Bilingual Housing Search Case Manager

Victory Programs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 52,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in social services is seeking a Bilingual Housing Search Case Manager to support clients in their journey to secure stable housing. This role involves working closely with clients to identify barriers, develop personalized housing plans, and navigate the complexities of the housing system. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, the organization fosters a collaborative environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing homelessness and other challenges. Join a dedicated team that values compassion and resilience in creating safe and supportive communities.

Benefits

75% Health Insurance Contribution

25% Dental Insurance Contribution

100% Employer-Paid Disability Insurance

100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance

Generous Paid Time Off

4 Personal Days

160 Sick Hours

10 Holidays

3.5 Weeks of Vacation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 1-2 years’ experience or high school diploma with 3+ years in client advocacy.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in multicultural settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in overcoming barriers to housing and create individualized service plans.
• Maintain accurate records and communicate with housing authorities and landlords.

Skills

Client Advocacy

Case Management

Organizational Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Multicultural Competency

Harm Reduction Philosophy

Education

Bachelor's Degree

High School Diploma

Tools

Google Office Suite

Job description

Description

The Bilingual Housing Search Case Manager will provide high intensity housing search to help clients overcome barriers and access affordable, safe homes, to better their health outcomes. These supports are designed to increase housing retention. The Housing Search Case Manager reports to the Program Director of Housing Search and Stabilization Services for weekly supervision and programmatic assignments.

Victory Housing Division provides life-stabilization services, intensive housing placement services, and case management services to homeless families and individuals. Our program helps families and individuals obtain permanent, safe housing solutions, increase self-sufficiency, and gain skills which support housing stability.

Essential Functions:

1. Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence, including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries, and client confidentiality.
2. Ensure that policies and procedures of the programs are followed.
3. Work with a caseload of 30-35 clients. In an intensive 12–18-month process, the search specialist will work to determine appropriate housing possibilities and create an individualized housing service plan including short- and long-term goals associated with stable, affordable housing.
4. Work with clients to set priorities and take steps toward reaching these goals.
5. Work with clients to identify possible barriers to obtaining housing.
6. Discuss criminal, credit, and eviction history.
7. Request CORI and credit reports with all clients willing to do so.
8. Proactively plan strategies to appeal housing denials and present mitigating factors.
9. Attend all housing-related appointments with clients, including interviews, appeal hearings, apartment viewings, and lease signings.
10. Work with clients on accessing, obtaining, and applying for resources related to housing search and support for maintaining housing such as income support, health insurance support, identification documents, etc.
11. Maintain communications with housing authorities, landlords, and private management companies responsible for administering affordable housing options.
12. Contact these providers regularly to remain informed of available housing, open waiting lists, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
13. Work closely with clients on all phases of the subsidized housing process, including completing and following-up on housing applications, researching available apartments, and accompanying clients to all related housing appointments.
14. Formulate and document individualized housing service plans for clients.
15. Assist clients in creating goals that are achievable, concrete, measurable, and time-limited.
16. Maintain contact with other internal and external client providers, including, but not limited to, counselors, case managers, and housing providers.
17. Maintain timely and accurate records of all client work, completing all program-required assessments.
18. Maintain clear, concise, and accurate client files and data-based records.
19. Attend weekly team meetings, weekly supervision, and monthly clinical supervision meetings.
20. Attend All Staff meetings, monthly staff trainings, and program collaborative meetings.
21. Research and identify available rental opportunities, educate clients about the requirements to qualify, obtain and submit required documentation, and assist clients in the application process for available units and waitlists.

Non-Essential Functions:

1. Participate and support the agency in program holiday events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, HIV/AIDS rally and walk, and any additional functions.
2. Attend weekly staff meetings, in-service training, and agency workshops.
3. Attend additional training as requested by your supervisor to enhance skills.
4. Perform any other duty or task that may be requested by a supervisor or the Program Director.
5. Represent Victory Programs, Inc. in external meetings, as requested.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree with 1-2 years’ experience preferred, or High school diploma with 3 or more years of client advocacy experience. Relevant experience may include:

1. Housing search.
2. Housing retention.
3. Case management.
4. HIV services.
5. Experience advocating for clients with government assistance agencies, housing authorities, private landlords, or realtors preferred.
6. Openness to harm reduction philosophy.
7. Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a member of a professional team.
8. Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
9. Strong computer skills, including Google office suites and Internet use.
10. Demonstrated ability to work successfully in multicultural settings with diverse client groups, including people with mental health concerns and substance use disorder.
11. Must be CPR certified (may be obtained upon hire).
12. Complete TB screening (may be obtained upon hire).
13. Three strong work-related professional references; at least 2 from manager or supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bilingual (English/Spanish, Haitian Creole) preferred.
2. A valid Massachusetts driver’s license with safety driving points of 00, 99, 01, 02, or 03.

Position Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Monday - Friday 9am-5pm. On site.

Rate: $26.00/hr

Victory Programs values a diverse workforce, as we collectively seek to create welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environments for our employees and the people we serve. We strive to sustain healthy, functioning communities that respect and celebrate different experiences, identities, cultures, and ideas.

Victory Programs has helped individuals and families in crisis for over 45 years. Thousands turn to us yearly for shelter, sustenance, recovery, care, and professional, compassionate support. Most struggle with homelessness, substance use, and mental health, and many live with HIV/AIDS. Our team of more than 300 staff across over 30+ programs works with people to develop and execute creative, safe solutions to the very real challenges our clients face.

Our benefit program includes a 75% health and 25% dental employer premium contribution, 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance. Victory Programs offers a generous paid time off package to all employees including vacation, sick, and personal time as well as holidays. Upon hire, all staff are entitled to up to: 4 personal days, 160 sick hours, 10 holidays, and 3 1/2 weeks of vacation. These figures adjust based on full-time or part-time status and allocated vacation time increases with length of employment.