Housing Stabilization Case Manager

Position Summary

The Housing Stabilization Case Manager works directly with individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, helping them move toward safe, stable housing. This role is grounded in the belief that people in crisis deserve to be treated with dignity, patience, and genuine respect — and that lasting change happens when clients are seen as capable partners in their own stability. The position is funded through the Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum (VHRC) and operates within the program framework and reporting requirements established by the State Office of Economic Opportunity.

The Housing Stabilization Case Manager meets clients where they are, often temporary housing in motels, and works with them to build individualized plans focused on permanency. Day-to-day work is collaborative: this position is a full member of the Family Services team and works alongside colleagues to ensure clients receive coordinated, holistic support that addresses the full range of their needs. The role requires strong skills in relationship-building and assessment, knowledge of housing and benefits systems, comfort working with people navigating complex and often traumatic circumstances, and disciplined documentation practices to meet grant compliance expectations.

Essential Functions

Intake and Assessment

• Initiates contact with newly referred clients promptly and conducts an initial meeting in a manner that establishes trust and makes clients feel welcomed and respected from the start.
• Completes comprehensive needs assessments using DCF-approved tools, gathering information on housing history, income, employment, benefits, health, and support systems through a conversational and client-centered approach.
• Participates in Coordinated Entry processes as required, ensuring clients are appropriately assessed and matched to available resources.
• Identifies barriers to housing stability and documents presenting needs in a way that supports planning — always with the client's voice and perspective reflected in the record.

Individualized Housing Planning

• Develops housing plans in genuine collaboration with each client, using DCF-approved planning tools and centering clients' own goals, strengths, and preferences.
• Sets realistic short- and longer-term goals with clients, with an emphasis on movement toward transitional or permanent housing — and on building the skills and confidence clients need to sustain that stability.
• Reviews and updates housing plans on an ongoing basis, treating plan revisions as an opportunity to reflect on progress with the client, not simply a documentation task.
• Helps clients understand the range of housing options available and supports their capacity to navigate those systems with increasing independence over time.

Housing Navigation and Financial Assistance

• Assists clients in applying for subsidized and market-rate housing, including supporting application completion and, where appropriate, serving as an advocate with landlords on the client's behalf.
• Connects clients with financial assistance programs that support housing access or stability, including security deposits, rental arrears, and other available funds.
• Works actively to reduce clients' reliance on emergency hotel/motel placements, identifying and pursuing more stable alternatives as quickly as circumstances allow.
• Collaborates with housing providers, landlords, and other partners to identify available units and resolve barriers to placement.

Service Navigation and Referrals

• Assesses clients' needs for income and benefits support and assists with applications and enrollment in programs such as Reach-Up, SSI/SSDI, General Assistance, Veterans' benefits, and 3SquaresVT — approaching each conversation with care for the whole person, not just the presenting need.
• Identifies needs related to employment and connects clients with workforce development, job training, and related resources in a way that builds on clients' existing strengths and interests.
• Provides referrals to mental health, substance use treatment, and other health and human services, coordinating with providers as appropriate and following the client's lead on pacing and readiness.
• Works closely with Family Services colleagues to share information, coordinate services, and ensure clients receive consistent, well-rounded support across the team.
• Maintains working knowledge of community resources and develops relationships with partner organizations to facilitate timely, warm, and effective referrals.

Documentation and Data Management

• Maintains accurate and timely client records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and in any other documentation systems required by SEVCA or VHRC.
• Completes documentation required by DCF-approved case management tools and ensures records reflect current client status, plan progress, and service activity.
• Participates in the annual Point-in-Time Count and other data collection activities as required by the program.
• Submits required reports, case notes, and outcome data to the Family Services Program Director within established deadlines.

Other Functions

• Attends Family Services team meetings, cross-program trainings, and required meetings with state and community partners.
• Represents SEVCA and the VHRC program professionally and compassionately in all client, partner, and public interactions.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Family Services Program Director that are consistent with the scope of this position and SEVCA's mission.

Working Conditions

This is a grant-funded position; continuation is subject to the availability of VHRC funding. The position is based in Brattleboro and requires travel mostly within that area to meet clients and community Partners. Some travel in Windham County and beyond may be needed. Evening availability may be required. 

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education in social work, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in a human services role, with demonstrated ability to work with individuals experiencing housing instability, poverty, or other complex life challenges.
• A genuine commitment to treating clients with dignity and compassion, and to building relationships grounded in trust and respect.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to listen well, ask good questions, and engage people across a range of backgrounds and circumstances.
• Ability to manage a caseload, meet documentation deadlines, and balance multiple priorities without losing focus on the person behind each file.
• Comfort working as part of a team and contributing to a shared, client-centered approach to service delivery.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation; ability to travel regularly within the service area.
• Proficiency with standard office software; ability to learn and consistently use case management and database systems.

Preferred

• Familiarity with HMIS or similar case management database systems.
• Knowledge of housing resources, public benefits programs, and community services in southeastern Vermont.
• Experience with Coordinated Entry, permanent supportive housing, or rapid rehousing programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.