YHDP Case Manager

JOB TITLE: Case Manager – Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program

SUPERVISOR: YHDP Program Manager

SALARY: $47,000–$50,000 annually, based on education, experience, and qualifications.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the YHDP Program Manager, the YHDP Case Manager provides intensive, individualized housing and case management services to young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The Case Manager supports participants in obtaining and maintaining safe, stable housing through rapid rehousing rental assistance, housing navigation, basic needs assistance, strengths-based case management, and connections to internal and community-based resources.

The Case Manager will work collaboratively with YHDP staff, Pathfinders YHDP staff, Coordinated Entry, the Youth Action Board, street outreach specialists, landlords, and other community partners to ensure participants receive coordinated and comprehensive services. This position requires regular community-based work and hands-on assistance with participant housing, including assisting with moves, preparing units for occupancy, and helping maintain clean and safe living environments.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Housing Assessment and Planning

• Assess the housing barriers, strengths, needs, and goals of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Develop individualized, strengths-based service plans with participants that address housing stability, education, employment, training, positive relationships, and social and emotional well-being.
• Use a client-centered, trauma-informed, and Housing First approach when working with participants.
• Support participants in identifying and securing safe, affordable, and appropriate housing.

2. Intensive Case Management

• Maintain a caseload of approximately 20 participants at a time and provide intensive, ongoing case management services.
• Meet participants regularly and conduct weekly home visits to support housing stability, assess needs, address barriers, and assist participants in working toward their individualized goals.
• Provide ongoing support to participants throughout the housing process, including housing search, lease-up, move-in, stabilization, and transition out of the program.
• Provide emotional, practical, and hands-on support to participants as they move into and out of apartments.

3. Housing and Move-In Support

• Assist participants with moving personal belongings into and out of apartments, including lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, and transporting items as appropriate.
• Assist with preparing apartments for participant move-in, including cleaning units, organizing basic household items, and ensuring units are safe, clean, and ready for occupancy.
• Assist participants with maintaining their apartments in a safe and sanitary condition and provide coaching and support around household management.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, the Pathfinders landlord liaison, and other team members to address housing-related concerns and support successful tenancy.
• Help participants understand lease requirements, communicate with landlords, and develop skills necessary to maintain housing.
• Follow all agency safety procedures when assisting with moves, cleaning, lifting, and other physical tasks.

4. Collaboration and Community Resources

• Work cooperatively and effectively with internal YHDP staff, Pathfinders YHDP staff, Coordinated Entry, the Youth Action Board, street outreach specialists, landlords, and other community partners.
• Increase participants’ access to mainstream community resources throughout the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Coordinate with collaborative partners to facilitate successful referrals and ensure participants have access to needed services and resources.
• Serve as an ongoing liaison between participants, landlords, the Pathfinders landlord liaison, and other members of the participant’s service team.

5. Documentation and Data Management

• Maintain accurate and timely participant records and case files.
• Complete all required case notes, assessments, service plans, reports, and other program documentation.
• Enter and maintain accurate participant information and service data in HMIS and other required databases.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all agencies, funder, HMIS, and applicable program requirements.

6. Training and Professional Development

• Participate in required program and agency meetings, case consultations, supervision, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain knowledge of Housing First principles, rapid rehousing practices, trauma-informed care, youth homelessness, and community resources.
• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with participants, coworkers, landlords, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related social service field; or a minimum of three years of relevant equivalent experience in social services, housing, homelessness, youth services, or related field.
• Lived experience is valued and will be considered as part of the overall qualifications and selection process.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the Housing First model and low-barrier service provision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build effective, professional, and trusting relationships with young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Working knowledge of computers and the ability to learn and use HMIS and other electronic case management systems.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid Wisconsin driver's license, and current proof of automobile insurance, and must maintain required insurance coverage throughout employment.
• Must be able to regularly travel throughout the Greater Milwaukee area to conduct home visits, attend meetings, transport or assist participants when appropriate, and access community resources.

Physical Requirements

This is a community-based position that requires regular physical activity and hands-on assistance with participant housing needs. The employee must be able to:

• Consistently lift and carry at least 25 pounds as part of routine job duties.
• Assist with moving participant belongings, furniture, household items, supplies, and other materials associated with participant move-ins and move-outs.
• Regularly climb and descend stairs, including stairs in residential buildings and participant apartments.
• Stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, carry, and perform other physical activities necessary to assist with apartment moves, unit preparation, cleaning, and housing-related activities.
• Assist with cleaning and preparing apartments, including routine cleaning and organization of units before or during participant move-in and as needed to support housing stability.
• Safely perform physical job duties while following agency procedures and appropriate lifting and safety practices.