Trauma-Informed Housing Navigator for Families

Stance, Inc; Barnstable County (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Stance, Inc. is seeking a Case Manager to assist families experiencing homelessness in obtaining suitable housing using a trauma-informed approach.

You will build trusting relationships, help navigate tenancy barriers, and connect clients with community resources while in shelter and after stable housing is achieved. The role includes developing and monitoring Re-housing plans, coordinating with housing workers, and ensuring documentation and compliance with shelter requirements.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalency.
• 2 years experience working with homeless or low income families.
• Experience working with clients in crisis.
• Strong ability to effectively resolve and cope with immediate crisis situations.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to set and observe appropriate boundaries with clients.
• Possess well developed decision making skills.
• Ability to multi-task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations.
• Computer skills including MS Word and Microsoft Outlook.
• Valid MA Driver’s license

Responsibilities

• Meet with each new family within three business days and begin a family life assessment/housing history to establish needs and issues of family.
• Assist family to connect with services in the community that are useful to addressing any needs of individual family members.
• Within 5 days of shelter entry create a Re-housing plan with the family that addresses areas of employment, life skills and counseling assessment. Update Re-housing plan every 30 days as required by EOHLC.
• Assist participants 18 and older in connecting to job training, job placement services, or Mass Rehab.
• Resolve or facilitate tenancy screening barriers, such as securing identifying documents and determine through a printout, bill or direct information from the utility companies the status of past debt.
• Assist participants in securing benefits such as but not limited to; TAFDC, SNAP, MassHealth, and WIC
• Assist families with securing or maintaining current healthcare services.
• Meet with each family minimally bi-weekly or weekly as needed.
• Document case management efforts and meetings utilizing the EA case notes in ETO.
• Comply with all EOHLC requirements in the ETO system.
• Develop a budget with the family and monitor it on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• Assist family in ensuring support connections/resources are accessible upon exiting shelter.
• Conduct weekly unit inspections with the Operations Support Staff. Address all housekeeping issues as needed.
• Prepare each unit for new move-in taking steps necessary to have unit clean, orderly, and ready for new family.
• Transportation and support as necessary.
• In collaboration with Housing Search Worker: Develop a shelter exit plan for each family.
• Knowledge of various housing programs including but not limited to; housing subsidies, housing lotteries, and processing for the HomeBase program.
• Communicate with families and Housing Worker to understand the family’s housing priorities, including but not limited to unit location, size, and rent, as well as other information that may be helpful to establish a positive tenancy
• Assist housing workers in addressing issues of past tenancies and establish a plan for avoiding missteps in the future, i.e., history of non-payment of rent or utilities.
• Coordinate and assist housing worker in tenancy education such as, how to engage with landlords, unit viewing skills, and lease rights and expectations

Skills

Crisis management

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Boundaries with clients

Decision making

Multitasking

Education

HS Diploma or equivalency

Bachelor’s degree in Human Service or Social Science (preferred)

Tools

MS Word

Microsoft Outlook

Valid MA Driver’s license

Job description

Stance, Inc. is seeking a Case Manager to assist families experiencing homelessness in obtaining suitable housing using a trauma-informed approach.

You will build trusting relationships, help navigate tenancy barriers, and connect clients with community resources while in shelter and after stable housing is achieved. The role includes developing and monitoring Re-housing plans, coordinating with housing workers, and ensuring documentation and compliance with shelter requirements.