Care Manager - Housing

Job Description

Job Description

The Housing Care Manager, as a member of the St. John’s Community Supports Housing Program (CS) team, works closely with Medi-Cal members who are enrolled in the CS Program to provide homeless and housing support services. The Housing Care Manager provides Housing Navigation services that include: client advocacy, case management, benefit establishment, linkage to mental health/substance abuse services, linkage to stable housing and all other supportive services as needed. In addition, the Housing Care Manager provides Tenancy Services with a goal of maintaining safe and stable tenancy once housing is secured. The position will use evidence-based practice models such as Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing, along with Harm Reduction and Housing First principles.

Benefits:

• Free Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• 13 Paid Holidays and PTO
• 403(b) Retirement Match
• Life Insurance, EAP
• Tuition Reimbursement
• SEIU Union
• Flexible Spending Account
• Succession Plans and Internal Growth Opportunities

Qualifications/Licensure:

• Bachelor's degree or higher;
• Familiar with resources that support stable housing, such as Veteran Services, Rapid Rehousing, and Section 8;
• Knowledge of housing navigation skills, such as housing location, filling out applications, developing housing contacts, and lease compliance;
• 2 years of experience within social services and/or public health;
• Experience working in underserved communities, such as undocumented individuals, unaccompanied minors, LGBTQIA+ populations, communities of color, people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, an/or serious mental illness;
• Valid CA Driver's License and vehicle required for work-related travel to difference clinic sites and housing sites; and
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (read, write, speak) [ strongly preferred ]

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Housing Care Manager will deliver Housing Navigation services to Medi-Cal members prior to successful tenancy which include:
  • Completing a Housing Assessment that identifies the member's preferences and barriers related to housing.
  • Developing an Individualized Housing Support Plan (based on the Housing Assessment) that addresses identified barriers, short- and long-term housing goals, and identifies when other services may be required to meet housing goals.
  • Assisting in securing housing, including the completion of housing applications and securing vital documents ( e.g. , Social Security, Birth Certificate, etc.).
  • Assisting with benefits advocacy, including assistance with obtaining identification and documentation for SSI eligibility and supporting the SSI application process.
  • Identifying and securing available resources to assist with subsidizing rent (such as Section 8, state, and local housing assistance programs) and matching available rental subsidy resources to members.
  • If included in the Individualized Housing Support Plan, identifying and securing resources to cover expenses, such as security deposit, moving costs, adaptive aids, environmental modifications, moving costs, and other one-time expenses.
  • Communicating and advocating on behalf of the members with landlords.
  • Establishing procedures and contacts to retain housing.
  • Identifying, coordinating, securing, or funding non-emergency, non-medical transportation to assist members’ mobility to ensure reasonable accommodations and access to housing options prior to transition and on move-in day.
  • Review program participant files and ensure that all program records and resident documentation are maintained as required.
  • Perform other duties as needed to help effectively operate the program.
• The Housing Care Manager will deliver Tenancy Services to Medi-Cal members once housing is secured which include:
  • Providing early identification and intervention for behaviors that may jeopardize housing, such as late rental payment, hoarding, substance use, among other lease violations.
  • Education and training on the role, rights, and responsibilities of the tenant-landlord relationship.
  • Coaching on developing and maintaining key relationships with landlords/property managers with a goal of fostering successful tenancy.
  • Coordination with the landlord and case management provider to address identified issues that could impact tenancy.
  • Assistance in resolving disputes with landlords and/or neighbors to reduce risk of eviction or other adverse action, including developing a repayment plan or identifying funding in situations in which the member owes unpaid rent or payment for damage to the unit.
  • Assistance with benefits advocacy, including assistance with obtaining identification and documentation for SSI eligibility and supporting the SSI application process.
  • Assistance with the annual housing recertification process.
  • Coordinating with the members to review, update and modify their Individualized Housing Support Plan on a regular basis to reflect current needs and address existing or recurring housing retention barriers.
  • Continuing assistance with lease compliance, including ongoing support with activities related to household management.
  • Other prevention and early intervention services that are activated when housing is jeopardized ( e.g. , assisting with reasonable accommodation requests that were not initially required upon move-in).
  • Providing independent living and life skills including assistance with and training on budgeting, including financial literacy and connection to community resources

St. John’s Community Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer