activities of daily living, and in finding and applying for affordable housing to empower participants.

Assist participant in locating and obtaining safe, affordable housing.

Facilitate the appeal process when participants are denied housing.

Determine appropriate levels of financial assistance and coordinate the provision of housing assistance directly with vendors such as landlords or utility companies, etc.

Facilitate move-in activities with participant which included conducting housing inspections, coordinate with landlords and assist in executing leases.

Ensure units abide to Lead Base Paint Safety Standard laws.

Become knowledgeable about the various funding regulations and eligible expenses per grant.

Service Coordination as needed with regards to managing utility assistance and other housing need supports for program participants.

Facilitate referrals for mental health services and other social service agencies.

Coordinate with community based mental health agencies; attend client staffing’s as needed and keep internal files up to date with current listing of contact information for mental health team members.

Complete all participant documentation according to HMIS Standards to facilitate accurate data entry into the HMIS system.

Complete accurate and timely documentation of intake, assessment, case plan and participation agreements, financial assistance requests, lease documents, case notes and any other paperwork required by the program.

Ensure the electronic case file (ECM) is complete and accurate.

Coordinate and at times provide transportation to program participants as appropriate.

Attend staff meetings, workshops, and trainings as scheduled.

Meet regularly with supervisor to plan and prioritize workload, explore overall performance, and work on professional development activities.

Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

QMHP preferred; or a combination of life experience and/or education in

issues related to poverty, families experiencing homelessness, and government entitlements.

Demonstrated knowledge of the Metro area resources, government entitlements, and anti- poverty programs for homeless families and individuals.
Ability to de-escalate and provide support as needed.
Experience working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
Experience in community-based services.
Training in Trauma Informed Services and Assertive Engagement preferred.
Possess a conceptual understanding of empowerment, client-centered, family support, and advocacy; possess open communication and positive problem-solving skills.
Ability to relate to participants with different learning styles and cultural backgrounds using respectful listening and verbal communication skills.
Possess positive problem-solving skills and ability to engage in successful conflict resolution.
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
Ability to work both in a team-oriented environment and independently.
Excellent written communication skills.
Proficient skills in Microsoft Word, EXCEL, and Outlook.
Able to successfully pass a criminal background check.
Valid Oregon driver’s license, good driving record and proof of insurance.