Job Type Full-time Description YWCA Hartford Region is on a mission to create hope, resilience, and unlimited opportunities for our participants and the communities in which they live. If you are mission-driven and ready to be a catalyst for positive change, we invite you to apply for our Shelter Case Manager opportunity. The Shelter Case Manager will be instrumental in empowering participants to not only secure housing but also cultivate the essential independent living skills required for thriving in the community. This individual is a dynamic leader with exceptional critical and analytical skills who can inspire change and foster success in our participants. In this role, you will implement a low-barrier, harm-reduction approach that prioritizes housing stability while delivering person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally conscious support. Candidates who have lived experience or are already part of the Coordinated Access Network are encouraged to apply.Position Summary: The Shelter Case Manager will perform the duties and responsibilities relevant to Case Management, Shelter Operations, Documentation and Recordkeeping, Service Provision, and Crisis Intervention. Schedule: The Shelter Case Manager is a 37.5 hours/week full-time, non-exempt position. The hours will be 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The incumbent may work Tuesday - Saturday or a 2-week rolling rotating schedule Monday - Friday and Tuesday - Saturday. Essential Functions of the Job:
- Provide housing-focused case management to a caseload of 18-24 individuals;
- Perform intake assessment to determine participant's needs and goals to develop individualized service and action plans;
- Assist participants in obtaining identity, income, and any other documents required to qualify for housing programs per Coordinated Access Network (CAN) guidelines;
- Implement housing searches and shelter diversion techniques, family mediation, and other strategies to assist participants in self-resolving their housing crisis;
- Engage in activities that support the health and safety of the participants and smooth operations of the emergency shelter per program and funder guidelines;
- Provide individual or group feedback, role-modeling, counseling, instruction, and/or assistance with activities of daily living;
- Facilitate monthly house meetings to deliver important information to participants in the program and discuss any relevant information;
- Record participant engagement, maintaining timely and accurate case management logs, participant assessments, and intervention plan records per agency requirements;
- Performs audits of files to ensure all documentation is input and all interactions are recorded in HMIS promptly, documenting detailed participant interactions within a 24-48 hour window;
- Engages with participants using trauma-informed, trauma-responsive approaches;
- Implements a harm reduction philosophy with participants who have relapsed into substance abuse or continue to use substances;
- Mediate between participants and the homeless system;
- Implements crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies during crisis or urgent situations;
- Remains up-to-date and provides immediate crisis intervention care to participants while supporting the team;
- Develop and/or sustain relationships with clinical, healthcare, educational, vocational, and other community-based social support services; and
- Other duties as assigned within the team and/or by supervisor.
Requirements Education:
- Associates Degree required.
- Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required, preferably in human services or related field.
Experience:
- Two (2) years' experience in human services or related field required.
- In lieu of two (2) years' experience, a Bachelor's degree in human services will be considered alongside related experience;
- Demonstrated ability to work with participants experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental health, and substance use issues required;
- Experience providing residential and community case management services, determining appropriate interventions, and solving practical problems;
- Skilled at individual and group-based interventions;
Knowledge and Licensure:
- Bi-lingual Spanish/English preferred;
- Possession of and ability to maintain a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and current registration and insurance.
Skills:
- Adaptableness: Adaptable easily to change and competing priorities.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Composure: Responds to information and situations in a self-controlled manner.
- Customer Service: Excellent interpersonal skills, including professional demeanor and positive, service-oriented attitude toward all internal and external customers.
- Emotional Intelligence: Commitment to racial, gender, and social justice. Recognizes and values the diversity and uniqueness of others. Empathetically and respectfully accepts these differences and works cooperatively and sincerely to optimize contributions of all individuals.
- Ethics & Integrity: Ability to adhere to confidentiality guidelines. Makes decisions and conducts self in a manner consistent with the organization's mission. Respects all individuals in the work environment and treats them as such. Demonstrates high personal standards of acceptance and openness to others.
- Personal Accountability: Accepts responsibility for own actions, embraces experiences as learning opportunities.
- Planning: Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Problem Solving: Ability to de-escalate crises with professionalism and sound judgment.
- Service: Passion, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven and self-directed.
- Team Building: Preference for working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
- Technical Skills: Proficient use of Microsoft Office and other computer applications for tracking data and reporting outcomes.
Benefits : A career with YWCA Hartford provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or special part-time (intermittent). Benefits may include:
- Health Insurance - A group medical plan and group dental plan offer comprehensive coverage to eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
- Long-Term Disability - Eligible employees receive company-paid long-term disability insurance.
- Short-Term Disability - All eligible employees may elect short-term disability to cover the employee for 12 weeks if disabled. This is an employee-paid option.
- Life Insurance - A company-paid group life insurance plan is available to eligible employees.
- Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible dependents.
- Time Off From Work - Eligible employees receive ten paid holidays per year, paid vacation and personal time, as well as paid sick time.
- Retirement Plan - All eligible employees are enrolled in a non-contributory pension plan after two years of employment.
- Childcare Discounts - Employees receive discounts on childcare offered at YWCA Hartford Region.
EOE/AA Salary Description $25.00 per hour