Kennedy Shelter - Outreach Case Manager

Description Title:

Outreach Case Manager Department:

Kennedy Emergency Shelter Reports to:

Assistant Director of Programs Salary:

$52K-$56

K FLSA Status:

Exempt About Us:

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization's inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.) About the

Role:

The Street Outreach Case Manager is a member of the street outreach team at the Kennedy Shelter providing services through the Street Outreach and Hypothermia Prevention Programs. This position seeks out, engages, and builds rapport with unsheltered individuals throughout Fairfax County's Region 1 locations. The Street Outreach Case Manager must possess strong interpersonal and motivational skills and be comfortable meeting individuals in locations not meant for human habitation, including wooded campsites, parked vehicles, and other outdoor settings. The role requires a patient, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to service delivery in a fast-paced, high-demand environment. This position utilizes a Housing First framework to support unsheltered individuals in securing and maintaining permanent housing. Key Responsibilities Outreach & Engagement Actively seek out, identify, establish contact, and build rapport with unsheltered individuals throughout Fairfax County's Region 1 locations. Maintain a consistent schedule of street outreach stops, including drop-in centers, campsites, hypothermia shelters, and other gathering locations, while remaining flexible to incorporate new outreach sites. Engage individuals in places not meant for human habitation, including wooded areas and parked vehicles. Respond to community requests for assistance with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary Homeless Healthcare Program (HHP) team to connect individuals to a medical home and other critical services Wear designated safety uniforms while working in the community to ensure staff are clearly identifiable and maintain program visibility and safety standards Housing-Focused Case Management Assess housing barriers for single adults experiencing homelessness to determine service and housing needs. Develop individualized housing plans, financial stabilization, and self-sufficiency plans using a strengths-based, person-centered approach. Utilize Housing First principles to move unsheltered individuals into permanent housing as quickly as possible. Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords to support housing placement and retention. Maintain consistent communication with tenants, landlords, referral sources, and community partners. Educate individuals on residential lease agreements, tenant rights, and responsibilities. Refer participants to credit counseling and other financial capability services to build budgeting and money management skills. Advocate for and actively assist individuals in accessing services including showers, laundry, food, public benefits, healthcare, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, employment services, financial assistance, and housing referrals. Collaboration & Systems Coordination Maintain effective partnerships with: Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) Fairfax County Health Department Community Services Board (CSB) Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Department of Family Services (DFS) Fairfax County Department of Adult and Aging Services Veteran's Administration (VA) Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case staffing, and community-wide trainings. Ensure participants receive holistic, integrated care management across systems. Documentation & Compliance Document all services provided, referrals made, and transportation provided in accordance with agency and contractual requirements. Maintain complete, accurate, and timely case files. Enter and update data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in compliance with agency and funding standards. Meet or exceed performance measures and contractual benchmarks.