Coordinated Entry Case Manager

Job Title: Coordinated Entry Case Manager                                                         

Reports to: Wellness Services Manager

Location: Wellness Center

Job Type: Full Time 

The Coordinated Entry Case Manager plays a key role in supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness by guiding them through the coordinated entry process and connecting them with stable housing and supportive services. This position involves conducting housing assessments, completing documentation for homelessness verification, assisting with applications for housing and public benefits, and working with partner agencies to remove barriers to housing. The Case Manager serves as a liaison between clients, housing providers, landlords, and community organizations to ensure a streamlined and client-centered path to housing stability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and “Literally Homeless Verifications” for clients referred through Coordinated Entry.
• Complete and maintain up-to-date documentation in alignment with local Coordinated Entry System (CES) policies.
• Support clients in the development of individualized housing plans (IHPs) and identify appropriate referrals and housing interventions.
• Assist clients with locating and securing housing, including helping complete housing applications and gathering required documentation (e.g., IDs, Social Security cards, proof of income).
• Work with property managers and landlords to identify and develop housing opportunities for CES participants.
• Conduct housing and utility inspections and assist with rent reasonableness assessments.
• Support housing retention through crisis planning, early intervention services, and coordination of support systems.
• Advocate for clients with landlords and coordinate moving logistics.
• Represent Symba Center at CES-related outreach meetings and build relationships with partner agencies to facilitate referrals.
• Provide services in alignment with best practices for individuals with complex health, behavioral health, or disability-related needs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare providers, social workers, and government agencies, to coordinate care.
• Assist clients in applying for public benefits, such as SSI, SSDI, CalFresh, and health insurance.
• Help identify financial assistance resources for security deposits, moving costs, and rent subsidies (e.g., Section 8, ESG, local housing programs).
• May subcontract or refer to specialists for complex benefits advocacy or legal services.
• Maintain accurate and timely records using case management systems (e.g., HMIS) and ensure documentation meets confidentiality and HIPAA standards.
• Support data collection for program evaluation and funding compliance.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; additional education in social work, human services, or related field preferred.
• 2–3 years of experience in housing navigation, case management, or homeless services.
• Knowledge of Coordinated Entry Systems and housing resources.
• Valid, unrestricted California driver’s license and clean DMV record.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from AHA or Red Cross preferred.

Knowledge & Skills: 

• Housing Navigation and Resources: Knowledge of housing search steps, application processes, landlord negotiations, and moving logistics. Familiarity with local programs, shelters, transitional housing, affordable options, and subsidies (e.g., Section 8). Awareness of policies affecting homelessness and affordable housing at various governmental levels.
• Tenant Rights: Understanding of tenant rights, eviction processes, and fair housing laws to empower clients.
• Barriers to Housing: Recognition of common barriers (e.g., poor credit, criminal records) and strategies to overcome them.
• Case Management: Familiarity with needs assessment, goal setting, service coordination, client intake procedures, and individualized housing plans (IHPs). Coordination with multidisciplinary teams (healthcare providers, social workers, etc.).
• Community Resources: Knowledge of local organizations that support housing stability, including food banks and employment services.
• Financial Assistance: Awareness of rental and utility assistance programs, budgeting, and financial counseling.
• Public Benefits Navigation: Understanding of processes for applying for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits.
• Mental Health and Substance Use: Insight into how these challenges affect housing stability and awareness of available services.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches and sensitivity to the effects of trauma on individuals.
• Crisis Intervention: Knowledge of techniques for managing emergencies and supporting clients in stressful situations.
• Peer Support Models: Understanding of strengths-based approaches and recovery processes.
• Cultural Competency: Awareness of cultural differences and systemic inequalities that impact access to housing and services. 
• Advocacy and Policy: Knowledge of federal, state, and local policies on homelessness, advocacy strategies for housing justice, and engagement with policymakers. Understanding tenant rights, eviction processes, and housing-related legal issues.
• Communication and Documentation: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, document client progress accurately, and maintain confidentiality in line with HIPAA standards. Familiarity with case management software (e.g., HMIS), collecting and reporting client data for evaluations.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Experience working with Case Managers, Housing Navigators, landlords, and other service providers to coordinate care.
• Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution: Creative and resourceful in finding housing solutions, managing conflicts constructively. Maintaining professional boundaries while providing compassionate support. Encouraging clients to take steps toward stable housing and improved health.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to maintain structured workflows while managing large caseloads.