About Groundworks Collaborative Established in 2015, following the merger of the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center and Morningside Shelter, Groundworks is a dynamic organization committed to providing food, shelter and supportive services with dignity throughout the greater-Brattleboro area. Groundworks' mission is to work with individuals and systems to create solutions for ending hunger and homelessness for all people in our region. We envision a community in which all members have their basic needs met, including food security and a safe and dignified place to call home. We view poverty, housing and food insecurity to be byproducts of societal conditions, generational discrimination, and public policy, rather than the result of individual choices. Therefore, Groundworks fosters a culture of nonjudgement and compassion for the people we serve. Position Summary The Case Manager is responsible for working closely with clients to help them secure and maintain housing, and access services to meet their basic needs and contribute to their well-being. Case managers provide referrals and create robust community networks to ensure clients can successfully access additional support. Effective case management starts with building an authentic, trust-based relationship with each client. The Case Manager then assesses individual needs, and works with each client to co-develop a plan for meeting the needs identified by clients. The Case Manager maintains robust and current knowledge of community resources and builds collaborative relationships with community service providers to ensure effective referrals and seamless access to support. This position also works collaboratively with a dedicated team of case managers and colleagues throughout Groundworks to ensure quality services for all. Case managers utilize creative problem solving and a person-centered, harm reduction approach, while modeling Groundworks' philosophy of dignity and respect at all times. Responsibilities Engage and support Clients (75%) Engage Clients Build Client Rapport Build trusting client relationships and provide service from a client led and strengths-based approach in order to meet individualized client needs. Schedule and maintain regular appointments with clients and provide clients with nonjudgmental, person-centered and responsive services. Demonstrate Groundworks' philosophy, mission, values and standards of excellence. Maintain client confidentiality within Groundworks Collaborative's guidelines. Solicit client feedback to identify improvement opportunities. Assess Client Needs Identify housing barriers, needs/preferences; explore resources and opportunities within a household's natural support network. Complete Coordinated Entry assessments; make referrals to area providers when appropriate. Co-create a Housing and Service Plan Work with clients to develop an action plan for locating housing, including specific goals, timeframes, and action steps to address barriers to housing stability. Collaborate with clients to formulate and maintain a service plan that addresses non housing service needs and goals which is reviewed and modified with the client on a regular basis. Support Clients' Basic Needs Support Clients in Accessing Other Services Provide appropriate services and referrals to connect clients with mainstream services and benefits (e.g. 3Squares, GA, SSDI), including access to state benefits where eligible. Support clients in obtaining identification (e.g. state issued ID, SSA card, birth certificate) Make referrals to health providers, including mental and physical health, SUD providers, etc. Educate, inform and advocate for clients regarding benefits (Social Security, Public Assistance, food stamps, etc.). Provide 1:1 Support Performing ongoing, individualized support and coordination for clients. Provide support relating to life skills, housing education, health maintenance, and assist clients to manage money, including preparing budgets and computing expenses. Coordinate and monitor referrals to community services, and advocate for client participation. Respond to acute and crisis situations in a timely manner during operating hours, including coordination with emergency service providers. Practice skillful de-escalation and crisis management. Support clients in finding employment, including referring to employment assistance agencies. Support clients in addressing or mediating interpersonal conflicts if needed Support Clients' Housing Needs Support Clients in Accessing Housing Develop a budget based upon analysis of income and expenditures; discuss housing options. Work to address housing admissions barriers (e.g. criminal record, credit report, utility arrears). Assist clients in addressing credit issues. Conduct housing searches and assist with locating housing that is safe and move-in ready. Assist clients in navigating the housing path including viewing units, completing long term housing applications, understanding leases, and landlord negotiations. Assist in arranging for/supporting move (set up utilities, moving arrangements, etc.). Find resources to support move in (e.g. security deposit, moving costs, furnishings, etc.). Provide education and training on the role, rights and responsibilities of the tenant and landlord. Develop a housing crisis support plan (prevention/early intervention) if housing is jeopardized. Identify other service needs/ongoing retention support needs and connect clients to those services and benefits. Build Collaborative Relationships and Resources (7%) Maintain robust knowledge of relevant community resources throughout the county. Regularly explore new or unfamiliar resources to remain current. Build relationships with community service providers in order to make effective referrals. Share information with colleagues from other area support agencies to enable ongoing capacity building and collaboration that serves client needs optimally. Maintain collaborative relations with other professional service providers for the purpose of case review or consultation regarding services to a specific client. Collaborate with other agencies to assist with other needs that are presented. Collaborate with other groups and agencies as a representative of Groundworks Collaborative. Manage Case Files and Data (5%) Document all services and activities in case files. Ensure files are up to date and complete, including Case plans, ROI, SSOM, service transactions, case notes, and referrals. Enter complete data into HMIS in a timely manner. Follow the critical incident policies and procedures; complete incident reports. Comply with the State of Vermont's Mandated Reporter duties. Close out case files when clients' needs are met or clients no longer request services. Promote Teamwork and Excellence (13%) Demonstrate Personal Accountability Demonstrate personal ownership and initiative in problem-solving. Hold oneself accountable to high performance standards. Take advantage of training opportunities. Attend and participate in a variety of trainings and continuing education events to remain current and enhance knowledge and skills. Participate in weekly/bi-weekly individual supervision. Discuss with supervisor successes and challenges, improvement areas, performance goals, and areas for growth and learning. Uphold and maintain Groundworks' values and foster Groundworks' service mission and culture of understanding, compassion and positive regard for clients. Cultivate Teamwork Participate in building a team culture of collaboration and shared ownership. Actively contribute to and participate in bi-weekly case management team meetings.

Share information re:

events and incidents with other CMs in team meetings. Support team goals and collaborative problem-solving. Support the case management team in triaging emergent needs. Build effective working relationships with and collaborate with team members. Support case management team members as needs arise. Practice giving and receiving skillful, respectful feedback to coworkers when issues come up. Promote Agency-wide Success Participate in the On Call rotation, including weekend and holiday shifts Attend and participate in All-Staff meetings. Contribute to agency-wide learning and problem-solving, coordination and communication. Support the seamless coordination and integration of Groundworks' programs and services. Competencies Conducts self in a professional manner as a representative of GWC in the community. Exceptional computer skills including data management programs. Has a valid driver's license and registered, insured, and reliable vehicle.

Pay:

$23.76 - $26.85 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

403(b) Employee assistance program Health insurance Paid time off Paid training

Work Location:

In person