Lydia Place Case Manager (PSH) (Bellingham, WA)

POSITION TITLE: CASE MANAGER MISSION: To disrupt the cycle of homelessness and promote sustained independence for current and future generations. VISION: A compassionate community where everyone has a home and the opportunity to thrive. PROGRAM: Permanent Supportive Housing Program SUPPORTED BY: Program Manager, Housing Program Director SALARY RANGE: Level 5 - $25.21-$30.37/hour, 40 hours/week, non-exempt Candidate offers consider experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Entry salary typically in the first third of the range. BENEFITS PACKAGE: Paid time off for this position includes up to 4 weekly wellness hours, 19 days of PTO in the first year of employment (PTO includes sick time), and 13 paid holidays per year. Other benefits include agency-sponsored medical/dental insurance (current premium covered at rate of 100% for the employee), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), premium Calm meditation app subscription, and employer retirement plan contribution (current rate = matching up to 3%) after first year of employment. Lydia Place also provides a supportive, family-friendly work culture with flexible scheduling. POSITION SUMMARY: Housing Case Managers provide support to clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing in our Permanent Supportive Housing Program (a partnership with Bellingham Housing Authority), assisting families and individuals with identifying and securing housing to meet their needs, goal setting, advocacy, problem-solving and accessing community resources. LYDIA PLACE VALUES: COMMUNITY We believe strong healthy communities are the foundation to a better world. EQUITY We believe it is our responsibility to actively challenge systems of oppression. We recognize a majority of those experiencing homelessness have been marginalized. UPSTREAM IMPACT We believe that the best way to eliminate homelessness is to look beyond short-term solutions and focus on breaking the generational cycle of poverty. EMPLOYEE WELLNESS We value each other as humans first. We know that the best outcomes for our clients and our community are achieved when our team is healthy and thriving. TO APPLY: Email resume and detailed cover letter outlining your interest, qualifications, experience, or information that may not be encompassed in your resume such as lived experience that as it relates to this position, in attached .doc or .pdf format to HR & Operations Manager, Haley Sullivan at humanresources@lydiaplace.org. You may also submit hard copy materials via PO BOX 28487 Bellingham, WA 98228. Position open until filled. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Lydia Place is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on the basis of race, sex/gender, religion/creed, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, national origin, genetic markers, military or veteran's status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Real-world experience has value in the workplace. Individuals who identify with non-dominant groups, who have experienced poverty and had first-hand knowledge working with system resources, and who have relevant, lived experience equivalent to minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • Demonstrated experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field AND o 1 year of related experience in direct service • Basic knowledge of housing and support resources for low-income families in Whatcom County • Ability to establish rapport and build on family strengths in the home environment • Experience working with diverse groups of people • Proficiency with word processing, Microsoft Office programs, and cloud-based internet software • Completion of background investigation that includes social security verification, professional reference checks, and a federal criminal background investigation • Valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle and proof of insurance required PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Proficiency in Spanish, Russian, or American Sign Language REQUIRED CORE COMPETENCIES: Anti-Oppressive Lens Must be able to adopt anti-oppression, anti-racist, and trauma-informed framework to navigate complex systems of racism, poverty, homelessness, violence against women and children and other systems of oppression. Effective Communication Must be able to read and interpret documents, write reports, correspond verbally and in writing with clarity, and must embody active listening skills. Must be able to ask for help when needed and offer help to others when appropriate as well as give and receive feedback. Supports and explains reasoning for decisions. Initiative Ability to assess and identify actions to address issues independently while knowing when to ask for appropriate support. Organization Effectively able to manage time and develop and carry out complex timelines and action plans. Able to follow policies and procedures. Integrity Responsible, reliable, and accountable for actions in all settings. Open and honest about own strengths, limitations, and boundaries. Able to maintain confidentiality and commitments. Emotional Intelligence Must have an awareness of own emotions and be able to manage them while also being able to understand and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. Effectively manage disagreements. Ability to manage frequent high stress situations. Open-mindedness Adept at holding space for opposing ideas and embrace diversity in all areas of the workplace. Courage Willingness to step outside of your comfort zone to address uncertainty, fear, discomfort, inequities. Curiosity Positive change and innovation requires that we ask questions. The why’s, why nots, and what-ifs are crucial to this work and we encourage and expect employees to ask questions. We look for curiosity about ourselves, our workplace, the people, and families we serve, and the larger community. Flexibility Able to adapt and pivot as situations arise that are unexpected and/or challenging. Embrace needed change and manage well when faced with ambiguity. Creativity Thinking outside the box, resourcefulness, trying new things, approaching things differently and moving beyond the status quo. Collaboration Embraces a team approach with colleagues, community partners, and can work both individually and part of a team when needed. Supports organizations goals and values. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: CASE MANAGEMENT & DIRECT CLIENT SERVICES: • Support clients with housing application/process, one-on-one case management, advocacy, rapport building, assessments, resource and referral, development of case plan, crisis management, compliance review, and program participation viability • Advocate for clients from a client-centered approach which supports clients in functioning as independently as possible • Recognize the complexities of poverty and homelessness, and provide comprehensive advocacy services to clients, which address all factors that have contributed to their homeless status • Assist client with paperwork processes including application, lease-up, deposit and rental assistance; coordinate with partner agencies and property managers to obtain and maintain housing stability • Develop a permanent housing service plan; collaborate with other agencies to meet client needs • Schedule and facilitate on-going home visits and office appointments with clients to evaluate service effectiveness and progress toward goals • Collaborate with Parent Support Program, Mental Health team and other staff to identify and offer additional programs and support services to meet client needs • Educate clients about landlord/tenant laws and reporting requirements • Facilitate occasional groups, community events, and educational classes • Assist with special events such as Thanksgiving Meal Program, Adopt-A-Family Program, etc. COMMUNICATION, DOCUMENTATION, OTHER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Maintain accurate and timely documentation and submission of client files and funding/contract paperwork • Enter data into both AGENCY and HMIS, including compliance with all contract and confidentiality requirements • Fulfill all duties as a mandated reporter of child abuse or child neglect to DCYF • Maintain confidentiality when working with client data and electronic protected health information (ePHI) in all circumstances, except those required by law • Participate in weekly case management supervision and Team Meetings • Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and community partners • Represent Lydia Place at designated community meetings and through public presentations as assigned; preserve positive professional relationships with service providers in the community • Participates in the on-call rotation • Other duties as assigned The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. While performing these job duties, the employee is regularly required to listen to others and provide verbal feedback. The employee is required to sit for extended periods of time. Employee also is frequently required to stand, walk, climb, or balance.