Diversion First Case Manager

Shelter House; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401K with 4% employer match

13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays,

Birthday Off

Job summary

Shelter House is seeking a DiversionFirst Case Manager to support a caseload of 18-19 households in its Permanent Supportive Housing program. The role emphasizes trauma-informed care, Housing First, and harm reduction to help clients achieve housing stability.

Responsibilities include assessments, service plan development, referrals to community services, crisis support, and thorough documentation. Evening/weekend availability and a valid driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field, or commensurate experience.
• 2+ years of case management or direct services experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation; ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial, person-centered assessments to identify client strengths and housing needs.
• Develop individualized housing service plans with short- and long-term goals; review monthly.
• Coordinate referrals to housing, employment, healthcare, childcare, and benefits.
• Support clients during crises and provide de-escalation skills and coping strategies.
• Maintain complete client records in HMIS and complete quarterly reviews.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Ability to prioritize competing tasks

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Title: DiversionFirst Case Manager

Reports to: Assistant Director of Programs

Salary: $52K-$56K

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Us:

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 200 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 4,000 individuals, half of which were children.Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)

About the Role:

The Diversion Case Manager will support a caseload of 18-19households within theDiversion First Permanent Supportive Housingprogram. This program serves individuals who are unstably housed, currently involved in the criminal justice system, or have exited the system within the past six months and lack stable housing or a viable housing plan. The Case Manager will deliver person-centered, strengths-based case management services grounded in best practices such as trauma-informed care, Housing First and harm reduction. The focus is on supporting program participants in obtaining and maintaining long-term housing stability. The Case Manager will collaborate closely with the Community Services Board (CSB) and other vendors providing additional support services.

How you will contribute:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct initial, person-centered assessments to identify client strengths, existing resources, challenges, goals, and the referrals needed to support housing stability.
• Develop individualized housing service plans with both short-term and long-term goals; review and update these plans monthly.
• Use a strengths-based approach to assess physical health, mental health, social needs, education, life skills, and employment readiness.
• Assist clients in securing referrals to mainstream community services, including housing, employment, healthcare, childcare, and benefits.
• Coordinate delivery of third-party services such as emergency food assistance, furniture resources, employment and training programs, mental health counseling, and substance use treatment.
• Support clients experiencing crises, implement emergency procedures, and provide coping and de-escalation skills.
• Facilitate social and community integration by helping participants identify community programs, build connections, and overcome barriers to participation.
• Develop and support financial budgets with clients and provide money management education; ensure timely payment of rent and utilities.
• Empower and guide clients as they progress toward self-sufficiency and housing stability.
• Maintain complete and accurate client records in accordance with agency and best practice standards.
• Document all client interactions in client files and HMIS, and complete quarterly reviews and annual reassessments.
• Maintain timely, thorough case notes and housing stability plans with appropriate supervisory oversight.
• Participate in case management meetings, staff meetings, and required trainings.
• Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team within Shelter House and with partner agencies, including the Community Services Board.
• Share relevant client information with appropriate staff in a timely manner to ensure continuity of care.
• Ensure compliance with all agency policies and contracts.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite effectively for communication and documentation.
• Safely operate Shelter House vehicles to transport clients as needed.
• Demonstrate Shelter House core values: Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You:

Required:

• A bachelor's degree in human services/ related field orcommensurateexperience

• 2+ years of case management/ direct services/other relatedexperience

• Strong written and oral communicationskills

• Ability to prioritize competing priorities and make soundjudgements

• Ability to complete tasks while navigating frequentinterruptions

• Ability to deliver creative, resourceful solutions to uniquechallenges

• Strong organizational and time managementskills

• Valid Driver’s License and reliabletransportation

• Ability to Drive a 15-passengervan

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends whenneeded

Preferred:

• Foreign Language fluency in a language other than English (ex. Spanish, Farsi, Arabic or Amharic)

• Experience with providing services to clients experiencing homelessness, mental health, or substance abuse issues

• Experience utilizing the Homeless Management Information System(HMIS)

Physical Requirements:

• Annual TB Test isrequired

• Ability to sit or stand forlong periods

• Ability to lift itemsweighing10-20 pounds

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match

• 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off

• Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:

Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.