Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager (Tenant-based)

Job Title: Case Manager (tenant-based), Permanent Supportive Housing

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Department: Permanent Supportive Housing

Reports To: Case Manager Supervisor

Direct Reports: None

Date Issued: 2019

Date revised: October 2023

Housing Up builds thriving communities in Washington, DC by developing affordable housing and offering comprehensive support services to homeless and low-income families. In addition to being a nonprofit affordable housing developer, we provide permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing and transitional housing. We believe that people who have safe, affordable housing and genuine opportunities are empowered to transform their lives.

Over the past 33 years, our organization has grown from serving 14 families in one building in Northwest DC to serving more than 900 families throughout the city. Housing Up is now one of the city’s largest homeless services providers and is a critical partner in the District’s plan to end family homelessness. Housing Up is a Housing First organization and is proud to be a critical partner in Mayor Muriel Bowser’s plan to make homelessness “rare, brief, and nonrecurring”.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager Supervisor, the Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager is responsible for implementing a strong, intensive case management component for chronically homeless families focused on moving people out of homelessness quickly as well as preventing recidivism. The primary goal is to assist families in achieving increased stability and self-sufficiency using a strengths-based, Housing First approach. Functions performed include assisting with housing clients, family goal planning, connections to community resources, home visits, rental payment monitoring, community building, and problem solving with other case managers. Work is accomplished by advising and motivating program participants to accomplish goals in their needs-based goal plans.

Essential Functions 

• Provides intensive case management in strong coordination with core service agencies and in alignment with the Housing First, voluntary services model
• Develops and updates needs-based goal plans with program participants using a family case management approach, assisting them to set and prioritize short and long-range goals
• Completes monthly home visits to support families in performing the tasks required to maintain housing stability, including on-time payment of rent and household maintenance
• Conducts regular family assessments with a standardized tool used by Housing Up
• Works with families to problem-solve issues around lease and/or program rules
• Provides referrals as needed to Housing Up supportive services (clinical and housing services) and works collaboratively as a team to advance the goals of the client
• Maintains effective working relationships with other agencies to which (and from which) participants may be referred, regularly contributing to the resource directory/database
• Attends trainings regularly as required by contract
• Maintains current records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database and paper case files, documenting client interactions in standardized format used by Housing Up
• Captures daily and monthly statistics and other required reports as directed
• Participates in Housing Up special events, helping to share information about Housing Up and working, as needed, to ensure event success
• Attends staff meetings and other meetings as required by supervisor; and
• Other duties as assigned.

 Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field and 1 year of experience OR high school diploma or equivalent with 4 years of human services experience. Lived experience in homelessness may also be considered in lieu of these requirements;
• One (1) year of experience working with at risk populations;
• Working knowledge of the strengths-based, client-centered approach;
• Demonstrated cultural competence;
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills;
• Excellent listening and problem-solving skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Knowledge of community resources available to families;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to rapid change within a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment;
• High confidence level in working independently;
• Possess and maintains a positive, solutions-oriented approach; and
• Valid drivers license and proof of automobile insurance required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with homelessness, mental health, and/or substance abuse that reflects and

understanding of the causes of homelessness is strongly preferred.

Work Environment/Physical Effort

• The case manager will primarily work from a site-based permanent supportive housing program in Washington, DC. Employees here will require flexibility to work night and/or weekends when necessary and with advanced notice;
• Requires ability to sit up to 3-6 hours per day with intermittent occasional walking and standing;
• Ability to sit/stand for prolonged periods;
• Ability to lift 20-30 pounds;
• Must be available to participate in after hours on-call rotation, as well as be on call during inclement weather.

 Salary and Benefits

Salary $50,000-$55,000 (Depending on qualifications and experience)

This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus!

Housing Up offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan with company match, paid vacation and sick leave, commuter benefits, summer Fridays, tuition assistance, new hire/referral bonuses, professional development budgets, and a work environment aimed at a healthy work-life balance.

Vaccine Protocol

Housing Up has made the safety of our clients, staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, all staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or new employee at Housing Up, you will be required to comply with the organization’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any Housing Up location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement from human resources and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

Housing Up is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.