Case Manager - Transitional Living Program

Description

Equinox is a non-profit human services organization in the Capital Region.

For more than 40 years, Equinox has reached out to people who need us most with innovative and effective programs that truly change lives, allowing us to fulfill our purpose of helping those we serve move forward on their paths to recovery, healing, and

independence.

The Transitional Living Program (TLP) provides a supervised group residence and apartment living for homeless youth, ages 16 to 21, to help them make a successful transition to life on their own. The TLP program also serves pregnant and parenting teens and their dependent children.

Residents of TLP work closely with staff to establish and achieve goals. Staff assists youth in: accessing needed community services such as medical and mental health care; learning life skills; accessing education and employment services; and identifying supportive adults and mediating conflicts

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, responsible for the delivery of services to youth in the Transitional Living Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop trusting and supportive relationships with program youth
• Teach youth independent living skills that focus on the following areas: educational/vocational, financial, housing, social/psychological, home management, cooperative living and parenting as needed
• Maintain clear, concise, current documentation in both electronic and paper case records
• Interview potential applicants for the residential program and make recommendations for admission
• Work with assigned youth to develop and amend individual service plans that include clear, achievable goals
• Make appropriate referrals for additional community services and follow up as necessary
• Monitor youth attendance at all educational, employment and healthcare needs commitments
• Provide advocacy assistance as necessary and appropriate
• Attend court with youth.
• Participate in Transition Plan and Service Plan Review Meetings
• Maintain confidentiality
• Provide conflict resolution assistance between roommates and other program participants.
• Coordinate youth group sessions with input from youth and arrange for locations, speakers and other logistical necessities
• Ensure that youth have the resources that they need for daily living (food, heat, etc.).
• Perform apartment checks for cleanliness and safety
• Provide on-call support and crisis intervention as assigned
• Read, comprehend, implement and monitor compliance with all regulations governing programs
• Maintain positive contact and linkages with area service providers particularly Albany County DCYF and agencies serving homeless youth
• Assist in data collection, including preparing program reports as assigned
• Assist in the development and growth of programs through innovative and creative contributions and teamwork
• Attend and participate in all meetings, conferences and training to enhance professional development
• Assist youth with moving personal belongings from one location to another on admission, transfer to another program, or discharge
• Load/unload donation
• Pick up food orders from the Regional Food Bank
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to negotiate stairs
• Ability to lift and carry minimum of 15 lbs
• Ability to handle basic facility emergencies
• Ability to drive and transport clients at times with agency vehicles

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in human services major (4 years of human services experience, with at least 2 of those years working with youth and a High School Diploma or equivalent will be substituted in lieu of an advanced degree.)
• Experience working with youth required
• Must have a Clean, valid NYS driver’s license
• Clearance by the NYS Central Register of Child Abuse and Neglect

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of case management experience preferred
• Prior residential experience

Schedule:

• Monday through Friday, with on-call responsibilities

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Paid Time off, paid holidays, a fantastic Employee Assistance Program through CapitalEAP, Group-Term Life Insurance, Short -Term Disability and much more!

Equinox, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.