Case Manager - Outreach

The Case Manager for Outreach and Navigation plays a vital role in connecting unsheltered individuals, particularly those living in encampments, to stable housing solutions. This position is centered on building trust and rapport with clients, understanding their unique circumstances, and guiding them through the complexities of the housing system. In addition to direct client engagement, the role involves collaborating closely with community partners, service providers, and local organizations to create a supportive network that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by clients. The Case Manager will facilitate access to essential resources, including housing applications, income support programs, healthcare services, and necessary documentation, ensuring that clients have the tools they need to achieve stability.

The position requires a proactive and empathetic approach, as well as the ability to navigate various social and systemic barriers. Flexibility is essential, as the Case Manager may need to work outside of traditional office hours to effectively reach and support individuals in the community. Through outreach efforts and personalized navigation, the Case Manager aims to empower clients on their journey toward permanent housing and improved quality of life.

Essential Functions

• Engage and build rapport with unsheltered individuals through assertive outreach, with a focus on connecting them to resources and housing.
• Conduct intake and assessments to determine goals to overcome barriers for people experiencing homelessness and substance use/co-occurring disorders.
• Conduct outreach in encampments, warming/cooling centers, and at community events.
• Respond to crisis referrals and collaborate with outreach teams to move clients into housing options and self-sustainability.
• Provide transportation to clients from encampments to temporary or permanent housing.
• Participate and enroll within the Client Track HMIS for CE and Outreach services.
• Assist clients with obtaining necessary housing documents, including ID, birth certificates, social security cards, income verification, TB tests, employment documents, and other key records.
• Serve as a champion for clients, ensuring ongoing engagement, communication, and progress toward housing.
• Provide referrals for employment, disability applications, emergency shelters, and other wrap around services, as requested by clients.
• Upon receiving housing referrals, assist in connecting client to housing provider to complete move-in process.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, including employment verification, document readiness, and by-name lists.
• Assist clients with increasing income through benefits such as SSI/SSDI using the SOAR model.
• Collaborate with local organizations, outreach teams, and stakeholders to tailor services based on client needs and build community partnerships.
• Act as a subject matter expert on local resources, best practices in outreach, and the geography of Atlanta’s unsheltered population.
• Participate in the annual Atlanta Continuum of Care (CoC) Point in Time (PIT) count, serving as a point of contact for related duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 2+ years of experience in outreach, case management, or homeless services.
• Strong knowledge of housing resources, benefits acquisition and Coordinated Entry systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work varying hours, including early mornings and evenings, to meet outreach needs. - Strongly Preferred
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Familiarity with the SOAR model for benefits acquisition.
• Knowledge of the Atlanta community and local homeless services ecosystem.
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.
• Lived experience with homelessness or housing instability is highly valued and welcomed.

Working Conditions:

This position requires consistent fieldwork in diverse environments throughout the City of Atlanta, including encampments and community settings. Some office-based work is necessary for documentation and coordination purposes. Flexibility in working hours is required.