RRH Case Manager

Position Summary:

SMYAL is The Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) Case Manager provides housing-focused case management and housing navigation services to transition-age youth experiencing homelessness, with an emphasis on serving LGBTQ+ young people. The Case Manager supports participants in identifying, securing, and maintaining safe, stable, and affirming permanent housing while addressing barriers related to income, credit, rental history, and discrimination. Using trauma-informed, youth-centered, and strengths-based practices, the Case Manager assists youth in developing independent living skills, accessing supportive services, and achieving long-term housing stability. This role collaborates closely with landlords, housing providers, and community partners to facilitate timely housing placement and retention, while ensuring accurate documentation, data entry, and compliance with program, funder, and HMIS requirements. The Case Manager centers youth voice, choice, and self-determination in all aspects of service delivery.

Position Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities Provide housing-focused case management and housing navigation services to transition-age youth (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness, with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ affirming, youth-centered practice. Support participants in identifying, applying for, and securing safe, stable, and affirming permanent housing, including conducting housing searches, coordinating unit viewings, completing applications, and supporting lease signings. Develop and monitor individualized housing stabilization plans in partnership with youth, utilizing trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and strengths-based approaches that center youth voice and choice. Assist youth in addressing common housing barriers, including limited income, lack of rental history, credit challenges, and discrimination, through advocacy and coordination with landlords and housing providers. Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and community partners to expand housing opportunities for young adults. Provide independent living skill support appropriate for young adults, including budgeting, tenant rights and responsibilities, lease education, and conflict resolution. Deliver ongoing stabilization services following housing placement to promote long-term housing retention and prevent returns to homelessness. Coordinate referrals and connections to supportive services, including employment, education, healthcare, behavioral health, and other youth-serving resources. Ensure all housing placements are safe, affirming, and appropriate for LGBTQ+ youth, including gender-affirming housing when applicable. Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in HMIS and other required systems, in accordance with program, agency, and funder requirements. Participate in supervision, case conferences, trainings, and team meetings to support professional development and high-quality service delivery.

Position Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Minimum of 2 years of experience in housing services, case management, or a related field. Knowledge of local, state, and federal housing programs and resources. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and build strong community relationships. Experience with case management software and Microsoft Office Suite. Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. SMYAL believes in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as bringing your authentic self to the workplace. So if you are excited about this position but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may be just the right person for this or other positions.

About SMYAL:

SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains and advocates for programs, policies and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.