Housing Caseworker - Jewish Family Services of Western New York

WHY JOIN JFS?
For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.

OUR VALUES
Be a Mensch - A person who is ethical, decent, and admirable. It's someone who acts with integrity and honor, often showing kindness and consideration towards others. Being called a Mensch is a compliment suggesting that one's character is upright, responsible, and morally sound.
Be Person-Centered - Meeting individuals where they are at.
Be Culturally Responsive - Creating purpose-built spaces and programs for our clients that respect their culture.
Be Resolute - Tenacity, solution-seeking, and getting stuff done.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Housing Caseworker will provide comprehensive case management services to individuals and clients experiencing housing instability. The primary goal is to support clients in securing and maintaining stable housing, enhancing their quality of life, and fostering self-sufficiency. This role involves assessing client needs, developing individualized service plans, coordinating with community resources, and advocating on behalf of clients.

Key Responsibilities:
Client Assessment and Engagement

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' housing needs, strengths, and barriers.
• Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with clients and their primary caseworkers to address their specific needs and goals.
• Engage clients through regular meetings and maintain ongoing communication to monitor progress.

Housing Assistance

• Assist clients in locating and securing appropriate housing options.
• Provide guidance on housing applications, lease agreements, and tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Ensure identified housing meets agency/program standards; work with landlords/property owners to remedy items that need attention.
• Support clients in navigating housing-related challenges, including eviction prevention and landlord-tenant mediation.

Resource Coordination and Advocacy

• Connect clients with community resources such as financial assistance, employment services, healthcare, and legal support with the assistance of primary caseworker.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, property managers, and housing authorities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and service providers to facilitate client referrals and resource access.

Case Management and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, including case notes, service plans, and progress reports.
• Ensure compliance with program policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
• Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and training sessions.

Client Empowerment and Education

• Educate clients on housing stability strategies, budgeting, and financial management.
• Empower clients to develop skills and knowledge for long-term self-sufficiency and housing retention.
• Facilitate workshops or group sessions on relevant topics, such as tenant rights and responsibilities, and housing search strategies.

Crisis Intervention and Support

• Provide crisis intervention and support to clients facing immediate housing emergencies.
• Develop safety plans and connect clients to emergency shelters or temporary housing as needed.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or a related field or related experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management, housing services, or a related field. Experience working with low-income families and/or families from disparate cultural backgrounds highly desirable.
• Strong assessment and case management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of clients.
• Knowledge of local housing market, community resources, and social services.
• Empathetic, patient, and culturally sensitive.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to social justice and serving vulnerable populations.
  

This position requires travel between sites and therefore, you must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, and liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300K. Also, if hired, you must produce evidence of having received the Covid-19 vaccination.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary range of $21.00 to $28.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Benefits such as health insurance (Independent Health), accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4+ weeks, 401k retirement plan with company match, and 13+ observed holidays.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• The chance to make meaningful impact in a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

The above pay range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
If this sounds like the opportunity that you've been looking for, please apply today by completing our application located at https://jfsbuffalo.applicantpro.com/jobsbyorganization/. Please provide a resume and cover letter along with your application.

Jewish Family Services of Western New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.