Veteran and Assessment Case Manager

SAWC Veteran and Assessment Case Manager Position Description

Reports to: Assessment Team Manager and Program Director

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Profile:

The Veteran and Assessment Case Manager orients 20 or more clients to the shelter each week through completion of a single adult coordinated entry service assessment, while carrying a caseload of about 8 veteran clients at a time. The position operates in a team including one other Assessment case manager and two seasonal winter intake specialists with the supervision from an Assessment Team Manager. The goal of the position is to provide a welcoming, supportive entry experience to our shelter and offer additional resources and referrals to community supports. Many clients completing the assessment will be waiting before a residential bed will become available for them. In the meantime, the completion of the assessment provides access to all shelter services, places a client on the Community Housing Prioritization list, links clients to housing case management, and the opportunity to sign up for housing vouchers. In addition, this position provides supportive services to veteran clients in coordination with the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program. This position consists of a daytime schedule Monday- Friday with occasional evenings and weekend days.

Pay & Benefits:

The is a salaried, exempt position with an annual salary of $48,505. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County offers a strong benefits package that includes: platinum medical, dental, and vision insurance with very low deductibles and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) paying half of the total deductible; 403(b) retirement matching; flexible spending accounts, generous paid time off, disability & life insurance, employee assistance program, and bonus opportunities. We are dynamic work environment that works to inspire hope in those we serve.

Duties & Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities:

• Assist where necessary with the orderly running of the Delonis Center.
• Transport clients in personal vehicle, as needed.
• Meet with clients in the community, as needed.
• Do real-time data entries in HMIS system to ensure that case record is complete and up-to-date.
• Support other case managers, as needed.

• Work weekends and/or evenings during winter months, and holidays, as assigned.
• Perform other assignments as directed by Manager.

Assessment Case Manager Responsibilities:

• Complete 20 or more coordinated entry service assessment for single adults experiencing homelessness each week
• Understand and utilize community resources, as appropriate to client needs and make referrals; and determine appropriate SAWC services and referrals.
• Orient clients for access to shelter services and how to obtain a housing case manager and/or a Housing Choice Voucher
• Add clients to a Triage list for clients needing a Residential bed. This includes following up with clients who have been on the list more than a month.
• Complete Housing Choice Voucher pre-applications and homeless verification letters for those completing an assessment
• Link clients to SAWC’s Client Resource and Diversion Specialist when diverting from shelter seems viable
• Assist with Front Desk Coverage and Community Meal dining room monitoring as needed
• Attend and participate in case review team meetings and community housing coordination meetings

Veteran Case Management Responsibilities

• Provide initial assessments/intake for veteran clients entering shelter from Residential and winter programs
• Assist veteran clients with supportive services and housing case management
• Receive and communicate referrals for veterans to claim a Community Emergency Residential services (CERs) at the Delonis Center
• Provide a welcoming orientation and accommodating shelter stay for each veteran staying in one of the five CERs beds
• Utilize SQUAREs to determine veteran client eligibility services
• Refer veteran clients to SSVF housing been meeting criteria
• Complete documentation required by the Veteran Administration in a timely manner
• Do real-time data entries in HMIS system to ensure that client information and case record are complete and up-to-date, including veteran client case notes

• Attend Veteran Community Housing Prioritization meetings at community level
• Coordinate with the Veteran Outreach Case Manager, Peer Support Specialist, and Contracting officer on veteran client needs and Individual service plans

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field required. Master’s of Social Work or similar degree preferred. If LLMSW, candidate must guarantee completion of LMSW status by an agreed upon date. Related or alternative equivalent experiences to degrees also considered.
• 1-2 or more years’ experience with working with health care or human services organization preferred.
• Have strong diagnostic skills especially related to mental health and substance abuse issues.
• HMIS or similar electronic records system experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of health care system and community resources.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have strong critical thinking skills.
• Must have a positive attitude, be open to change, and eager to be a part of achieving greater mission of ending homelessness.
• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Access.
• Strong organizational skills

• Willingness to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.

Additionally the person that fills this position must be:

• Empathetic and energetic
• Able to work as a team member
• Be passionate about working with the veteran population
• Utilize good judgment and clear thinking in crisis situations
• High degree of cultural competency and equity lens
• Able to be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations and the primacy of client needs.
• Commitment to economic justice, civil and human rights issues.
• Mature in nature and professional in action.
• Ability to occasionally transport clients, with a Valid Michigan driver’s license and access to a vehicle with proof of insurance and registration.
• Able to carry up to approximately 50 pounds for limited distances.
• Be reliable and willing to work required shifts, including holidays and weekends.
• Have reliable transportation and willingness to transport clients in own vehicle.

Application Process:

Please go to annarborshelter.org/employment and submit your resume and cover letter. Please note that the application deadline is February 3rd, 2025. Please apply early as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Staff name:_________________________ Signature: ­­­­­­__________________________ Date: ­­­__________

Supervisor name:____________________ Signature: ­­­­­­__________________________ Date: ­­­__________