This document discusses strategies for voluntary case management. It begins by stating the purposes of social justice work and that people are experts in their own lives. It then discusses what voluntary services entail, including being goal-based and addressing identified needs. Common misconceptions about voluntary services are addressed. The document provides strategies for engagement, assessment, finding common ground between workers and participants, and developing plans. It emphasizes the importance of choice, respect, and focusing on participants' goals. Challenges and successes experienced by programs using voluntary services are also described.
4. Tasks
Ask people what they want, where they want to be
in 5 years
Connect people’s dreams and goals for their
families to housing as the first step
Educate people about available housing options
and expectations of each
Identify skills and supports needed to maintain
chosen housing options
Establish housing access or housing stability as a
primary goal
Assist people to secure an income
Tasks
Prepare for the expectations of each housing
opportunity
Plan for and assist in maintaining housing
(paying rent, apartment maintenance and
upkeep, complying with the lease and following
house rules, accessing aftercare services and
supports)
Case Management:
Engagement Strategies
• Pro-active outreach
• Introduce yourself and how you can be helpful
• Repeated, predictable, non-intrusive patterns of
interaction
• Responding to felt needs
• Respecting boundaries
• Allowing people as much control as possible over
interactions
• Be patient and persistent
• Listen
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5. Goal Based Engagement
and Assessment Strategies
Explore what the persons/ family’s choice means
History (i.e. housing, employment)
How person/ family became homeless, lost
employment/ income
Preferences
Financial Issues
Implications of disabilities or service needs and
how this relates to goal
Long term goals, particularly as relate to children
Finding Common Ground
Negotiation Strategies
Link proposed option to client’s aspirations
Frame move as intermediate
Reflect on clients experience in housing to better
understand current needs
Open up discussion of other options
Test available options with peers
Negotiate to improve skills/resources to
access/maintain preferred option
Finding Common Ground
Worker should be forthright about the
reasons for assessment and what they are
able to access
Worker should anticipate reactions to
disagreement and remain connected
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