Reports to: Director of Clinical + Supportive Services
Program: Clinical + Supportive Services
Location: Irvington, NJ
Employment Status: Full-time
Shelter Case Manager
Reports to: Director of Clinical + Supportive Services
Program: Clinical + Supportive Services
Location: Irvington, NJ
Employment Status: Full-time
POSITION SUMMARY
The Shelter Case Manager is responsible for providing comprehensive, person-centered, and trauma-informed case management services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This role involves assessing client needs, developing individualized service plans, coordinating resources, and advocating for clients to support their transition to stable housing. The Shelter Case Manager works closely with shelter residents, community organizations, Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), and service providers to ensure clients receive the necessary support for long-term stability.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Assessment & Service Planning
- Conduct intake assessments to determine client needs, goals, and barriers to housing stability.
- Develop and implement individualized, person-centered service plans, including goal setting and action steps.
- Utilize a trauma-informed approach to build trusting relationships with clients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Provide direct support, management, and referrals to appropriate services, such as housing assistance, employment programs, healthcare, and mental health resources.
- Assist clients in obtaining identification, benefits, and other essential documents.
- Facilitate life skills workshops, support groups, and other educational programs for shelter residents.
Housing Supports Services Program (HSSP) & System Navigation
- Provide services through the Housing Supports Services Program (HSSP), assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing.
- Obtain and track prior authorizations for services, ensuring all documentation meets payer requirements.
- Communicate effectively with Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to advocate for services, coordinate care, and resolve barriers to client support.
- Advocate on behalf of clients with service providers, landlords, and community organizations.
Documentation, Compliance & Data Management
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, progress, and service plans in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Enter and maintain client data in the New Jersey Homeless Management Information System (NJ HMIS), ensuring data quality and compliance with HMIS standards.
- Adhere strictly to HIPAA regulations and agency policies regarding client privacy.
- Maintain confidentiality of all client records and sensitive information.
- Ensure compliance with shelter policies, funding requirements, and legal regulations.
- Monitor and evaluate client progress, adjusting service plans as needed.
Team Collaboration & Coordination
- Collaborate with shelter staff, clinical team, and community partners to coordinate services and enhance program effectiveness.
- Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team environment, participating in case conferences and staff meetings.
- Coordinate with external partners, including landlords, property managers, and community health providers.
Additional Responsibilities
- Primarily shelter-based with occasional travel for client appointments, meetings, and community outreach.
- Exposure to challenging situations requiring conflict resolution and crisis intervention.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- At least 2 years of experience in case management, social services, or a related field.
- Knowledge of housing resources, social services, and other supportive services.
- Experience working with diverse populations and individuals experiencing trauma.
- Proficiency in documentation, case notes, and client record management.
- Experience with crisis intervention and deescalation techniques.
- Flexibility working evening as assigned.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite applications (email, calendar, drive, docs, etc.).
- Possess superb oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain client records, including case notes, treatment plans, collateral contacts, etc.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Strong human relations and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent business acumen, leadership presence with professional integrity, and thought leadership skills.
- Highly resourceful team player with the ability to be extremely effective independently.
- Proven ability to be flexible and to work in a fast-changing environment.
- Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response.
- Demonstrated ability to achieve high-performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Acknowledge an application of self-care and work life balance for self and others
COMPENSATION
The qualified candidate will be offered a competitive compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $50,000 – $55,000.