Housing Search Case Manager

UpSide413; Pittsfield (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

UpSide413 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts is looking for an individual to conduct housing-based assessments and assist clients with housing barriers, focusing on comprehensive services within the Housing First Framework.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, at least two years in non-profit social services, and case management skills, with a preference for bilingual candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; may substitute for 2 years of relevant work experience.
• 2+ years experience in non-profit social services or related field.
• Case management experience with homeless individuals and families.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts state service systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct housing-based assessments to identify client concerns.
• Develop partnerships for comprehensive client services.
• Assist clients with move-in transitions and resources.
• Coordinate housing search efforts with internal/external resources.
• Work closely to conduct housing search workshops.

Skills

Case management

Crisis intervention

Time-management

Communication skills

Bilingual

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 2 years relevant experience

Job description

Bilingual strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Housing-Based Assessment to identify immediate client concerns and barriers related to accessing and sustaining housing, including income, employment, housing, food & nutrition, adult education, legal, health, life skills, mental health, substance abuse, family relations, mobility, community involvement/linkages, safety, prevention skills, transportation, and domestic violence.
• Obtain resources and services as requested and/or needed to address barriers to housing, such as CORI resolution, credit problems, and assistance with financial applications.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations with internal and external service providers to ensure clients receive comprehensive services within the Housing First Framework.
• Assist clients with move-in transition supports, including furniture and furnishings assistance, budget support, and other resources and services as needed.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with placed clients and ensure they remain connected to community supports and services.
• Make home visits to clients who have obtained permanent housing as needed and/or requested.
• Develop and implement a housing intake/history with homeless and/or at-risk clients.
• Develop and implement a tracking system for clients regarding their housing search and placements.
• Ensure that all homeless or at-risk clients are assisted with completion of standardized, universal applications.
• Provide clients with explanation and assistance in navigating housing application processes, including referral to appropriate housing opportunities (local housing authorities, regional non-profit housing agencies, private management companies, and community development corporations).
• Assist clients with ongoing housing search activities, such as contacting prospective landlords and/or management companies, accompanying clients to view and apply for units, and attending appointments at housing agencies.
• Collaborate with other staff to develop housing leads and landlord contacts through outreach activities.
• Coordinate housing search efforts with internal and external resources.
• Share information regarding housing opportunities with other staff.
• Work closely with other staff to develop and conduct housing search workshops to address diverse needs and stages of the housing search.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; may be substituted for 2 years of relevant work experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in non-profit social services programming or a related field.
• Case management and assessment experience with homeless individuals and families.
• Experience with crisis intervention regarding homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse issues.
• Experience assisting clients with housing barriers, including legal, financial, psychological, and criminal matters.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts state service systems, including DTA, DCF, and DMH.
• Knowledge of service agencies and resources for homeless individuals and families.
• Direct service delivery experience.
• Willingness to accompany clients to appointments as needed.
• Willingness to work as part of a team to promote program and agency goals.
• Sensitivity to the needs of homeless, low-income, and diverse populations.
• Ability to work in a busy, diverse team setting.
• Excellent time-management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Bi-lingual preferred.