Careers

Reports to:              Associate Director, NECC

FLSA:                         Hourly Non-Exempt

Position Overview

Candidates seeking a career pathway in social services are invited to apply. NECC offers multi-sector work and the ability to increase job responsibility and scope as part of a small nimble team supporting residents in Northeast Spokane.

The CHW/ Housing Diversion Case Manager is charged with supporting organizational efforts in developing and implementing a housing diversion strategy/program primarily through the completion of identified goals/outcomes of the BHT Linkages Grant in concert with the NECC mission. Services provided include but are not limited to housing counseling, diversion assistance, housing searches, landlord liaison activities, and financial coaching.

Primary Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Conduct a thorough family assessment using screening, intake, and placement of individuals/families to create housing stability. Determine eligibility of program participants for housing diversion/section 8 services
• Work with families to set goals and objectives around obtaining and maintaining employment encouraging self-reliance and self-determination, leading to stabilization in permanent housing
• Work in partnership with NECC staff to create a family development/housing stability plan with emphasis on financial budgeting, employment and permanent housing
• Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources (other specialized housing assistance programs) and provide appropriate referrals to address barriers to stable housing and employment like medical, mental health, chemical dependency, domestic violence, etc. and social services such as health, welfare, and education programs for improving family and community standards
• Meet weekly/monthly/annually with assigned/assisted families to monitor progress/outcomes, coordinate service delivery, aid in overcoming barriers to housing, assist in navigating the social service system and evaluate progress in meeting goals. Provide advocacy, information and referrals in response to family needs
• Effectively collaborate with NECC staff/programs to provide comprehensive services to meet families’ needs
• Perform applicant and client interviewing, eligibility status, leasing, and case management, including:
  • Interview housing applicants and verify all documentation provided for assistance eligibility
  • Collect required supporting documentation, w-9, lease agreements, repair estimates. Prepare appropriate forms for Accounting to release housing diversion payments
  • Make the determination as to eligibility for housing diversion/Section 8 housing voucher programs in accordance with applicable developed grant requirements and program guidelines policies
  • Make reasonable accommodations as needed to assist in a “common-sense” approach and update guidelines and policy to reflect changes
  • Share case notes when applicable with authorized program staff
  • Act as a liaison between mainstream/non-culturally responsive service providers and families as needed
  • Maintain grant budget financial records

Secondary Responsibilities and Duties

• Attend collaborative meetings with partner agencies that will assist in preventing and ending homelessness. Work closely and professionally with other public agencies and organizations that may be available for the betterment of northeast neighborhoods
• Assist in researching, developing, maintaining and revising housing diversion forms, procedures, and control/case management system(s) as needed. Schedule meetings to discuss new approaches to better serve our clients and review/update guidelines and procedures
• With leadership, collect identified data to support outcomes, complete necessary data reports
• Provide one-on-one mentoring and small group support with a focus on family strengths
• Conduct intake interviews with families and enter data into the Community Management Information System (CMIS) platform. Provide ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing, and goal setting with families following all confidentiality requirements
• Develop an ongoing plan that the family helps to construct and empower families by helping them navigate and access community resources and services
• Act as a team member with ZONE and NECC staff, parents, partners, other community health workers, and schools to provide integrated services to children and families
• Maintain files and prepare memos, email, copies, expense reports, and other administrative forms

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Flexible, self-motivated, outcome driven
• Project/program development experience
• Willing to coordinate staff housing activities
• Ability to work in multiple databases
• Have a passion to work with families to assist them in meeting goals
• Experience with motivational interviewing and mentoring techniques
• Ability to work well with all types of people
• Demonstrated experience in effective collaboration and teamwork
• Exceptional verbal, written communication and organizational skills
• Ability to problem solve quickly and independently
• Ability to maintain composure in crisis situations and work under pressure
• Ability to assert oneself
• Exemplary time management skills
• Ability to work with staff in solving problems and ability to take and give direction functioning as part of a team

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation
• Computer skills with a variety of software programs and ability to adapt/learn new technologies
• Must exhibit maturity and professionalism in personal behavior when officially representing the NECC/The ZONE and even when off duty

Required Education: Associate Degree with at least 5 years of direct social service experience, including 1 year working with low-income and/or homeless families and/or victims of domestic violence, or a bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of direct social service experience working with low income and/or homeless families

Required Experience

• Must demonstrate experience designing/implementing programs/grant deliverables
• Must demonstrate past casework/mentoring experience

Preferred Experience/Education: Knowledge of community-specific culture and/or Northeast Spokane neighborhood resident. A bachelor’s degree in a social service-related field, such as social work, behavioral sciences, or mental health. Experience working with housing and homelessness and knowledge of community resources and social services. Working knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.

Hours/Salary & Benefits: FT. $21.60-$27.80/hour depending on experience and education. Medical insurance, retirement & other benefits in accordance with NECC personnel policies upon successful completion of probationary period. The responsibilities and requirements described in this position description are representative of attributes needed to successfully perform the primary duties and responsibilities of this position. The employee is required to follow any other instruction and to perform any other work duties at the request of the supervisor or other management personnel.

The Northeast Community Center Association is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Applicants may be requested to complete a drug test. Because the Center serves fragile populations, a criminal background check will be conducted. The Northeast Community Center Association is an equal opportunity employer.