Community Housing Case Manager at Shelter House in Chantilly, VA

Title: Community Housing Case Manager

Level: Entry

Department: Community Housing Programs (Region 2 and Region 4)

Reports to: Senior Case Manager

Salary Range: $52,000 to $56,000 Location: Fairfax County, VA

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Us:

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 200 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)

About the Role:

The Case Manager will work with 15-20 families in our Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Programs. This work is community based. He/she will support the housing first model with a trauma informed care approach that will maximize the likelihood of client success and long-term self-sufficiency with the primary goal of assisting Singles & Families with obtaining and maintaining housing. Responsibilities include conducting individual needs screening, assessments, stability and sustainability planning, empowering clients’ progress toward housing, and assisting families in locating or maintaining housing options. In Prevention cases, the case manager will utilize strategies to prevent participants from re-entering crises or the justice system unnecessarily, by identifying alternative support systems and preventive measures. Once housing is secured, the Case Manager will work to link households with services and resources to help them stabilize in their new housing and neighborhood. This follow-up case management often includes assisting households with budgeting, learning how to be a model tenant, increasing income, and linkage to other service providers in the community. The Case Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for all assigned client services and provide guidance and support to clients working toward self-sufficiency. This work is fast-paced, and client relationships are often time limited. The Case Manager must be comfortable forming relationships with landlords and other community partners to ensure clients are able to secure housing as their top priority and ensure stabilization.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and screening of each household’s housing history, barriers, physical and mental health, social needs, education and employment goals, financial management skills, and overall strengths and needs.

• Assist clients in achieving long-term housing stability by ensuring compliance with lease agreements and developing Individualized Housing Sustainability Plans.

• Meet regularly with assigned households to provide individualized case management services and referrals that promote housing stability.

• Provide housing navigation support, including identifying available housing options, facilitating landlord engagement, and assisting with the lease-up process.

• Assist clients in completing required financial documentation and paperwork throughout the eviction process to avoid homeliness

• Completing rental assistance packages from various funding sources, properly documenting fund distribution, and leading the recertification process as needed.

• Mediate conflicts involving households, roommates, or landlord-tenant issues that may threaten housing stability.

• Support clients in creating and maintaining household budgets and developing strong money management skills.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords and foster positive, ongoing relationships.

• Maintain reliable and consistent contact with households, even when they relocate or change phone numbers, to ensure ongoing engagement and support.

• Timely documentation of all contacts with clients in client file and HMIS or identified database as required within 48-72 hours of interaction

• Participate in collaborative meetings with representatives from Fairfax County OPEH, faith-based, community-based, and partner organizations to deliver coordinated, wraparound services.

• Assist clients overcome common barriers to securing housing, such as large rent arrears, low credit history, and gain better understanding landlord–tenant rights.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Resource Directory of local and state service providers.

• Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely case documentation in HMIS or identified database and client files, in accordance with agency standards and best practices.

• Collaborate as a contributing member of a multidisciplinary team with Shelter House staff and community partners.

• Demonstrate and uphold the Shelter House core values of iCARE: Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program and agency objectives.

About You:

• A Bachelor's degree in human services / related field or commensurate experience

• 1+ years of human services or direct services experience

• Ability to prioritize competing priorities and make sound judgements

• Ability to advocate, assist in problem-solving, and achieve results for families

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation

• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours when needed

Physical Requirements:

Annual TB Test is required

Ability to sit or stand for long periods

Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match

• 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off

• Four Annual Employee Engagment Events

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:

Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.