Rapid Rehousing Case Manager

The Salvation Army; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Pension plan

Health coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Student loan forgiveness program

403B retirement plan

Holiday bonus

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Buffalo seeks a Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager to support families in relocating from homelessness and achieving housing stability. This full-time role follows a Housing First approach, creating person-centered housing stability plans and coordinating with landlords and service providers.

You will conduct assessments, connect participants to resources, and maintain files while collaborating with community partners to prevent eviction and promote long-term tenancy success.

Qualifications

• Experience working with diverse populations in crisis settings.
• Ability to respond to crisis situations and provide case management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify suitable affordable housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness and recruit landlords.
• Educate landlords about RRH and its benefits and address barriers to landlord participation.
• Understand Housing Quality Standards, Fair Market Rents, and Rent Reasonableness Standards.
• Conduct housing needs assessment and determine eligibility for RRH.
• Provide direct case management or coordinate with case management for continuity of service.
• Communicate with local community agencies to access needed resources.
• Assist participants in finding appropriate rental housing and negotiate lease terms.
• Maintain lease and client files in an orderly, up-to-date manner.
• Provide ongoing outreach and engagement to tenants.
• Develop action plans with tenants to achieve goals.
• Coordinate eviction prevention with property management and housing permanency plans.
• Teach tenants basic life skills and tenant rights/responsibilities.
• Link tenants to employment, skills, and health supports as needed.

Skills

Crisis response

Strong communication

Client support

Cultural competence

Professional boundaries

Organizational skills

Tools

Service Point

HMIS

Job description

Overview

Seeking a Rapid Rehousing Case Manager to join our Buffalo Area Services Team

Our Full Time opportunities offer:

• Generous time off every year including 14 paid holidays, up to 3 personal days, vacation time, and sick time
• Employer funded Pension Plan (company contributions begin after 1 year of continuous employment)
• Comprehensive Health Care Coverage with low cost employee premiums, co-pays, and deductibles
• Company Paid Basic Term Life Insurance for Employee
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Eligibility for supplemental insurance plans including Short Term Disability, AFLAC, and Voluntary Term Life
• Flexible Spending Account
• Eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Tax Deferred Annuity (403B)
• Christmas Bonus

SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Rapid Re-Housing/Residential Services Case Manager will be responsible for assisting clients to rapidly exit homelessness and maintain stable housing. Service delivery is guided by a Housing First approach, creating individualized, person-centered housing stability support plans for each household. This is an outreach position working with families in various stages of housing re-location.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Research and identify suitable affordable housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness, and recruit landlords to provide housing opportunities for RRH participants.
• Educate landlords about RRH and its benefits and address potential barriers to landlord participation.
• Possess a thorough understanding of the rental market including Housing Quality Standards, Fair Market Rents, and Rent Reasonableness Standards.
• Conduct housing needs assessment and determine eligibility for RRH.
• Provide direct case management and/or coordinate with case management to provide continuity of service for participants.
• Communicate effectively with local community and external agencies; successfully fostering relationships which enable needed resources to be accessed.
• Assist participants in finding appropriate rental housing based on their needs, preferences, and financial resources.
• Help participants negotiate manageable and appropriate lease agreements with landlords and use or develop the skills to be a successful tenant.
• Maintain lease and compliance files, as well as all client case files, in an orderly, up-to-date manner.
• Provide ongoing, active outreach and creative engagement to tenants.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and help tenants develop action plans to achieve goals.
• Work with tenants and property management to coordinate eviction prevention efforts and develop housing permanency plans.
• Assist tenants in developing basic life skills including tenant rights and responsibilities and other supports to maintaining housing.
• Link tenants to employment opportunities, skill development opportunities, and accessing medical, mental health, substance use, and psychosocial supports as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Meet documentation requirements as dictated by program need and HUD mandates.
• Possess a working knowledge of Service Point and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

• Stay in touch with clients to ensure the services are maintaining stability for the duration of the commitment.
• Maintain confidentiality, respect privacy, and preserve the clients’ routine and independence as much as possible.
• Recognize spiritual needs of person, refer to the Corps officers (who are ordained ministers of the Salvation Army) for pastoral care as appropriate.

• Represent The Salvation Army on committees, work groups and commissions as appropriate.
• Attend on-going trainings and informational meetings in conjunction with the Homeless Alliance of Western New York
• Attend all staff meetings, workshops and trainings as directed.
• Participate in all other duties and activities as requested or assigned.
• Attend all KeepSAfe trainings as required.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice due to business needs.

Qualifications

SPECIAL SKILLS, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Ability to effectively work with diverse populations in a non-judgmental way.
• Capacity to respond to crisis situations.
• Strong communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
• Ability to recognize and observe appropriate boundaries with clients.
• Proven flexibility and creativity.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Interest and experience in engaging with individuals in their current stage of change.
• Ability to build, foster and enhance relationships with the City of Buffalo, Department of Social Services, local landlords, and other Human Service Agencies.
• Possess the values and skills needed to provide effective assistance to the people we serve.
• Able to embrace and agree with the overall mission of The Salvation Army.
• Proficient in computer skills and various program applications.
• Valid driver’s license that meets The Salvation Army insurance requirements and reliable transportation.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.