Case Manager - Drop in Shelter

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION

Under the oversight of the Case Management Supervisor, a Shelter Case Manager provides personalized one-on-one information and referral services to shelter guests and maintains necessary program documentation for all guests. Shelter Case Managers complete intakes with new guests and proactively engage with new and returning guests to support them in finding permanent housing.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

1. Create a welcoming environment for new and returning guests, including greeting guests as they enter, orienting new guests to the shelter, and answering questions.

2. Work effectively as a member of the shelter team, including maintaining open lines of communication, consulting about guest needs or situations, cooperating to complete tasks, and engaging in shared decision-making, as appropriate.

3. Treat guests with respect and professionalism by practicing active listening, preserving guest confidentiality, avoiding power struggles, and maintaining patience in difficult situations.

4. Collaborate with the Shelter Manager and Assistant Shelter Manager to identify guests who may need additional support and to strategize about specific guest situations.

5. Complete intakes with new guests and update guest records for returning guests in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) with support from Shelter Assistants, as appropriate.

6. Meet with guests to identify goals; provide referrals to and information about programs and resources; work with guests towards obtaining permanent housing.

7. Complete monthly HMIS exits of guests who have not stayed in the shelter in the past 30 days; follow up with exiting guests when possible to gather information about exit status.

8. In collaboration with other shelter staff, facilitate guests checking into shelter nightly; create scan cards for guests and assist guests in using these to check in, if applicable.

9. Organize work, set priorities, and manage time effectively to meet the needs of numerous shelter guests, maintain documentation expectations, and support shelter operations.

10. Complete VI-SPDAT assessments as requested and work with Coordinated Entry staff to connect guests with the Dane County Coordinated Entry system.

11. Consistently collect other data necessary to meet funding and reporting requirements; maintain organized records of client data in HMIS, on the Porchlight server, and / or with paper documents.

12. Communicate shelter rules and policies; set limits with guests as appropriate, in keeping with a low-barrier shelter model.

13. Identify and intervene productively in emergency situations, including medical emergencies, mental health crises, and interpersonal conflicts.

14. Work individually and as a member of the shelter team to engage in effective de-escalation.

15. Provide support and assistance to individuals experiencing crises due to mental illness and / or substance use.

16. Engage in proactive and creative problem solving to maintain a safe environment and keep people inside (able to continue accessing shelter).

17. Engage in ongoing training, coaching, and education related to de-escalation, substance use, mental health symptoms, and other professional skills (provided by Porchlight). Complete certifications as required.

18. Maintain thorough and timely documentation of incidents, guest situations, and services provided, in keeping with program guidelines.

19. Attend and participate productively in regular team meetings.

20. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with guests, including refraining from engaging in social relationships or exchanging money / goods with guests. Report preexisting relationships that may cause a conflict of interest to the Shelter Manager and Case Management Supervisor.

21. Sweep, mop, wipe surfaces, take out trash, and perform other cleaning tasks as required to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow appropriate protocols when cleaning bodily fluids.

22. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Genuine desire to work with people experiencing homelessness, including those with mental illness and / or chemical dependency (experience working with these populations preferred).

2. Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff and guests from various backgrounds.

3. Ability and willingness to work effectively and professionally with guests displaying a wide range of challenging, unpleasant, and / or unusual behavior.

4. Proficiency with computers including the use of databases to track information with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

5. Willingness to work on site in an environment with numerous other individuals and to wear personal protective equipment (provided).

6. Knowledge of local resources for people seeking housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, mental health support, public benefits and / or similar services, preferred.