Housing Case Manager

Our Mission: Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

About Us Lutheran Community Services Northwest is a non-profit human services agency that improves lives of people in communities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. We provide a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools and communities. We are privileged to touch lives of all ages, cultures and faiths.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Housing Case Manager provides housing stability case management, resource referrals, system navigation, and advocacy for participants in the ORIA Housing Stabilization Services program.

The Case Manager is responsible for accepting referrals of ORIA-eligible refugee and humanitarian parolee households who are at imminent risk of homelessness in Washington state. The Case Manager will implement a rapid intake process and work with the family to develop a housing stability and rental assistance plan, conduct housing search and landlord engagement as needed, and make referrals to needed services.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assist referred participants to verify and document ORIA program eligibility and complete program application materials.
• Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served, especially refugee, immigrant and humanitarian parolee households
• Conduct comprehensive in-depth assessments utilizing the intake, assessment and housing barriers tools.
• Utilize motivational interviewing and trauma-informed practices to help the participants develop a strengths-based plan of action to achieve economic and housing stability
• Provide coaching and conflict resolution services to assist clients in resolving conflicts that may be endangering current or future housing including but not limited to scenarios between clients and landlords, property managers and/or friends, family and neighbors.
• Assist the participants with referrals to a customized array of services that will help them achieve plan goals, including to employment, pre-employment, or life skills programs.
• Help participants find and obtain safe and stable housing.
• Provide assistance with completing rental applications, if needed.
• Submit financial assistance requests for client rent subsidies and other approved expenses as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate client files.. Proficiency includes entry of data into the client record, the editing of information as needed, and the printing of reports within HMIS.
• Cooperate on the collection and analysis of data related to participants.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of participant information in conformance with related policies and procedures. Requires strict adherence of HIPAA standards in the office workspace to ensure confidentiality.
• Participate in ongoing training and program development, and other relevant community activities as requested.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• At least 2 years’ experience in related field.
• Must have well-developed communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must have strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and willingness to learn new databases.
• Previous experience working with participants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
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CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: WA State Driver’s License and proof of current auto insurance(if applicable)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Previous experience in community and human services including serving homeless and low-income communities.
• Multilingual in Ukrainian or Dari/Pashto

The Perks: We offer a full benefits package with options for medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage; employer-paid short and long-term disability, as well as life insurance.  Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year.  Up to 2 weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked). 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year.  A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching after meeting eligibility requirements.  Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you. Staff potentially eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness program as a 501(c) 3 employer.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services Northwest team.  Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITTED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCY.