LWUA Case Manager

About Lighthouse

Lighthouse MI is a growing non-profit, established in 2019 when Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter joined forces to offer a stronger collective response to poverty in our Metro Detroit community. With over 80 years of combined experience, Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope to our neighbors who need it most by offering assistance with emergency basic needs alongside housing programs and supportive services designed to support long-term economic stability. Lighthouse owns and operates Spero Housing Group, a subsidiary non-profit dedicated specifically to developing and operating high quality affordable and supportive housing for persons of low and moderate income, as well as HandUp, a community and crowdfunding platform serving 100+ homeless service agencies and their clients across the United States.

Position Summary

Local Water Utility Affordability (LWUA) case management and services are essential for providing homeless prevention services to those at risk of water shut off in Oakland County. This position will play an integral role in upholding program goals such as maintaining high positive utilization rates, serving the most vulnerable individuals, increasing the number of people served and remaining client centered. This position will provide eviction prevention services through utility shut off prevention programs. The position is on a renewal basis based on the funding source. The first extension of the program goes until October 2025 with the expectation that it will be extended through October 2026. Compensation is $43,100 annually.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Maintain a caseload of 40-45 clients

• Assist clients with the LWUA Water Grant application process

• Assist clients in obtaining personal documents necessary for LWUA process

• Conduct landlord outreach and client advocacy to expand the reach of the program

• Provide ongoing housing case management services, when applicable, to clients following the Housing First model with a strength-based approach by conducting virtual or in person meetings with clients as needed

• Complete timely program entries, exits, and case notes using the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS), Empower, or other data collection systems as applicable

• Track case management activities and client outcomes in HMIS, Empower, as well as in an internal tracking-log

• Enter data in real-time when possible, and at least within 48 hours

• Assist clients in applying for and obtaining mainstream benefits as needed

• Ensure the proper maintenance of client files and records

• Collect data to support the measurement of program outcomes

• Must be available on site as needed per the LWUA guidelines. Minimally 2-3x monthly

• Participate in meetings with fiduciaries to ensure program compliance

Other Core Responsibilities

• Maintain approval to transport clients and provide transportation services as needed.

• Foster and coordinate inter-agency collaborative solutions and referrals to help clients connect with shelter, meet their goals, and attain long-term stability.

• Ensure the proper maintenance of client related files and records.

• Continuously improve and consistently implement various case management and data collection tools.

• Enforce program rules, policies, and procedures and uphold agency values to maintain a safe, client-centered, and inclusive environment for clients, staff, interns, and volunteers.

• Assist with front-desk operations, answering phones, and crisis calls as needed.

• Participate in internal and external task-forces and committees working to assist the homeless population.

Minimum Qualifications

• Lived or professional experience working with people experiencing homelessness or extreme levels of poverty in the US.

• Associates degree

• 1-2 years’ experience in a role directly or indirectly related to human/social services and/or case management

• Reliable transportation to transport clients and maintenance of automobile insurance

• Valid driver’s license, Lighthouse reserves that right to require a driving record check with respect to any employee where driving is an essential function of the position.

• Knowledgeable in with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps,

• Flexibility and the capacity to prioritize tasks in a rapidly changing environment

• Ability to multitask effectively in a fast paced environment

• Ability to work with a challenging and diverse population

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• BSW from a 4-year accredited college or university or master’s degree in a related field

• 2+ years’ experience in a role directly or indirectly related to a human/social services and/or case management

• An understanding of the social constructs impacting those experiencing economic instability,

• Knowledge of the social services landscape in Oakland County and surrounding areas

• HMIS experience

• Ability to self-regulate and work independently while coordinating with other staff

• An appetite for innovation and creative problem-solving

• Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, and SPDAT training

• Proven ability to work effectively with racially and ethnically diverse clients and teams

• Experience in managing and leading teams

• Ability to build consensus and resolve conflict; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.

• Exceptional communication ability, both written and oral.

• Ability to listen and accept feedback constructively.

• Possess high emotional intelligence skills.

• Unwavering personal integrity.

• Ability to work in a fast paced, demanding, constantly changing environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Physical Demands:

The incumbent typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office. Incumbent may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday. The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend or lift up to 20 pounds. Contact with the public in office environments may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior, contagious diseases, or contact with domestic animals. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, matching 401(k), and more.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Lighthouse is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any qualified individual based on race, creed, religion, national origin, color, status as a veteran, gender or gender identity, sex, age, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, disability, income, weight, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume online via JobScore.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.

No phone or e-mail inquiries, please.