Kennedy Shelter - Outreach Case Manager

Title: Outreach Case Manager

Department: Kennedy Emergency Shelter

Reports to: Assistant Director of Programs

Salary: $52K-$56K

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.

Requirements

Required:

• A bachelor's degree in human services/ related field or commensurate experience
• 2+ years of case management/ direct services/other related experience
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to prioritize competing priorities and make sound judgements
• Ability to complete tasks while navigating frequent interruptions
• Ability to deliver creative, resourceful solutions to unique challenges
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• Ability to Drive a 15-passenger van
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed

Preferred:

• Foreign Language fluency in a language other than English (ex. Spanish, Farsi, Arabic or Amharic)
• Experience with providing services to clients experiencing homelessness, mental health, or substance abuse issues
• Experience utilizing the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

Physical Requirements:

• Annual TB Test is required
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods
• Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match
• 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off
• Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:

Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.