Case Manager - Permanent Supportive Housing

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a {Position} to join our {Department/Program} team!

A Case Manager provides community-based case management services to clients, draws upon clients’ strengths to inform service planning, advocates on behalf of clients, collaborates with other service providers, provides resource referrals, monitors client progress, and manages crisis situations. This position also provides administrative support by maintaining client files, entering data, and completing required documentation in compliance with program and funder requirements. The Case Manager empowers clients to develop self-defined goals and leverage their local community networks to secure and maintain safe, stable housing.

ADDITIONAL SUMMARY PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING:

A Case Manager in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) provides housing navigation and housing stabilization services to individuals and their self-defined households who are experiencing literal homelessness and have received a permanent housing opportunity. Case Managers will often support clients through connecting them and collaborating alongside various healthcare and mental healthcare partners to best support clients needs.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $24.21 - $32.10/hr depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide client-centered, healing-centered case management services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, systems involvement, mental health challenges, substance use challenges, a history of trauma, early pregnancy/parenthood, etc.

• Identify and leverage clients’ strengths as part of service planning to help clients achieve their self-defined goals.

• Work with teammates and other support staff to ensure fidelity of the Strengths Model of Case Management is adhered to and considered in interaction with and documentation of client-case manager engagement.

• Assist clients with their day-to-day needs and development of life skills, which may include (but is not limited to) grocery shopping, meal preparation, cleaning activities, budgeting, navigating public transportation, and job search activities.

• Assess clients’ mental and physical wellness, needs, preferences, and abilities, and utilize this information to develop tailored wraparound supports and referrals that are aligned with client preferences.

• Regularly and effectively assess and manage incidents and crisis situations, with calm, care, and positive regard for client, using de-escalation and safety planning techniques as appropriate.

• Analyze barriers and challenges as they arise and deliver safe, effective, and client-focused solutions.

• Actively engage in the community alongside clients to support the achievement of client’s self-defined goals, including collaborating with internal and external partners to advocate for client needs, coordinate services, and provide referrals.

• Assist clients in building a network of support and (re)building relationships with family and friends.

• Comply with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency. These requirements may pertain to data, paperwork, philosophies, processes, and procedures, among other things.

• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case records and documentation, including (but not limited to) service plans, assessments, progress notes, intake reports, and incident reports.

• Perform heavy data entry into agency/funder databases and ensure timeliness and accuracy of data entry.

• Discern how and when to provide approved financial assistance to support the client in meeting their basic needs and ensure proper utilization of the funds.

• Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents to secure employment or housing (e.g., State ID, birth certificate, Social Security card).

• Assist clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities, referring clients to benefits counseling, as needed.

• Ensure required client consents are collected and documented and that clients have a thorough understanding of the program prior to consenting to participate.

• Provide timely interventions and outreach services to clients when they appear to disengage from services.

• Transport clients to agencies and services.

• Prepare for and actively participate in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings.

• Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PSH include the following:

• Perform targeted, community-based outreach when a client is pulled for housing.

• Support and guide clients and their self-defined household members from homelessness to housing by navigating potential housing options, addressing barriers to housing, and ensuring clients understand their rights as tenants.

• Set up utility accounts in client’s name, review previous rental and utility arrears, and negotiate late fees on behalf of clients.

• Support the move-in process by attending lease signings, arranging furniture deliveries, and transporting client’s personal effects.

• Support the long-term housing stability of clients to minimize returns to homelessness by collaborating closely with clients on lease re-signings, lease ends and move-outs.

• Work closely with Housing Intake & Placement Specialists to identify housing placement options based on individual housing preferences and barriers, coordinate follow-up regarding housing stability issues, and to assist with unit transfers for clients.

• Adapt quickly to the critical needs of clients and landlords that might involve mutual recission, VAWA, and other high-risk situations.

• Help clients apply for Social Security Income/Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI), complete SOAR applications, and assist with appeals when applicable.

• Coordinate and/or accompany clients to appointments at the Social Security Administration, medical doctors, psychiatrist, and other specialists to obtain medical documentation for application.

• Complete SOAR applications on behalf of client, when client is unavailable.

• Research, prepare reports, and negotiate with the office of Social Security and/or judicial staff to resolve cases as needed.

For Bilingual Spanish-service staff only:

• Provide services in Spanish, translate documents, and assist in special projects related to the Spanish-speaking community.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in social or behavior sciences or administrative field;

• Requires a minimum 2 years related experience; or

• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Lived experience of homelessness is a plus and may count towards related qualifications.

• Proficient in HMIS, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and agency database.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Client Focus - Builds transformational relationships with clients and delivers mission-centered solutions.

• Collaborates and Adapts - Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives and fulfill our mission; adapts one’s approach and demeanor to meet the shifting demands of different situations.

• Honors Differences - Embraces different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds by being open to others’ opinions, ideas, and experiences; develops an inclusive culture that creates solutions to meet the needs of our clients.

• Nimble Learning - Actively learns from successes, failures, and others’ experiences, and shows a willingness to pivot and try new things.

• Builds Trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through integrity, dependability, and authenticity.

• Action Oriented - Takes initiative, shows resourcefulness, and directs focus and energy on mission-critical opportunities, challenges, and changes.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days and provide proof of valid insurance.

• Standard First-Aid and CPR Certification as required by individual program.

• Complete SOAR Certification withing 6 months of hire.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.