Shelter Ministry Case Manager

Primary responsibility is direct service case management, housing support and spiritual care for guests at the New Life Center. Key elements involve case management services that lower housing barriers, assistance in securing housing, collaboration with supportive services in the community, relationship building, support and accountability for guests, and helping individuals to a place of self-sufficiency.

At New Life Center, our work is grounded in our Christian mission and values. Each role contributes to the ministry and operations of the organization. We seek staff who are committed followers of Jesus Christ, aligned with our Statement of Faith, and who model our REAL values - Respectful, Encouraging, Accountable, and Loving - in their work and interactions.

Essential Functions

Essential Function 1: Direct Service Related

• Perform housing assessments with guests and enter their assessment into the Community Coordinated Entry System in the HMIS database.
• Create and follow up on an individualized case management plan based on specific guest needs and desires.
• Assist guests in lowering barriers to becoming successfully housed.
• Maintain a database of local resources.
• Maintain an active caseload of 25 to 30 guests, exercising appropriate professional boundaries and workload management to avoid exceeding this range.

Essential Function 2: Housing Support

• Assist guests in finding or applying for housing.
• Assist guests in securing financial assistance to secure housing, such as down payments and/or damage deposit assistance.
• Collaborate with community-wide supportive services to help guests remain successfully housed.
• Assist guests in securing furniture and housewares through community voucher programs.
• Attend coordinated entry and partner agency meetings.

Essential Function 3: Other Considerations

• Teamwork - Work collaboratively with administration and other shelter staff to meet day-to-day organizational needs.
• Resource awareness and networking - Actively participate in networking and collaboration with local service providers.
• Data entry - Entering and monitoring of data, case notes/logs in relevant guest database(s).
• Customer service focus -Treat all who come to the New Life Center seeking assistance with respect and dignity, with the ultimate goal of helping them to a place of self-sufficiency.
• Meetings - As required, attend various meetings. Some travel is required.
• Integrity and confidentiality - Maintain a high level of personal integrity and confidentiality relating to shelter operations and those we serve.
• Participate in program development, to include basic needs, life skills, and faith (Christian) focused programs.
• Participate in a rotation of on-call staff to address program staff questions, concerns, and other programmatic needs when management or supervisors are unavailable.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van.

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation

New Life Center complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Qualified individuals are considered for positions based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law unless doing so would cause undue hardship or pose a direct threat to safety.

Position Reports to Erika, Shelter Ministry Program Manager

Erika oversees New Life Center’s emergency shelter programs, leading a dedicated team that provides compassionate care to individuals in crisis. She joined the Mission in 2024, bringing six years of managerial experience. With a degree in psychology, Erika enhances our ability to serve those in need with understanding and empathy.

This job description identifies the major responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position such as the potential additional duties assigned by the Program Director, the requirement for flexibility in helping others, or the highly valued team-oriented approach used for the overall benefit and success of New Life Center.

Personal:

• Must be engaged in a local church and exhibit a personal, evident, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Compassionate heart for those in need.
• Willingness to serve others.
• Desire to see the lost come to Christ.

Required/Preferred Education and Experience:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree required; degree in social work or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a social service field preferred.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.
• If in recovery, a minimum of one year of sustained recovery with active participation in a 12-step program is required; two or more years is preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with the organization's insurance carrier requirements, and provide proof of insurance, as required for the performance of job duties.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to use independent judgment to accomplish goals.
• Creative, positive, and passionate about work.
• Adapts positively to continuous change.
• Ability to motivate and coach individuals.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and personal integrity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in desktop computer applications software (preferably Microsoft Office).

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily within a shelter facility offices, and community-based locations.
• Frequent sitting and standing while conducting guest meetings, completing documentation, and attending meetings.
• Use of standard office equipment, including computers and phones.
• Operation of a motor vehicle, including the ability to drive a 15-passenger van, as required.
• May work in varied indoor environments, including offices, meeting rooms, and common guest areas.
• Work schedule may include extended periods of computer use and documentation tasks.