Job Description

The Case Manager II provides case management services to individuals and families participating in housing assistance programs, particularly in our rural counties (Monroe, Vernon, and Crawford)Responsibilities include participant recruitment, eligibility determination, housing stability planning, landlord relations, service coordination, advocacy, and program compliance. The position works to ensure clients receive appropriate services in a coordinated, efficient, and effective manner while supporting long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency. The work is performed under the general supervision of a supervisor; however, the employee is expected to exercise initiative, creativity, and sound judgment in carrying out assigned duties. Flexible work hours may be required.

Key Responsibilities

All Couleecap employees are required to support and uphold Couleecap’s mission to fight poverty and create opportunities for economic and social mobility so that all people succeed in thriving communities as well as have the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from all cultures or belief systems.

Program Enrollment & Eligibility

Recruit and enroll eligible program participants.
Process applications, conduct interviews, obtain verifications, and determine eligibility for program services.
Conduct intake meetings with applicants, service providers, and landlords as required.
Distribute and administer financial assistance when it is available.

Case Management & Service Planning

Conduct assessments to identify client strengths, barriers, needs, and goals.
Develop individualized service plans and participant agreements that establish short- and long-term objectives.
Provide ongoing case management, monitoring, follow-up, advocacy, and support.
Assist clients in accessing community resources and supportive services.
Coordinate transportation, appointments, referrals, and other services as needed.
Provide in-home support services when appropriate to assist clients in meeting established goals.

Housing Assistance & Landlord Relations

Serve as a primary contact for landlords regarding program requirement and financial assistance.
Communicate regularly with tenants, landlords, and partner case managers regarding assistance status, rent adjustments, recertifications, and required documentation.
Negotiate leases and assist clients in securing and maintaining safe, stable housing.
Provide information and guidance regarding program rules, responsibilities, and housing requirements.

Housing Inspections & Compliance

Conduct Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections.
Ensure participating units comply with program and funding requirements.
Monitor expiration dates, lease renewals, and recertification requirements.
Maintain compliance with program regulations and funding source requirements.

Partnership Development & Collaboration

Establish and maintain communication with community agencies, service providers, and other stakeholders involved in client services.
Conduct annual trainings or informational updates for partner agencies and stakeholders.
Recruit and onboard new partner agencies and provide program orientation and training.
Work collaboratively with internal staff and external partners to support positive client outcomes.
Attend collaborative meetings with community partners

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain accurate client records and case notes.
Prepare reports and documentation required by program funders and agency policies.
Monitor participant progress and document outcomes.
Maintain confidential client information in accordance with agency standards.

Program Development & Evaluation

Participate in program evaluations and outcome tracking.
Assist with the development and improvement of housing programs and services.
Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

Team Participation

Work cooperatively with agency staff to ensure effective and high-quality service delivery.
Contribute to a positive team environment focused on client success.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, counseling, public administration, community development, housing, or a related field; or equivalent experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience conducting client assessments, developing service plans, and coordinating supportive services.
Knowledge of crisis intervention, advocacy, resource navigation, and strengths-based case management practices.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with clients, landlords, service providers, and community partners.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience maintaining accurate records, case notes, and program documentation while protecting client confidentiality.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in managing complex client situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn client management and data tracking systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience administering housing assistance programs
Experience conducting Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections or the ability to obtain required certification.
Knowledge of landlord-tenant law, fair housing requirements, housing stability interventions, and housing-focused case management practices.
Experience working with individuals and families experiencing housing instability, homelessness, poverty, mental health concerns, substance use disorders, disabilities, or other significant barriers to stability.
Experience providing training, technical assistance, or facilitating partnerships with community agencies and stakeholders.
Professional or lived experience with financial instability, barriers to homeownership, or navigating lending, credit, or public assistance systems, with the ability to apply that perspective to provide empathetic, client-centered guidance and support.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations