Shelter Case Manager-Lighthouse

Job Description

Job Title: Shelter Case Manager

Company: Lighthouse

Location: Pontiac, MI

Pay: $43100 per year

AI Pay Analysis: The annual salary of $43,100 for a Shelter Case Manager in Pontiac, MI translates to an hourly rate of approximately $20.77, which is relatively low compared to national averages for similar positions. According to various salary estimates, case managers in shelter settings can earn between $25 to $35 per hour, depending on experience and specific organizational funding. In Pontiac and surrounding areas, the cost of living is moderately lower than the national average, yet this rate may still be considered below competitive for experienced professionals in the field. Overall, while this salary may appeal to entry-level candidates, it may not attract seasoned case managers or those with specialized skills.

Job description:

Lighthouse MI is a dynamic non-profit organization that emerged in 2019 through the collaboration of Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter, aiming to provide an enhanced collective response to poverty in the Metro Detroit community. With over 80 years of combined expertise, Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope, offering crucial assistance with emergency basic needs, housing programs, and supportive services geared towards fostering long-term economic stability. Additionally, Lighthouse operates Spero Housing Group, a subsidiary non-profit focused on developing and managing high-quality affordable and supportive housing for individuals with low and moderate incomes. Lighthouse also administers HandUp, a community-based crowdfunding platform that supports over 100 homeless service agencies and their clients throughout the United States.

Position Summary
The Case Manager will play a vital role in assisting families within Lighthouse’s Emergency Family Shelter. This position entails providing comprehensive housing case management and connecting households with essential resources to obtain and sustain stable housing. The primary focus will be on mitigating immediate housing crises, identifying further service needs, and collaborating with households to facilitate a smooth transition into positive, permanent housing. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication and critical thinking skills, enabling them to effectively coordinate services and resources for each household. Strong interpersonal abilities are also essential for establishing trusting relationships with clients, thereby fostering continued engagement in addressing their homelessness.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Conduct screenings and intakes for the shelter program using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Maintain a manageable caseload of 15-20 households while ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Oversee the nightly check-in process for the shelter program.
• Communicate promptly and effectively with the shelter team regarding new client arrivals, departures, and any specific needs or requests.
• Provide intensive, weekly case management support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Assist with weekly daytime or evening support at shelter locations as needed.
• Complete asset and needs assessments, collaborating with clients to develop and implement an Individual Service Plan that outlines their goals and actionable steps.
• Utilize the Mainstream Benefits Access Tool to assess eligibility and connect households to appropriate benefits.
• Facilitate connections to various internal and external housing programs and resources.
• Support households in their search for affordable housing, including assisting in the acquisition of necessary documentation for housing applications.
• Conduct Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections for clients transitioning into housing.
• Document timely case notes and service transactions in HMIS while gathering necessary data to measure program outcomes.
• Conduct shelter exit interviews and assist individuals in their discharge planning as they transition out of the shelter.
• Refer clients to the Follow-up Care program upon exiting the shelter into housing.
• Promote inter-agency collaborative solutions to foster long-term stability for clients.
• Ensure meticulous maintenance of client files and records.
• Provide rotating emergency phone support as needed.
• Assist with after-hours remote access to the building for clients as required.

Other Core Responsibilities

• Maintain credentials for client transportation and provide transportation services as necessary.
• Encourage collaborative inter-agency referrals to connect clients with shelter resources and facilitate goal attainment.
• Consistently enhance and implement various case management and data collection tools.
• Uphold program rules, policies, and procedures, while fostering a safe, client-centered, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
• Support front-desk operations, managing phone calls and crisis inquiries as needed.
• Engage in internal and external task forces and committees dedicated to assisting the homeless population.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated lived or professional experience working with individuals facing homelessness or extreme poverty in the U.S.
• Associate’s degree.
• 1-2 years of experience in a role related to human/social services and/or case management.
• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check, including child welfare screenings and clearances.
• Reliable transportation with valid automobile insurance.
• Valid driver’s license; Lighthouse reserves the right to conduct a driving record check for positions where driving is a critical responsibility.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps.
• Flexibility and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Capacity to multitask effectively.
• Ability to engage with diverse populations and manage challenging situations.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited institution or a master’s degree in a related field.
• Over 2 years of experience in a relevant role related to human/social services and/or case management.
• Understanding of the socio-economic constructs affecting individuals experiencing economic instability.
• Familiarity with the social services landscape in Oakland County and surrounding areas.
• Experience with HMIS.
• Capacity for self-regulation and independence while effectively coordinating with team members.
• Innovative mindset with a strong inclination towards creative problem-solving.
• Training in Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Housing First, and SPDAT.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with racially and ethnically diverse clients and teams.
• Experience in team management and leadership.
• Skilled in conflict resolution and consensus-building, with the ability to navigate difficult conversations.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Commitment to integrity in all professional interactions.
• Capacity to lead through a dynamic and demanding work environment.

Disclaimer
The statements above are intended to convey the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform additional tasks outside their typical responsibilities as needed.

Physical Demands
This position typically involves working in an office environment, utilizing a computer, telephone, and other office equipment as necessary. The working atmosphere is generally reflective of that of an office setting, which may include frequent interruptions. The individual is regularly required to sit, engage in conversation, and hear; often required to perform repetitive hand motions and handle materials, and must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 20 pounds. Engagement with the public may expose the employee to challenging behavioral situations, contagious illnesses, or contact with animals. These physical demands are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the job; reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities in fulfilling these functions.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a matching 401(k), and more.

Lighthouse is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any qualified individual based on race, creed, religion, national origin, color, veteran status, gender or gender identity, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, income, weight, or any other legally protected category.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume online. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We kindly request that no phone or email inquiries be made.

Job Posting Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:50:01 GMT

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