Case Manager – Rapid Rehousing

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

Core Values: Kindness, Trustworthiness, Empowerment, Determination

Position Purpose

The mission of our case management team is to help our clients experiencing homelessness to be re-housed as quickly and permanently as possible.  To that end, Austin Street deploys a Rapid Re-Housing program (RRH) which provides short-term subsidized housing to people with low- to moderate-acuity and needs.  We will provide move-in costs and rental assistance for up to 12 months plus individualized case management services that will assist the client to maintain their rental unit permanently, hopefully without government subsidy assistance.  The Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager will work alongside the Housing Navigator to quickly connect eligible clients to rental units in the community that partner with the RRH program; and upon the client’s move-in , CM will routinely visit the clients in their new homes to provide the support and aid in cultivating the necessary life skills to prepare each client for paying their rent, being a good neighbor, and maintaining a safe and stable home as permanently as possible.

We are looking for a kind, determined, trustworthy professional who can respond to and redirect varying client demands in a fast-paced programmatic environment with minimal supervision.  Are you a quick-on-your-feet problem solver?  Are you adaptable to an ever-changing environment?  This position might be for you!

Primary Responsibilities

• Complete budget and savings plans to determine the client’s maximum contribution toward rent and make timely requests for program payments
• Assist program participants one-on-one (mostly in their homes) to complete and diligently execute a Housing Stability Plan to maintain their rental unit
• Document all services in the local Homeless Management Information System, including case notes and client enrollment and exit information with minimal missing data
• Case Manager II team members additionally work with higher-acuity clientele and teach a housing-focused life skills class to neighbors applying for and participating in Rapid Re-Housing
• Case Manager III team members additionally work with roommates and creative housing styles as well as provide training, mentoring, and limited supervision to other team members
• Licensed Social Workers may receive the title of Social Worker and be expected to provide intern supervision as appropriate to licensure.

 Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Case Manager I: High school diploma or GED and at least three years of relevant experience in human services required
• Case Manager II: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in human services required
• Case Manager III: Master’s degree in human services required, or a Bachelor’s degree plus six years of relevant experience
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and reliable means of transportation
• Ability to lift 25-40 pounds. Tasks may involve bending, lifting, and carrying heavy items.
• Excellent person-centered interpersonal skills, especially when working with individuals with complex lived experience which can include, but is not limited to, trauma
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to innovate and embrace best practices in shelter and evidence-based housing services delivery
• Ability to adapt to change

 Additional Experience a Plus:

• Three or more years of successful work or volunteer experience in human services, especially in homeless services
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Training in Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, the Transtheoretical Model of Change, Harm Reduction, and/or Trauma-Informed Care
• Master’s Degree and/or licensure in human services field, especially in social work
• U.S. Military service

 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.