Caseworker

Tioga County Homeless Initiative (TCHI) is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and organized Case Worker to provide direct support, advocacy, resource coordination, and housing stabilization services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. In this vital role, the Case Worker will work from a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to assist clients in identifying goals, overcoming barriers, obtaining and maintaining housing, accessing community resources, and improving overall stability and self-sufficiency. The Case Worker will develop individualized service plans, coordinate services among multiple providers, advocate for clients, provide guidance and encouragement, and help individuals and families navigate complex personal, social, housing, employment, financial, healthcare, and community-resource challenges. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, knowledge of community resources, the ability to build trusting professional relationships, and a genuine commitment to helping vulnerable individuals and families achieve greater independence and stability. Responsibilities 1. Meet with each client within a designated caseload at least once every two weeks to discuss their needs, strengths, goals, challenges, and progress. 2. Conduct comprehensive client assessments to understand each client's individual circumstances, needs, strengths, and goals. 3. Develop individualized service plans and tailored case plans that establish achievable objectives and identify appropriate resources and services. 4. Assist clients in reaching their personal, social, housing, employment, and financial goals. 5. Provide direct support, guidance, advocacy, encouragement, and case management services to clients. 6. Utilize a trauma-informed, person-centered approach when working with clients and families. 7. Connect clients with community resources and coordinate services, including housing, healthcare, mental health services, transportation, employment, food assistance, financial benefits, education, and training opportunities. 8. Assist clients with applications, forms, documentation, appointments, referrals, and other administrative requirements. 9. Help clients navigate government agencies, social-service systems, healthcare systems, and other administrative or legal requirements that may affect their ability to obtain services and achieve stability. 10. Provide crisis intervention support during urgent situations and assist clients in achieving safety and stabilization during behavioral health, family, housing, or other crises. 11. Apply appropriate conflict-resolution and de-escalation techniques when responding to tense or challenging situations. 12. Collaborate with families, healthcare providers, schools, government agencies, employers, social-service organizations, and other community partners to coordinate services effectively. 13. Communicate and collaborate with government agencies, healthcare providers, social-service organizations, employers, and other community partners. 14. Follow up with clients and service providers to ensure that services are received and that identified needs are being addressed. 15. Monitor client progress and update service plans as needed. 16. Advocate for clients when they experience barriers to receiving appropriate services. 17. Assist clients in navigating child protective services processes, family-related legal matters, and other applicable administrative or legal requirements when appropriate to the client's needs. 18. Conduct home, community, or office visits when appropriate and necessary. 19. Participate in community visits, outreach activities, and home visits as required. 20. Respond to client concerns and help resolve problems, conflicts, or crises. 21. Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential client records, including case notes, assessments, progress notes, ocumentation of client interactions, service plans, referrals, and other required service documentation. 22. Maintain documentation in accordance with applicable legal requirements, organizational policies, procedures, and mandated reporting requirements. 23. Track appointments, referrals, deadlines, and required services to help ensure continuity of care and timely access to resources. 24. Help clients build independence, stability, and the skills needed to successfully manage their own needs. 25. Identify changes in a client's situation and make appropriate referrals or adjustments to the client's service plan. 26. Attend case conferences, team meetings, and other meetings related to client care and services. 27. Maintain professional relationships with clients, families, service providers, community organizations, and colleagues. 28. Protect client confidentiality and follow all applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and professional standards. 29. Apply cultural competency principles when serving diverse populations, respecting each client's individual background, experiences, circumstances, and needs. Skills and Qualifications Strong knowledge of social-service principles, case management practices, community resources, and client advocacy. Knowledge of housing services, homelessness resources, mental health services, substance use services, social services, and community-based support systems. Strong understanding of crisis management, conflict resolution, and appropriate de-escalation techniques. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to build trust and rapport with clients and maintain professional relationships across diverse communities. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining accurate documentation and professionalism. Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team and community partners.