The Housing Conversation Tool (HCT) is the housing assessment for all housing programs managed by the Coordinated Access System (CAS). It includes developing a housing-focused Individualized Service Plan (ISP) that may incorporate connections to healthcare, basic needs, and other social supports. It gathers information to determine client vulnerability and social, health, and mental health needs for housing prioritization. Results are valid for 15 months and clients can be reassessed when significant changes to a household’s situation occur. The HCT is the official CoC-approved replacement for the VI-SPDAT and is operational starting October 2024.
Current CAS Assessors (i.e., direct service providers who are HMIS end users already completing housing and shelter assessments) must recertify by completing a three-part training series and an “open book” quiz to retain access to CAS assessments. All trainings will be held via Zoom and registration will be required. Be aware that there may be a 3-4 day waiting period from your test completion to activating your new access.
More links coming soon. Contact us at trainings@sacstepsforward.org with relevant questions.
CAS Office Hours
Every Monday from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
HMIS Office Hours
Every Wednesday from 2 – 3 p.m.
Frontline Learning Collaborative
For updates and invites, sign up for our FLC email list. This offers provider collaboration and resource-sharing opportunities.
4th Thursdays
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rose Family Creative Empowerment
CAS Case Conferencing
We discuss and coordinate housing efforts and plans for those experiencing homelessness. This offers provider collaboration and resource-sharing opportunities.
Sign up via this form.
Email: CAS@sacstepsforward.org
Listed below are important dates relevant to the phase out of the outdated VI-SPDAT and launch of the Housing Conversation Tool. This also includes training and certification of CAS Assessors. Read more!
September 17, 25, 30, 2024
- SSF-hosted mandatory live Zoom trainings with Q&A for current assessors
- Ongoing CAS and HMIS office hours for recertification and access support begin
October 1, 2024
- If you became an HMIS End User and CAS Assessor before 10/1/2024, you will need to attend/view this 3-part training, sign the CAS Assessor agreement form, and pass the CAS Assessor quiz by 10/14/2024
- If you became an HMIS End User and CAS Assessor on or after 10/1/2024, you must attend the CAS Assessor trainings and pass the subsequent quiz in the new year before becoming a CAS Assessor
October 4, 2024
- CAS Assessor Recertification Form, CAS Assessor Agreement, and CAS Assessor Quiz will be available and are to be completed via Jotform
- Note that both CAS Assessor and their Supervisor will receive notice via email as quizzes are completed
October 14, 2024 – January 17, 2025
- No new CAS Assessors onboarded
- Broader training plan for current and new assessors to be available in 2025
October 22, 2024
- CAS-related assessments will be unavailable under home agencies
- Assessors can expect to gain access to their new CAS Agency and CAS assessments beginning this date
SSF reserves the right to adjust these timelines as necessary and will share new CAS Assessor training information as the date approaches. As a reminder, please never share your HMIS login information with anyone.
Discover a comprehensive collection of tools and guidance designed to support CAS Assessors, including critical updates, best practices, job aids, and training resources to enhance your expertise and streamline your workflow.
Understanding CAS Housing Resources & How to Get Your Clients Referred
Tuesday, September 17 at 9:00 a.m.
This 90-minute training provides a detailed overview of the Coordinated Access System (CAS) with a focus on housing and is part 1of the 3-part series of required CAS Assessor Training series. Participants will gain insights into the various CAS housing project types and understand the pathways clients can take to access potential housing opportunities. The session will cover the differences in client assessments, housing project types, their specific eligibility requirements, and introduce the Survivor Coordinated Access System. Additionally, participants will learn about the necessary documentation for CAS housing referrals and the overall CAS referral process.
Resources
Changes to CAS Assessments
Wednesday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m.
This 90-minute training will help you better understand assessments, agreements, and the replacement of the VI-SPDAT. You will leave this brief session feeling more confident and informed about ongoing changes and how to implement them to better serve your client’s needs. Topics for review: Housing Conversation Tool, the VI-SPDAT replacement, Crisis Assessment (changes from Shelter Survey), Individualized Service Plan, and Revised CAS Assessor User Agreement Form.
Resources
HMIS Changes for CAS Agency and Coordinated Entry Data Elements
Monday, September 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Join the SSF HMIS Learning team to learn how to use the CAS Agency and Coordinated Entry data elements to better house clients. This 60-minute training is to discuss and learn how to use the new Coordinated Entry Agency to complete shelter and housing assessments or to request PSAP or CAN support for your clients.
Resources
Our training videos teach how to use the 2-1-1 helpline to connect people with vital services like housing, food, and counseling, making it easy to offer timely support to those in need.