Rapid Rehousing Case Manager II

Mission of Austin Street Center: Founded in 1983, Austin Street Center provides emergency shelter and meets the basic need of the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in Dallas.

Core Values: Kindness, Trustworthiness, Empowerment, Determination

Position Purpose

Assist specialized and higher-acuity eligible persons personally impacted by Domestic Violence to become housed as quickly as possible in the Rapid Re-Housing program and maintain their housing permanently through focused, intensive, and short-term case management interventions.

 

In this and any position at Austin Street Center it is impossible to predict the many requests and assignments that can and will be made on an employee.  Flexibility and a cooperative spirit are crucial characteristics of the person who holds this important position and for the successful operation of Austin Street Center services.

 

Departmental Expectations

• Attend regular one-on-one supervision with their direct supervisor.
• Participate actively in team, department, and all-staff meetings as scheduled; this role also requires cross-communication with community partners on a routine basis.
• Assist in training new team members on the expectations and best practices their daily work activities.
• Assist other teams and departments (Operations, Advancement, etc.) as appropriate by request.
• Participate in the operation of inclement weather shelter operations and activities as appropriate by request.
• Provide coverage as requested on at least one agency holiday per year to ensure consistent 24/7 operation of critical services.
• Operate with a trauma-informed, housing first, harm reduction mindset to assist people they serve through the stages of change and achieve recovery from homelessness.
• Operate with a motivational interviewing perspective toward the client, rather than a directive or demanding posture.

 

Team Member Expectations

Housing Navigation

• Assist with determining the eligibility of clients for the Rapid Re-Housing program.
• Assist with helping clients to move into rental units willing to accept the program and obtain all start-up items necessary.
• Perform inspections and online checks as necessary to ensure that the unit is suitable for client habitation.
• Complete necessary requests for application fee, security deposit, pro-rated rent, and other necessary move-in fees for the client.

 

Housing Stabilization

• Meet with assigned clients face-to-face to provide safety and housing stability planning assistance.
• Provide services to specialized and/or higher-acuity populations, specifically clients impacted by Domestic Violence, referred to the RRH program for short-term assistance.
• Verify client income and assets at least monthly, and calculate their monthly portion of rent payment; and ensure notification of monthly contribution expectations to the property management team and rent payment administrator.
• Perform regular checkups of critical issues in client’s unit to determine service needs.
• Assist client to maintain positive relationships with their neighbors and rental property management.
• Complete required orientation documents with client, including but not limited to guest policies, meaningful activities, and crisis planning to stabilize their living situation.
• Provide group-based education and support interventions targeted to RRH and shelter clients.

 

Case Management and Exit Planning

• Assist client to apply for permanent housing resources as necessary and applicable throughout the client’s participation in the rental assistance portion of the program.
• Assist client to connect to employment resources and obtain gainful employment when possible.
• Assist client to identify and recruit potential roommates or housemates to share in rental costs.
• Complete action plans regularly with the client to identify actions required to complete the established exit plan.

 

Aftercare Follow-Up

• After client exits rental assistance portion of the program to a housed destination, follow up with client by phone for up to six months to assess additional service needs.
• Provide case management assistance to clients with service needs after the RRH program’s rental assistance ends as necessary.
• Resume home visits and RRH rental assistance services to clients who exit the program sustainably before the end of their first lease but demonstrate additional needs for rapid re-housing services due to loss of income.

 

Documentation of Services

• Maintain accurate case management engagement data in caseload documentation.
• Document services provided in our electronic recordkeeping system within one business day.
• Complete documentation with rigorous and thorough attention to quality.

 

Key Performance Indicators

Team-Level Performance Indicators

• Maintain performance toward goal of length of time from enrollment to move-in
• Achieve annual goal of permanent housing exits from subsidy portion of the program
• Maintain housing retention after 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-subsidy according to goals

 

Individual-Level Performance Indicators

• Complete and document accurate quantity of client sessions according to expectations
• Engage all clients on caseload according to expectations
• Complete Monthly Progress Reports with each client on caseload monthly
• Complete and document housing exits according to goals
• Maintain expected level of quality in all case notes and services documentation

 

Fundamental Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Required

• Team members must have an active Texas Driver’s License (or equivalent) and personal transportation available to complete field-based visits with clients.
• Bachelor’s degree (social work, psychology, or sociology a plus) or equivalent experience in human services required
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in human services highly desired
• Previous experience in domestic violence, crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and coordination of services in the area of homeless services highly desired
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written communication
• Demonstrates experience with and sensitivity to varying cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds, values, and attitudes
• Intermediate to advanced familiarity with digital communication, including cloud-based software, e-mail, and Microsoft Office applications
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis
• Able to work outside in adverse weather conditions when needed
• Able to work in a noisy environment with a large group of people

 

Strong applications will include a cover letter which details how the applicant demonstrates the character qualities required for excellent performance in this position.

 

Please ensure to include in the application your most recent three professional positions and at least three references.