Available Position: Housing Stabilization Case Manager (Alexandria Community Shelter)

Position Summary:

The Housing Stabilization Case Manager is responsible for assisting households experiencing homelessness to obtain and maintain permanent housing using a Housing First approach. The Housing Stabilization Case Manager, positioned in the Alexandria Community Shelter, uses a client-centered and trauma-informed lens to partner with each individual household (single individuals and families with children) to connect them to mainstream resources and services to support housing obtainment and ongoing stability. The Housing Stabilization Case Manager works collaboratively with the Housing Locators and other agency program staff, as well as with representatives from the City of Alexandria, as well as volunteers, other non-profit agencies, and the faith community. 

About the Organization:

Since 1988, Carpenter’s Shelter has met the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria. Through the operation of emergency shelter, day shelter, and winter shelter as well as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs, Carpenter’s Shelter identifies housing solutions and supports sustainable independence for more than 700 individuals and families each year. 

Title:  Housing Stabilization Case Manager  

Reports to:  Director of Programs

Location:  Alexandria Community Shelter (2355-B, Mill Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314)

Specific Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Conduct comprehensive strengths-based housing barrier assessments to collect financial, employment, housing, educational, mental health, substance abuse, etc. histories to support the development of Housing Plans
• Engage households in housing-focused problem-solving conversations to address the immediate housing crisis and identify safe solutions that may exist within their networks
• Ensure clients basic needs are met (providing clean linens for the rooms, hygiene products when available, food from the kitchen, and information about community-based resources, etc.)
• Foster a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere for clients by actively listening, showing empathy, and providing a safe space for individuals seeking shelter, ensuring they feel respected and supported from their very first interaction.
• Collaborate with the Therapeutic Services Director to ensure clients immediate and ongoing behavioral health needs, including mental health and substance abuse concerns, can be addressed.
• Facilitate meetings with the household and support staff to develop Housing Plans focused on housing obtainment and ongoing housing stability
• In collaboration with the Housing Locators, connect households to housing opportunities, including Rapid Re-Housing (RRH). Orient households to the services available through RRH, including the availability of rental assistance and eligibility requirements
• Ensure compliance with state or federal regulations used for RRH
• Assist households to develop and expand their support systems while experiencing homelessness and once they have successfully moved into housing; provide linkages to services and mainstream resources based on the household’s individualized needs
• Develop and maintain relationships with community resources and partners to efficiently support and advocate for households served
• Maintain accurate and complete file information, case notes and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) documentation, clearly identifying goals, action steps and outcomes
• Ensure the safety and security of the shelter during shift. This includes complete knowledge and function of alarm system, emergency exit procedures, appropriate action during emergency situations, weather emergencies, etc.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor, including but not limited to Housing-Focused Case Management, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, and Harm Reduction
• Be on-call status as directed by supervisor
• Adhere to the Carpenter’s Shelter Code of Ethics and SEED Values
• Perform other duties as assigned

Telework is eligible up to one day per week after 90-day probationary period.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in social work, human services or a related field
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with households receiving services
• Ability to maintain documentation
• Strong time management and organizational skills; reliable and self-motivated       
• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, if needed, to accommodate client and community needs

Preferred:

• 2 years experience working with a diverse population experiencing homelessness
• Ability to speak a language other than English at a proficient level (i.e. Spanish)
• Lived experience or direct personal connection to homelessness

Salary:

$50K – $55K plus benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 403(b), PTO, Sick Leave, holidays)

Application Process:

Applicants should forward a cover letter and resume electronically to HR@CarpentersShelter.org by November 15, 2023. In the subject line, type: “ACS Housing Stabilization Case Manager.” No telephone calls accepted. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Carpenter’s Shelter will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Carpenter’s Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and agrees not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, gender, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Successful candidates must be committed to working with a culturally diverse population.