Employment Specialist / Case Manager – Transitional Housing Program

Position Summary:

Position Summary

The Employment Specialist / Case Manager provides comprehensive employment and case management services to individuals residing in the Transitional Housing Program. The primary purpose of this position is to assist participants in achieving housing stability, obtaining and maintaining employment, increasing income, developing independent living skills, and successfully transitioning to permanent housing.

Using a person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, the Employment Specialist / Case Manager works collaboratively with participants to identify barriers to employment and housing stability, develop individualized service plans, connect participants with community resources, and support progress toward self-sufficiency.

The Employment Specialist / Case Manager is responsible for maintaining regular participant contact, documenting services provided, monitoring progress toward program goals, and ensuring compliance with agency, funding, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employment Services

• Conduct employment assessments to identify participant strengths, interests, skills, and barriers to employment.
• Develop individualized employment goals and action plans.
• Assist participants with resume preparation, interview skills, job search activities, and employment applications.
• Coordinate referrals to vocational training, educational programs, certification programs, and workforce development resources.
• Develop relationships with local employers and employment partners.
• Assist participants in obtaining employment and increasing earned income.
• Provide ongoing employment retention support and coaching.
• Monitor participant progress toward employment goals.

Housing Stabilization Services

• Assist participants in developing plans for permanent housing.
• Support participants in locating affordable housing opportunities.
• Assist with housing applications and required documentation.
• Educate participants on tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Support participants in developing budgeting and financial management skills.
• Coordinate referrals for rental assistance and housing resources as appropriate.
• Monitor progress toward permanent housing placement goals.

Case Management Services

• Complete assessments and develop individualized service plans.
• Conduct regular case management meetings with assigned participants.
• Assist participants in accessing healthcare, mental health services, substance use treatment, benefits, transportation, education, and community resources.
• Provide crisis intervention and problem-solving support.
• Monitor participant progress and update service plans as needed.
• Advocate for participants and coordinate services with community providers.

Independent Living Skills Development

• Provide coaching and support related to budgeting, financial literacy, household management, time management, conflict resolution, and other life skills necessary for independent living.
• Facilitate workshops or groups related to employment readiness, financial wellness, housing stability, and self-sufficiency.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete all assessments, service plans, case notes, referrals, employment records, housing records, and discharge summaries within required timelines.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the HMIS and Lauris Online records systems.
• Participate in program audits, quality improvement activities, and accreditation reviews.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, CARF standards, Homeless Trust, HUD requirements, and other funding source regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Sociology, or related field.
• Minimum one year experience in case management, employment services, housing services, homelessness programs, behavioral health, or related human services.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness preferred.
• Knowledge of workforce development, employment resources, affordable housing programs, and community resources.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Performance Expectations

• Participants successfully obtain employment and increase income.
• Participants demonstrate progress toward housing stability and self-sufficiency.
• Timely and accurate documentation.
• Successful coordination of community resources and referrals.
• Positive participant engagement and retention.
• Compliance with agency, funder, and CARF requirements.