Shelter Case Manager

POSITION: Shelter Case Manager REPORTS TO: Shelter Housing Manager STATUS: Hourly – Non-Exempt – Full-Time OVERVIEW: The Shelter Case Manager provides housing-focused case management to individuals and families experiencing homelessness who reside at the Center for Women and Families or the Men’s Service Center. This role supports guests in identifying, accessing, and maintaining stable, permanent housing while addressing barriers that may impact housing stability.

The Shelter Case Manager is expected to adopt and consistently practice evidence-based and emerging best practices such as trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, progressive engagement and person-centered case planning. This position requires a high degree of ethics, compassion, professionalism, commitment, flexibility, accountability, and adaptability to effectively uphold Coalition values and foster an environment of dignity, respect, collaboration and empowerment for all guests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide case management to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, supporting them in achieving housing stability and other personal goals. Promote self-respect, self-reliance, and hope, empowering guests to build new skills and strengths as they work toward their goals. Provide up-to-date information and referrals regarding available community resources and follow up to ensure guests are connected to appropriate services.

Advocate for guests while collaborating with community partners, including courts, Orange County Social Services, and the Department of Children and Families. Facilitate connections for immediate needs, including housing, relocation, family reintegration, mainstream benefits, employment opportunities, and other creative solutions to increase stability and income.

Assist guests with applying for and accessing public benefits and supportive services, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, Social Security benefits, childcare assistance, employment services, and other available resources that promote financial independence, self-sufficiency, and long-term housing stability.

Follow up on applications and assist guests in resolving barriers to accessing services. Provide ongoing financial literacy and housing readiness education, including budgeting, financial planning, understanding rental requirements and associated fees, preparing for move-in expenses, coordinating moving arrangements, and planning for furniture, household necessities, and other essential expenses.

Equip guests with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain and maintain permanent housing. Assist individuals and families in achieving housing goals while working to reduce length of stay in shelter programs. Prepare and submit reports to the Department of Children and Families as required. Enter case notes and document service transactions for every client intervention in compliance with HMIS and grant requirements.

Collect and correct data for statistical reports as required by grants and funders. Attend staff meetings, workshops, and trainings as required to maintain program knowledge and compliance. Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Housing Manager to support the effectiveness of the programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must possess an associate’s degree in a social services field or equivalent college credits. Degrees from other disciplines will be considered if the candidate demonstrates relevant experience in advocacy and case management for underserved populations. Experience with victims of crime, including both children and adults, is a plus.

Proven ability to serve diverse populations effectively, with strong conflict resolution, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Proficient in both written and verbal communication. Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including Saturdays, to meet clients at times convenient for them. Willingness to attend staff meetings, workshops, and trainings as required.

Bilingual candidates and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Ability to perform other duties as assigned by the Manager to support the effectiveness of the programs. Must be able to successfully complete a Level II Background Screening and receive an eligible status.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Ability to manage a work schedule and keep appointments as scheduled. Ability to solve problems, make decisions, resolve conflicts, and actively listen. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Proficiency in computer applications, including Share Point, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word, with the ability to learn new programs.

Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrating compassion and firmness while maintaining confidentiality. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work effectively. Ability to complete, document, and analyze case notes and other client-related documentation.

Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain positive rapport with guests. Disclaimer: This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

This description excludes the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to essential job duties. All duties, responsibilities, and requirements are vital to the job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.