Case Manager - Housing & Residential Services (5657)

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Pay: $23.00-$24.00/Hour Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm

Job Summary : The Housing Solutions Case Manager is responsible for all stages of client service delivery, including ongoing needs assessments, individualized housing plans, support, information, referrals, and advocacy for individuals who are in the Mercy House Permanent Supportive Housing program. This position will ensure that prospective clients are screened for all eligible services. The role also provides residential services to the project that includes life skills workshops and community building events/activities.

The Housing Solutions Case Manager requires successful working relationships with residents that support their ability to increase their self-reliance. This position will influence and recognize positive behavior changes and will identify problems and obstacles that threaten to undermine residents' self-reliance and housing stability. Keeping clear and accurate files and records is essential to this position. This position will ensure that the team is practicing trauma informed and client focused strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Client/Service Delivery

• Maintain a minimum caseload of 16-25 individuals, meet with clients weekly or as needed, and engage regularly with residents to develop and monitor each individual's housing plan based on housing assessment that addresses identified barriers, including short- and long-term measurable goals
• Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client-centered services to keep them in housing
• Utilize skills regarding crisis prevention and intervention
• Practice Trauma Informed Care when interacting with clients
• Implement Eviction Prevention strategies to support residents in need
• Assist residents to build upon their strengths and recognize their needs in a respectful manner
• Visit and inspect resident apartments to ensure that they are properly maintained
• Be knowledgeable of community resources and refer clients as needed
• Organize and facilitate social and recreational activities designed to promote community involvement and peer support
• Work with volunteers and community resources to assure that residents are linked with services such as employment, education, tutoring, and/or mentoring as appropriate
• Attend trainings that increase knowledge of effectively meeting clients' needs, including co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence
• Facilitate relationship building between landlords/caretakers and residents
• Participate in the emergency on-call schedule to ensure resident needs are met

Residential Services

• Assist residents with establishing individual and family goals and maintain safe, stable affordable housing
• Facilitate residents' participation with credit counseling, computer training, financial literacy education, and job search assistance to help them achieve greater levels of success in their lives
• Distribute focus group surveys and organize community building and/or other enrichment activities for residents based on responses and that meet the funding requirements for the project
• Coordinate life skills workshops on topics such as job search skills, parenting skills, time and stress management, health and wellness, and interpersonal relationship and communication skills
• Coordinate job readiness workshops to support residents in job search and job skills development
• Provide residents with information about available services in the community
• Assist residents to access services through referral and advocacy
• Assist residents in building support networks with other residents, family, and friends
• Design and coordinate holiday and community building events
• Create activity/event calendars and flyers to distribute to residents on a monthly basis
• Create newsletters highlighting events and activities held onsite and distribute to residents and project partners on a quarterly basis

Outreach and Community Relations

• Maintain active involvement with neighbors and program partners
• Maintain active involvement with community service organizations

Team/Staff Relations

• Work in partnership with the property management team during the leasing and tenancy phases to promote effective communication, united service delivery, and a supportive community environment for all residents
• Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers in order to implement the mission and core values of the agency
• Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
• Work as part of team to plan and develop resident programs

Administration

• Keep accurate, up-to-date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, housing assessments, case notes, case files, etc.
• Complete all paperwork in a timely and accurate manner that ensures payment to the project and agency from various sources
• Assist with any and all data collection systems
• Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments
• Other duties, as assigned

Requirements:
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (or related field) with experience working in chemical health, mental health, and co-occurring disorders is preferred
• Persons with less than a BA/BS degree but with at least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low-income, and diverse populations, and who have a working knowledge of mental health and additional issues, are welcome to apply

General

• A valid CA driver's license, proof of insurance, and a reliable vehicle are required. Must be comfortable utilizing your own vehicle to conduct home visits, visit clients at shelters, meet clients out in the community, etc.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize, and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional, and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Dependability, responsibility, and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer