Case Manager III - Homeless Prevention

Heartland Family Service; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartland Family Service in Iowa is seeking a dedicated Prevention Specialist to provide homeless prevention services in Pottawattamie County, IA, and in Nebraska's Douglas and Sarpy counties. The role emphasizes trauma-informed Care and collaborative, client-centered support to prevent housing loss for families and individuals.

Responsibilities include screening, identifying needs, coordinating housing stabilization, and connecting clients with resources, budgeting guidance, and landlord

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a comparable human service field AND two years direct care experience in human services OR equivalent combination of education and relevant employment experience
• Working knowledge of computer programs including Word, Excel, Outlook
• Valid Driver's License and acceptable driving record

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills in developing rapport with clients on the phone and in person.
• Assist with returning incoming calls for homeless prevention services as needed.
• Ensure timely response to clients, including conducting an initial screening for eligibility via phone and providing referral services for those who do not qualify
• Responsible for verifying and documenting the eligibility of applicants and maintaining comprehensive, accurate service records for all approved or denied clients
• Provides housing stability focused case management services related to meeting the housing needs of program participants and helping them to avoid any episodes of homelessness.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a 

Word/Excel/Outlook proficiency

Valid Driver's License

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

MyEvolv

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

At Heartland Family Service, we are committed to building a culture is trauma informed and values and celebrates diversity and inclusion. We believe this allows for better service delivery and innovation, as it encourages our employees to bring various experiences and uniqueness to the workplace.

Trauma Informed Care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives. Trauma Informed Care also acknowledges the effects ofworking with trauma survivors on our workforce and seeks to build collaborative and supportive working environments and relationships.

If you believe in our mission of creating healthy families and communities, and like a fast pace, collaborative and team-oriented environment, then Heartland Family Service is the agency for you.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position will provide homeless prevention services to residents of Pottawattamie County in Iowa, and Douglas and Sarpy County in Nebraska. This program provides short-term support services to individuals and families who are at imminent risk of homelessness. The Prevention Specialist will work to identify, screen, and provide housing stabilization services to those at risk of losing housing. Services are provided primarily in the community for up to three months, or until the immediate housing crisis is resolved.

Intensive case management responsibilities begin at this level. Educational requirements are very specific. Decision making, problem solving, and highly developed interpersonal skills are critical. This position requires high level of social work skills, practice, and knowledge.

Compensation: between $19.74 and $23.54 per hour (wage is determined by total years of relevant experience)
Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a comparable human service field AND two years direct care experience in human services OR equivalent combination of education and relevant employment experience
• Working knowledge of computer programs including word, excel, outlook.
• Valid Drivers License and acceptable driving record

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills in developing rapport with clients on the phone and in person.
• Assist with returning incoming calls for homeless prevention services as needed.
• Ensure timely response to clients, including conducting an initial screening for eligibility via phone and providing referral services for those who do not qualify
• Responsible for verifying and documenting the eligibility of applicants and maintaining comprehensive, accurate service records for all approved or denied clients
• Provides housing stability focused case management services related to meeting the housing needs of program participants and helping them to avoid any episodes of homelessness. Services may include housing problem solving, crisis intervention, education on tenant rights and responsibilities, mediation services, tenancy supports and coordination with landlords.
• Completes a comprehensive assessment to assist the clients in identification of strengths, needs and goals. Develops an individualized housing stability plan in cooperation with the client. Monitors and evaluates the client’s progress.
• Assist individuals and families in locating, obtaining, and retaining suitable housing though housing search and placement services
• Conduct housing habitability inspections and lead based paint screening (as needed) on all clients assisted through homeless prevention.
• Assist program participants with critical skills related to household budgeting, money management, credit counseling, household management, activities of daily living, personal safety, navigating access to community resources, employment support, and interpersonal communication.
• Assess need and eligibility for financial assistance, including ensuring proper management of available program funding.
• Assist with recruiting and retaining landlords to maximize housing options for service recipients with tenant screening barriers.
• Demonstrates knowledge of current community and Heartland Family Service programs and resources to meet client needs.
• Demonstrate competency in housing resources and community programs and how to access services; mainstream benefits programs, including eligibility requirements; basic landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities, as appropriate; and tenancy skills and/or supports.
• Ensure timely data entry into MyEvolv and other program related client databases.
• Ensure required information is collected, enter prescribed formats, and reported in a timely manner – as outlined by federal funding and internal reporting guidelines.
• Work is completed in client homes, office space, and other non-traditional settings. Ensure safety and security measures for in-home/outreach services are followed.
• Local travel is required, included use of personal vehicle.
• Provides case coverage for other programs as needed.
• Is able to work both independently, with little supervision, and as a part of a team.
• Able to establish regularity and dependability in scheduling all appointments.
• Displays a courteous and caring attitude at all times to the clientele, volunteers, and visitors of the Agency.
• Abides by all specific program and Agency procedures, policies, and requirements.
• Cooperates and collaborates with program staff, volunteers, and other Agency staff.
• Able to evaluate program services and make recommendations.
• Develops personal and program related skills through participation in internal and external training opportunities including printed material and audio and/or visual media.
• Is able to develop positive working relationships with clients, referral sources, service agencies, landlords, and others encountered in the course of work.
• Creates, maintains, and shares as appropriate a dynamic self-care plan.
• Strives to make connections between the agency and the larger community whenever possible to contribute to the agency’s ongoing fundraising and friend-raising efforts.
• Performs other program related duties as assigned.

*DENOTES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Human Services or related field.

Experience

Required

2 years: Previous direct care experience in human services (with Bachelor's Degree) OR equivalent combination of education and relevant employment experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.