Caseworker

Tioga County Homeless Initiative; Wellsboro (Tioga County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Schedule

Compensatory Time

Insurance reimbursement forIndependent

Job summary

Tioga County Homeless Initiative (TCHI) seeks a compassionate Case Worker to provide direct support, advocacy, and housing stabilization services to individuals and families facing homelessness or housing instability. Coordinates resources and develops individualized service plans using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to help clients set goals and gain stability.

The role requires strong communication and organizational skills, with experience navigating community resources,

Qualifications

• At least one of: HS diploma or GED with 2+ years in human services, housing, mental health, or related field.
• Associate degree with 1 year of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients biweekly to discuss needs, goals and progress.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of client circumstances and needs.
• Develop individualized service plans and tailored case plans.
• Assist clients in achieving housing, employment, financial goals.
• Provide direct support, advocacy, and case management services.
• Collaborate with families, providers, and community partners.
• Navigate government and social-service systems for clients.
• Maintain accurate confidential client records and documentation.

Skills

Client advocacy

Crisis management

Communication skills

Cultural competency

Trauma-informed

Education

HS diploma / GED

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Case management software

Electronic health records

Job description

Case Worker

Position Type: Full-Time, Monday through Friday

Salary Range: $15.00 to $20.00 per hour

Location: Mansfield, PA 16933

Benefits: Flexible Work Schedule, Compensatory Time, and Reimbursement for Independent Choice of Insurance

Reports To: Director of Operations

Job Summary

Tioga County Homeless Initiative (TCHI) is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and organized Case Worker to provide direct support, advocacy, resource coordination, and housing stabilization services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

In this vital role, the Case Worker will work from a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to assist clients in identifying goals, overcoming barriers, obtaining and maintaining housing, accessing community resources, and improving overall stability and self-sufficiency.

The Case Worker will develop individualized service plans, coordinate services among multiple providers, advocate for clients, provide guidance and encouragement, and help individuals and families navigate complex personal, social, housing, employment, financial, healthcare, and community-resource challenges.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, knowledge of community resources, the ability to build trusting professional relationships, and a genuine commitment to helping vulnerable individuals and families achieve greater independence and stability.

Responsibilities

• Meet with each client within a designated caseload at least once every two weeks to discuss their needs, strengths, goals, challenges, and progress.
• Conduct comprehensive client assessments to understand each client's individual circumstances, needs, strengths, and goals.
• Develop individualized service plans and tailored case plans that establish achievable objectives and identify appropriate resources and services.
• Assist clients in reaching their personal, social, housing, employment, and financial goals.
• Provide direct support, guidance, advocacy, encouragement, and case management services to clients.
• Utilize a trauma-informed, person-centered approach when working with clients and families.
• Connect clients with community resources and coordinate services, including housing, healthcare, mental health services, transportation, employment, food assistance, financial benefits, education, and training opportunities.
• Assist clients with applications, forms, documentation, appointments, referrals, and other administrative requirements.
• Help clients navigate government agencies, social-service systems, healthcare systems, and other administrative or legal requirements that may affect their ability to obtain services and achieve stability.
• Provide crisis intervention support during urgent situations and assist clients in achieving safety and stabilization during behavioral health, family, housing, or other crises.
• Apply appropriate conflict-resolution and de-escalation techniques when responding to tense or challenging situations.
• Collaborate with families, healthcare providers, schools, government agencies, employers, social-service organizations, and other community partners to coordinate services effectively.
• Communicate and collaborate with government agencies, healthcare providers, social-service organizations, employers, and other community partners.
• Follow up with clients and service providers to ensure that services are received and that identified needs are being addressed.
• Monitor client progress and update service plans as needed.
• Advocate for clients when they experience barriers to receiving appropriate services.
• Assist clients in navigating child protective services processes, family-related legal matters, and other applicable administrative or legal requirements when appropriate to the client's needs.
• Conduct home, community, or office visits when appropriate and necessary.
• Participate in community visits, outreach activities, and home visits as required.
• Respond to client concerns and help resolve problems, conflicts, or crises.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential client records, including case notes, assessments, progress notes, documentation of client interactions, service plans, referrals, and other required service documentation.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with applicable legal requirements, organizational policies, procedures, and mandated reporting requirements.
• Track appointments, referrals, deadlines, and required services to help ensure continuity of care and timely access to resources.
• Help clients build independence, stability, and the skills needed to successfully manage their own needs.
• Identify changes in a client's situation and make appropriate referrals or adjustments to the client's service plan.
• Attend case conferences, team meetings, and other meetings related to client care and services.
• Maintain professional relationships with clients, families, service providers, community organizations, and colleagues.
• Protect client confidentiality and follow all applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and professional standards.
• Apply cultural competency principles when serving diverse populations, respecting each client's individual background, experiences, circumstances, and needs.
  

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of social-service principles, case management practices, community resources, and client advocacy.
• Knowledge of housing services, homelessness resources, mental health services, substance use services, social services, and community-based support systems.
• Strong understanding of crisis management, conflict resolution, and appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with clients and maintain professional relationships across diverse communities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining accurate documentation and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team and community partners.
• Competence in case management software, electronic recordkeeping, and documentation standards for social-service organizations is preferred.
• Familiarity with mandated reporting requirements related to child abuse and neglect and the ability to act promptly in accordance with applicable legal obligations is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities and an understanding of developmental needs is preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess at least one of the following:

• High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in human services, housing services, mental health, substance use treatment, social services, or a related field; OR
• Associate Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or a related field with one (1) year of relevant experience; OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or a related field is preferred.
  

Preferred Experience

Experience working with individuals or families experiencing any of the following is preferred:

• Homelessness or housing instability
• Mental health challenges
• Substance use disorders
• Developmental or physical disabilities
• Poverty and economic hardship
• Crisis situations and community resource coordination
• Veterans
• Survivors of domestic violence
• Individuals involved with the criminal justice system
• Low-income and vulnerable populations

Experience with family services, child welfare systems, behavioral health services, housing programs, or other social-service systems is also beneficial.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel throughout Tioga County and surrounding communities.
• Ability to pass required background clearances.
• Ability to conduct community visits, outreach activities, and home visits as necessary.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality and comply with all applicable organizational policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, service providers, government agencies, and community partners.
  

Working Conditions

• Full-time position, Monday through Friday.
• On-call duties as part of a shared rotation.
• Frequent travel within the community.
• Combination of office, community, shelter, and field-based work.
• Ability to conduct home and community visits as necessary.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Work may involve interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, poverty, crisis situations, and other challenging circumstances.
• The position may require responding to urgent client needs and participating in crisis intervention or stabilization activities.
  

About the Position

This position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The Case Worker will play an important role in helping clients overcome barriers, access appropriate resources, obtain and maintain stable housing, and develop the skills and support systems necessary to achieve greater independence and long-term stability.

TCHI values compassionate, motivated, and professional individuals who are committed to treating every client with dignity, respect, and understanding while working collaboratively to foster positive change within the community.