Housing Case Manager

Job Title: Sustainability Case Manager
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30am- 5:00pm

Join Our Team 

Are you passionate about making a genuine impact in the lives of at-risk individuals in your community? At Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) that’s what you’ll be doing. Come join our upbeat and collaborative team!

About Family Assistance Ministries (FAM):  FAM is an interfaith non-profit organization whose mission is to assist those in need in Orange County with resources for food, shelter, and personalized supportive counsel and aid; helping clients bridge the gap from dependency to self-sufficiency.

Position Summary: The Housing Case Manager is responsible for providing comprehensive support services to individuals and families experiencing housing instability or homelessness. The ideal candidate will establish a relationship of trust by empowering clients to secure and maintain stable housing and self-sufficiency through comprehensive case management and support services. This role involves assessing client needs, developing personalized housing plans, and connecting clients with appropriate resources to achieve and maintain stable housing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Client Assessment and Intake

  • Conduct initial and ongoing assessments of clients' housing needs, financial situation, and support requirements

  • Evaluate eligibility for various housing programs and services

  • Create and maintain detailed client files and documentation

Housing Plan Development

  • Collaborate with clients to develop individualized housing stability plans

  • Set realistic goals and timelines for achieving stable housing

  • Identify potential barriers to housing and develop strategies to overcome them

Resource Coordination

  • Connect clients with appropriate housing resources, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent housing options

  • Assist clients in navigating the application processes for housing programs, subsidies, and benefits

  • Liaise with landlords, property managers, and housing authorities to facilitate housing placements

Support Services

  • Provide ongoing case management support to ensure clients maintain stable housing

  • Provide services including but not limited to: financial literacy, budgeting, household management, tenant rights, and return to workforce.

  • Coordinate with other service providers to address clients' holistic needs (e.g., mental health, substance abuse, employment, education)

  • Provide crisis intervention and support to clients facing immediate challenges

Advocacy

  • Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, housing authorities, and other service providers

  • Assist clients in understanding and exercising their rights as tenants

  • Represent clients in housing-related meetings or hearings when necessary

Community Outreach

  • Develop and maintain relationships with local landlords, property managers, and housing providers

  • Participate in community events and initiatives related to housing and homelessness

  • Conduct presentations to community groups about housing services and resources

Reporting and Evaluation

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in the organization's database

  • Protect and maintain confidential case files for clients

  • Prepare regular reports on client progress, program outcomes, and service delivery

  • Contribute to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of housing programs and services

Professional Development

  • Stay informed about local, state, and federal housing policies and programs

  • Attend relevant training sessions and workshops to enhance skills and knowledge

  • Participate in team meetings and case conferences

  • Other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field or equivalent case management experience with at risk homeless population.

  • Minimum 2 years of case management experience, preferably in housing or homelessness.

  • Knowledge of Housing First Principles and Trauma-informed Care are highly desirable.

  • Proficient in Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

  • Experience with case management platform Planstreet, and HMIS is highly desirable.

  • Experience serving Cal AIM eligible clients is highly desirable.

  • Knowledge of homelessness-related issues, local resources, and social service systems.

  • Current valid CA driver's license and insurance, with reliable transportation.

  • Bilingual in Spanish is preferred, but not required.

Conflict of Interest Policy: Former FAM clients who meet job qualifications, have successfully completed the program, and have not received any services from FAM for a minimum of 12 months may be eligible to apply.

Skills and Attributes

  • Empathy and compassion for individuals experiencing housing instability

  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • Excellent time management and organizational skills

  • Cultural competency and sensitivity to the needs of diverse populations

  • Resilience and ability to work in challenging and fast-paced environments

  • Commitment to professional ethics and maintaining client confidentiality

Working Conditions

  • Full-time non-exempt position, Monday to Friday 8:30am-5pm with occasional evening and weekend work required

  • Primarily office-based work in San Clemente or Mission Viejo, with field visits and services in community locations. Local travel up to 20%

  • May involve exposure to challenging situations and environments

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally

  • Physical demands may include walking, standing, and lifting during community activities

 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Starting salary is $25-28/hr. DOE.

  • Full medical, vision, dental. FAM pays 100% of the premium for the employee’s coverage in the medical and dental plans; 50% of the vision premium for the employee.

  • Participation in the 401(k) plan

  • Holiday, Vacation, and Sick PTO.

  • Company approved early days throughout the year.

  • Team appreciation events with incentives. 

  • Resale store 50% employee discount.  

  • Mileage and technology reimbursement.

 We appreciate your interest in our opportunity; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. The position duties may be changed at any time at management’s discretion. This position description is not intended to create contractual obligations of any kind.

EEO Statement: FAM is committed to providing equal opportunity employment. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.