Case Manager (Part Time)

Volunteers of America Upstate NY; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 38,572 - 41,328; Part time

Job summary

Volunteers of America Upstate NY is seeking an Ithaca Shelter Case Manager to work with residents in a single adult emergency shelter, helping them develop goals and transition to permanent housing. This role emphasizes trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, and person‑centered care delivered with dignity.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in human services or social work and 2 years of case management experience with homeless individuals, plus DHS/HUD knowledge and a NYS driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or social work.
• 2 years of case management experience with homeless individuals.
• Knowledge of DHS and HUD guidelines.
• Must obtain First Aid & CPR certification within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Complete intake assessments and individualized service plans within 48 hours of shelter entry.
• Review intake applications, screenings, and orientations for eligibility and appropriateness.
• Provide crisis intervention and ongoing support to help residents stabilize and address barriers to housing.
• Create transition plans to identify and secure safe, affordable housing.
• Refer residents to medical, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, and other services.
• Assist residents in obtaining identification, benefits, and housing documents.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming shelter environment guided by trauma-informed care.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to monitor progress and adjust plans.
• Facilitate life skills workshops and group activities.
• Provide job readiness assistance and resume support.
• Transport residents to essential appointments.
• Build relationships with landlords and housing providers.
• Maintain case notes and HMIS data accurately.
• Communicate progress to the Shelter Manager.
• Participate in weekly case conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or social work

Tools

First Aid & CPR certification

Valid NYS Driver’s License

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Ithaca, NY 14850

Position Type: Part Time

Salary Range: $28.00 - $30.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage: Negligible

Position Title: Ithaca Shelter Case Manager

Reports to: Director of Ithaca Programs

Position Summary

The Case Manager works directly with residents of the single adult emergency shelter to support them in developing individualized goals and successfully transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. This role emphasizes person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed care practices, ensuring that all services are delivered with dignity, respect, and in accordance with agency guidelines and professional standards in the social work field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete intake assessments and develop individualized service plans for each resident within 48 hours of shelter entry, using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.
• Review intake applications, screenings, and program orientations to ensure eligibility and appropriateness for the shelter.
• Provide crisis intervention and ongoing support to help residents stabilize and address barriers to housing.
• Create transition plans to help residents identify and secure safe, affordable, permanent housing.
• Refer residents to medical, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, and other supportive services as appropriate.
• Assist residents in obtaining identification, public benefits, and documentation required to access housing and supportive programs.
• Support residents by maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive shelter environment guided by trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with residents to monitor progress, adjust service plans, and provide emotional and practical support.
• Facilitate life skills workshops, community meetings, and group activities that promote independence, resilience, and stability.
• Provide job readiness assistance, including resume support, referrals to training programs, and employment search assistance when appropriate.
• Transport residents to essential appointments when necessary.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with landlords, housing providers, and partner agencies to expand housing opportunities and resources.
• Maintain accurate case notes, records, and documentation in compliance with agency and funder requirements.
• Enter data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in a timely and accurate manner.
• Communicate resident progress, concerns, and outcomes to the Shelter Manager.
• Participate in weekly case conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or social work or equivalent.
• 2 years of case management experience with homeless individuals.
• Working knowledge of Department of Human Services (DHS) and Housing & Urban Development (HUD) guidelines.
• Must obtain First Aid & CPR certification within ninety days of hire.
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office.
• Clean, valid NYS Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements

Employee must be able to occasionally walk and stand in and around the office and/or residential setting. Employee must be able to occasionally lift loads of 30 pounds without assistance. Employee must remain attentive to surroundings.

Working Conditions

The majority of essential duties are performed indoors in an office/dorm-style environment.

Responsibility of Others

The employee has no direct responsibility or supervision of other staff but is responsible for individuals that are receiving services.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State laws.

Employment Information

Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

EEO Statement

We maintain a drug-free workplace and reserve the right to perform substance abuse testing as needed. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status.