Shelter Case Manager

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – Shelter Case Manager
Bethany House Services, Bond Hill, Cincinnati, OH
Job Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Shelter Operations Director
Caseload: 15–20 families
Schedule: Full-time with some evenings/weekends as needed to meet family needs

Who We Are
Bethany House Services is a warm, trauma-informed, family-centered residential shelter committed to turning crisis into stability. Located in Bond Hill, we empower families experiencing homelessness with housing-first supports, practical resources, and a hopeful path forward. If you’re passionate about safeguarding families, collaborating across systems, and making a measurable difference in our community, you’ll fit right in.

Key Responsibilities
- Intake, assessment, and planning
  - Conduct timely biopsychosocial and housing assessments using trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches.
  - Develop individualized service plans with clear, measurable goals in housing, income, health, education, and family well-being.
  - Assess safety and basic needs; coordinate immediate supports and referrals.

- Housing navigation and stabilization
  - Identify and address a broad range of family needs: crisis intervention, employment, education, financial health, health services, etc.
  - Implement Housing First-aligned strategies to shorten shelter stays and secure safe, affordable housing.
  - Assist with landlord engagement, unit searches, applications, accommodations, inspections, and move-in logistics.
  - Manage client financial assistance guidance per program guidelines (deposits, utilities, arrears, and rapid rehousing where applicable).

- Systems navigation
  - Navigate ESG, eligibility, documentation, habitability, HQS coordination, and other shelter-funded programs.
  - Coordinate benefits access (TANF/OWF, SNAP, Medicaid, childcare, PRC), employment supports, and child welfare collaboration as appropriate.
  - Advocate for families within public systems; ensure compliance with eligibility and documentation standards.

- Service coordination and referrals
  - Connect families to behavioral health care, primary care, DV/SA services, early childhood and education supports, legal aid, transportation, etc.
  - Build and maintain community partnerships; continuously seek new resources to benefit clients.
  - Collaborate with the Family Services Department to align school, childcare, and youth services; support developmental needs.
  - Encourage participation in life-skills classes and family workshops.

- Trauma-informed, family-centered practice
  - Apply safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in all interactions and documentation.
  - Use motivational interviewing, de-escalation, critical time intervention (CTI), and strengths-based approaches.
  - Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and client rights.

- Case management and documentation
  - Maintain an active caseload with consistent client contact (e.g., at least one 30-minute 1:1 weekly per family).
  - Provide limited post-shelter follow-up through the BHS Aftercare program.
  - Ensure timely, accurate HMIS and agency EHR documentation per HUD/JFS/policy standards.
  - Participate in monthly file reviews and contribute to continuous quality improvement.

- Shelter collaboration and operations
  - Join multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferencing, and coordinated entry processes.
  - Support safety, crisis response, incident reporting, infection control, and shift reporting.
  - Participate in after-hours or on-call coverage as assigned.

What Success Looks Like
- A steady, trauma-informed, client-centered approach that consistently helps families achieve housing stability and improved well-being.
- Strong, collaborative relationships with landlords, service providers, and public systems.
- Measurable progress toward housing, income, health, education, and family goals.
- High-quality documentation and compliance that supports program integrity and outcomes.

What We’re Looking For (Minimum Qualifications)
- Active Ohio LSW in good standing
- Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) required; MSW preferred
- 2+ years’ experience providing case management to families or children/youth in shelter, housing, or community settings
- Experience with publicly and privately funded homelessness services; familiarity with JFS processes
- Formal training and practical application of trauma-informed care
- Proficient with HMIS or similar databases; comfortable with Microsoft Office/Google Workspace
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally

Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-Haves but not deal breakers!)
- Bilingual/multilingual (e.g., Spanish) and experience serving diverse communities
- Knowledge of Coordinated Entry, VI-SPDAT, and local Continuum of Care processes
- Understanding of fair housing, reasonable accommodations, VAWA protections, and landlord-tenant basics
- Experience with motivational interviewing, de-escalation, parenting/child-wellbeing curricula
- Benefits advocacy and employment navigation (e.g., WIOA partners)

Key Competencies
- Trauma-informed, family-centered engagement
- Cultural humility and equity-driven practice
- Strengths-based assessment, planning, and problem-solving
- Clear written and verbal communication; advocacy and conflict resolution
- Time management and organization for a high-volume caseload
- Teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Professional boundaries, ethics, confidentiality (HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 as applicable)

Work Environment and Physical Requirements
- Residential shelter and community settings with in-person client contact
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., navigate stairs; reasonable accommodations available
- Exposure to crisis situations; use de-escalation and safety protocols

Compliance and Clearances
- Background check, driving record check, TB/health screening as required
- Completion of agency trainings (trauma-informed care, mandated reporter, CPI, HMIS, safety)
- Adherence to HUD, JFS, HMIS, and agency documentation/privacy standards

Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Medical, dental, vision; retirement; paid time off; holidays; licensure supervision/CEU support
- EEO: Bethany House Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees and families served.

Why Bethany House?
- Be part of a mission-driven team that values trauma-informed, family-centered care.
- Make a tangible difference in the lives of families at a critical juncture.
- Grow professionally with access to supervision, training, and cross-department collaboration.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Bethany House Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the families we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

• Active Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in good standing in the state of Ohio
• Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) or related field required; MSW preferred.
• Two or more years’ experience providing case management to families or children/youth in shelter, housing, or community-based settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with publicly and privately funded homelessness services and requirements.
• Experience coordinating with Job and Family Services (e.g., TANF/OWF, SNAP, Medicaid, childcare, workforce) and understanding of JFS processes and documentation.
• Formal training and practical application of trauma-informed care.
• Proficient with HMIS or similar databases, documentation standards, and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally between sites, landlords, and partner agencies as needed.