Description

PACEM seeks a Seniors Case Manager to join our case management team. Since 2004 PACEM has provided more than 116,000 bed nights for the homeless in greater Charlottesville, Va., through operation of the community’s only low-barrier shelter in partnership with local congregations and other organizations. As an emergency thermal shelter, we traditionally operate nightly during the coldest months (November through April), but provide case management and advocacy services year-round. We are also staffing the community’s new year-round low-barrier shelter at Premier Circle, open since May 2021.

The Seniors Case Manager will focus on supporting our oldest shelter guests (50+ years of age) to navigate the Region Ten/TJACH service system and greater Charlottesville housing market. Importantly, this position is responsible for cultivating and supporting clients of the Secure Seniors Program, a housing fund in partnership with the Alliance of Interfaith Ministries (AIM). Thus the Seniors’ Case Manager is both a pre-housing and post-housing counselor, working with landlords and area service providers to help these senior guests rebuild their independence in a safe, sustainable rental unit.

The Seniors Case Manager will have strong empathy and training to serve highly vulnerable homeless seniors, ideally with a Social Work or Human Services background. Organizational and time management skills are essential. This staff person will ensure compliance with data collection and reporting, and maintain case notes on conversations and progress with each senior shelter and/or program client.

The Seniors Case Manager will serve alongside our team of other case managers; Together this team ensures compliance with reporting practices and maintains quality data that facilitates advocacy at all levels, internally and externally. They will support and collaborate with the Shelter Director team and direct-service Shelter Staff. They will regularly review shelter data and prepare materials that support the Executive Director’s grant-writing, fundraising, and marketing efforts. This staff person must be able to collaborate effectively with these team members to prioritize case planning activities for all guests and to represent a consistent organizational experience in interactions with other organizations.

Effective case managers imbue compassion, empathy and a genuine desire to help others. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with the ability to self-manage in stressful situations. Training in shelter operations, trauma-informed care, inclusion and equity, and other topics will be required periodically for all staff.

Job Duties

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as advocate for senior (50+ y.o.) shelter guests
• Serve as counselor for housed clients of the Secure Seniors Program
• Follow established case management policy and practice
• Identify and prioritize improvements to case management policy and practice (i.e., contribute to continuous improvement)
• Collaborate with other case managers on staff
• Collaborate with AIM in effective management of Secure Seniors Program
• Maintain shared client files in multiple formats (paper, digital, and online)
• Support shelter operations and shelter directors
• Build partnerships and the ability to refer with an array of community agencies

Skills Required

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social work or related field; seniors focus a significant plus
• 2+ years experience providing direct services to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction and/or mental illness; seniors focus a plus
• Effective oral and written communication
• Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently
• Strong collaboration skills with ability to prioritize multiple and varied tasks
• Cultural competency, including sensitivity to seniors’ issues and ability to relate to people of diverse lifestyles and cultures
• Knowledge of community resources for seniors including supports for: mental health, physical health, substance abuse recovery, neglect and/or abuse, and other services
• Knowledge of community resources for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including mainstream social services

Work Schedule

The majority of this staff person’s work is completed during standard business hours (9am-5pm), but we ask for some evening work as dictated by guests’ availability. A few times a year s/he may be asked to support additional evening or weekend work activities.

Additional Info

Some driving is required throughout the greater Charlottesville area, so reliable transportation is a must.