The Low Threshold Case Manager is responsible for the coordination and delivery of case management services to identified individuals at our Low Threshold Housing Program in that provides shelter, case management, housing advocacy and navigation and recovery referral services to individuals identified as unsheltered/homeless with chronic substance use. Our program helps individuals address barriers to housing, support individuals who want to address/reduce their substance use and find permanent housing. The Low Threshold Case Manager reports to the Program Director for support and supervision.

Location: Arborway is permanent housing for individuals with histories of homelessness, struggling with substance use disorder, chronic health conditions, and/or mental health concerns.

Essential Functions:

• Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence, including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries and client confidentiality.
• Ensure that policies and procedures of the programs are followed.
• Identify housing support needs; coordinate and advocate for appropriate support services and resources that will assist clients in optimizing health outcomes and housing stabilization, moving towards self-sufficiency.
• Provide housing stabilization services to clients including eviction prevention, recertifications, accessing funding and benefit sources.
• Accompany clients to resource-related appointments, appeals, and following up on submitted client applications.
• Formulate and document individualized plans for clients for support services coordination. Goals need to be achievable, concrete, measurable and time limited.
• Develop a wide-ranging resource network for people living with HIV in the Greater Boston area.
• Provide coordination, linkage and follow-up with existing service programs to maximize access to services.
• Act as a liaison between clients, property management companies, medical personnel, volunteers and families; navigate and identify different components of a client’s support system at large.
• Develop and coordinate a system for follow-up/outcome measurement for up to 6 months post discharge.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of all client work, completing all program required assessments.
• Maintain clear, concise and accurate client files and data-based records.
• Provide CSP-HI (Community Support Program for Homeless Individuals) services to eligible residents, including documenting services in both VPI's & Eliot Community Human Services EHR.
• Become a Certified Application Counselor (CAC) in order to offer application and enrollment assistance for residents.
• Attend weekly team meetings, weekly supervision, monthly clinical supervision meetings. Attend All Staff meetings, monthly staff trainings, program collaborative meetings, attend staff trainings when offered.
• Obtain signed consent to support and empower clients with the coordination of referrals and housing search, services that may include direct advocacy and support to coordinate with other aspects of the client’s needs.
• Accompany clients, as needed, to housing related appointments.
• Facilitate a monthly aftercare group to assist in the maintenance of housing stability.
• Complete any additional agency or funder reports as requested by your immediate supervisor or other designated person.
• Maintain contact with other internal and external client providers, including, but not limited to counselors, case managers, and housing providers.
• Implement best practices in compliance with Victory Programs’ Philosophy of Care and our Housing First philosophy.
• Meet with clients where they are permanently housed or in the community as needed, providing weekly case management unless otherwise noted.
• Continue to assess and provide referrals and other community-based recovery, health, nutritional and other support services for individuals receiving stabilization services.
• Develop and maintain service linkages to support clients/residents and their families, including developing relationships with local service providers.
• Promote access to and participation in the community and neighborhood, including the gathering and distributing information regarding community meetings, events, and resources.
• Work collaboratively within the team to provide client centered services.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Participate and support the agency in program holiday events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, HIV/AIDS rally and walk, and any additional functions.
• Attend weekly staff meetings, in-service training and agency workshops.
• Attend additional training as requested by your supervisor to enhance skills
• Perform any other duty or task that may be requested by a supervisor or the Program Director.
• Represent Victory Programs, Inc. in external meetings, as requested.

Qualifications:

Bachelor degree with 1-2 years’ experience preferred, or High school diploma with 3 or more years of client advocacy experience. Relevant experience may include:

• Housing search.
• Housing retention.
• Case management.
• HIV services.
• Experience advocating for clients with government assistance agencies, housing authorities, private landlords or realtors preferred.
• Openness to harm reduction philosophy.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a member of a professional team.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Google office suites and Internet use.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in multicultural settings with diverse client groups, including people with mental health concerns and substance use disorder.
• Must be CPR certified (may be obtained upon hire)
• Complete TB screening (may be obtained upon hire)
• Three strong work related professional references; at least 2 from manager or supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish, Haitian Creole) preferred.
• A valid Massachusetts driver’s license with a safety driving points of 00, 99, 01, 02, or 03.

Position Type: Full-time (40 hours/week) Sunday - Thursday 9am-5pm. On-site.

Rate: $26.00/hr

Victory Programs values a diverse workforce, as we collectively seek to create welcoming, inclusive and accessible environments for our employees and the people we serve. We strive to sustain healthy, functioning communities that respect and celebrate different experiences, identities, cultures and ideas.

Victory Programs has helped individuals and families in crisis for over 45 years. Thousands turn to us yearly for shelter, sustenance, recovery, care, and professional, compassionate support. Most struggle with homelessness, substance use and mental health, and many live with HIV/AIDS. Our team of more than 300 staff across over 30+ programs works with people to develop and execute creative, safe solutions to the very real challenges our clients face.

Our benefit program includes a 75% health and 25% dental employer premium contribution, 100% employer paid disability and life insurance. Victory Programs offers a generous paid time off package to all employees including vacation, sick, and personal time as well as holidays. Upon hire, all staff are entitled to up to: 4 personal days, 160 sick hours, 10 holidays and 3 1/2 weeks of vacation. These figures adjust based on full time or part time status and allocated vacation time increases with length of employment.