Peer Case Management Institute
The DC Department of Human Services (DHSS), in collaboration with the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (TCP), Pathways to Housing DC, and Howard University’s School of Social Work, launches the first-of-its-kind Peer Case Management Institute. The Peer Case Management Institute is a response to the growing need for skilled case managers in Washington, D.C., particularly as the city faces a shortage of social workers amid rising homelessness. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the fight against homelessness, providing individuals with lived experience of homelessness the training and support needed to become successful case managers within the homeless services system.
The program, which received 600 applications and selected 40 participants for its inaugural class, included seven weeks of classroom instruction and four weeks of field training. The curriculum covered essential skills such as motivational interviewing, conflict de-escalation, and using lived experiences to connect with clients on a deeper level.
The Peer Case Management Institute is designed with several key objectives:
- Long-term Career Pathways and Financial Stability: The institute is committed to offering specialized classroom and field-based training that opens up sustainable career opportunities for those with lived experience of homelessness, fostering financial stability and growth.
- Utilizing Expertise for Positive Impact: By leveraging the unique insights and firsthand experiences of individuals who have navigated homelessness, the institute aims to enhance the quality of support provided to current consumers within the homeless services system.
- Expanding Quality Case Management: This initiative seeks to create a new pipeline of skilled case managers, dedicated to serving the most vulnerable members of our community, thereby increasing the effectiveness and reach of the housing system.
As covered by the Washington Post, the Washington Informer, and WTOP, the Peer Case Management Institute has already seen its first cohort of graduates. These individuals, once homeless themselves, have completed the comprehensive training program and are now equipped with the skills and knowledge to serve as case managers. Graduates of the program are prepared for immediate employment and have the foundation for long-term career success and financial stability.
The graduation ceremony was a testament to the power of this initiative, showcasing the transformation of lives through education, empowerment, and employment opportunities.
