Case Manager

Description

The Center for Urban Community Services, (CUCS), is an acclaimed human services organization and one of the nation's largest providers of housing and social services. CUCS is a leader in implementing new practices, sharing knowledge and assisting in shaping local, state and national strategies, so that persons who are homeless, low-income, living with mental illness, or have other special needs can live successfully in the community. CUCS invites applications for a Case Manager at The Hegeman.

The Hegeman is a permanent supportive housing residence located in Brownsville, Brooklyn, for 160 low income tenants, many of whom have histories of mental illness, homelessness, and substance abuse. The building has a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Safety Design) silver rating and includes a 24/7 attended lobby, a community garden, a computer room, and a fitness room. CUCS provides comprehensive on-site social services using a person-centered and recovery orientation, which include evidence based practices such as Supported Employment, Motivational Interviewing, and Wellness Self Management, with particular emphasis on mental health, chemical dependency and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. This property in managed by Breaking Ground.

The Case Manager essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Build relationships and work collaboratively with clients to develop and implement effective service plans.
• Coordinate and deliver comprehensive services and referrals to meet client needs. Assisting clients with self-administration and delivery of medication while following agency policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Work collaboratively with clients to develop and implement effective service plans, taking the following factors into account: clients' goals, interests in employment and education, sources of support, medical or mental health diagnoses, substance use diagnoses, medication regimens, risk factors, collateral contacts, and psychosocial history, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Locate and engage clients in any designated service setting, including program sites, client rooms, or community-based locations, to support medication compliance and promote engagement in treatment.
• Ensure all medication-related activities comply with agency policies, licensing regulations, and applicable laws, including accurate documentation, proper storage and handling, adherence to consent and self-administration protocols, and use of required forms and procedures governing medication services.
• Support client move-in process by assisting with orientation to the program, distributing essential items (e.g., linens, toiletries, towels, and clothing donations), and processing personal belongings through the PackTite (bed bug oven) system in accordance with agency protocols.
• Assist clients with packing items infested with bed bugs and running them through bed bug machines as necessary.
• Provide timely crisis intervention services, coordinate with emergency responders, conduct institutional visits, and manage discharge planning.
• Facilitate group services, including but not limited to recreational groups, evidence-based practice groups, and support groups.
• Complete ongoing assessments to monitor client progress, revise service plans, and ensure alignment with program goals and requirements.
• Adhere to agency policies regarding confidential information and protect the privacy of clients.
• Assist clients in accessing eligible federal, state and local benefits by identifying programs, completing applications, escorting to appointments, and tracking renewals.
• Assist clients with managing financial resources, including providing rep-payee services.
• Attend trainings to better support clients in obtaining federal, state and local benefits as directed by program management and in accordance with funder requirement.
• Facilitate the housing placement process by identifying appropriate options based on eligibility criteria, assisting with application completion and required documentation, coordinating with housing providers, and providing support throughout the search, transition, and move-in process.
• Monitor clients who move into housing and conduct follow-up outreach, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Assist clients with maintaining their housing, managing arrears, annual recertification, preparing units for apartment inspections and communicate with landlords and/or building management.
• Support clients with activities of daily living including, but not limited to hygiene, personal care, laundry, showers, cleaning, pest remediation, hoarding mitigation, donation coordination, and preparation for apartment inspections.
• Conduct in-home visits and assist clients with maintaining safe and clean apartments or personal spaces.
• Provide services both onsite and in the community, including but not limited to, accompanying clients to medical appointments, benefits offices, housing interviews, shopping trips, job interviews, school meetings, and court appearances.
• Enter and maintain client service delivery in designated database ensuring that all documentation-including, but not limited to, progress notes, service plans (ILPs), assessments, and benefit forms-is completed accurately, thoroughly, and within required timeframes, in compliance with agency and funder standards.
• Maintain required monthly contact hours with clients or their collaterals in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Monitor client progress and adjust service plans accordingly.
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Case Manager I: High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of relevant work experience (Non-HASA funded sites only).
• Case Manager II: Bachelor's Degree; or High School Diploma or equivalent and four (4) years of relevant work experience.
• Case Manager III: Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years of relevant work experience; or BSW and one (1) year of relevant work experience; or High School Diploma or equivalent and six (6) years of relevant work experience.
• Case Manager IV: Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years of relevant work experience; or BSW and three (3) years of relevant work experience; or High School Diploma or equivalent and eight (8) years of relevant work experience.
• Case Manager V: Internal Only

Note: For applicants without a college degree, every 30 college credits earned may be substituted for one (1) year of relevant work experience. At HASA-funded sites, college credits may not be substituted unless the applicant has at least four (4) years of relevant work experience. Relevant experience must directly relate to the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to provide services to specialized populations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and general computer applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational, time management, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Bilingual/multilingual language skills, as required or preferred by the assigned program.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to walk, bend, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull, and perform routine physical movements.
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to walk up and down stairs (most agency locations are equipped with elevators).
• Ability to work primarily indoors in a standard office environment and operate standard office equipment. Some community-based programs may require working outdoors.
• Ability to read computer screens and written documents and accurately enter data into electronic systems.
• Ability to accompany clients using public transportation for extended periods.
• Ability to travel to various locations to provide client escort services.

• Ability to work in various weather conditions, including inclement weather.