Case Manager, Independent Living Program

Description Side by Side has been at the forefront of best practices in child welfare since its founding in 1895 as an orphanage, later becoming Sunny Hills Services. Today the organization operates in Marin, Alameda, Sonoma, and Napa counties, serving nearly 2,000 children, young adults, and family members each year with behavioral and mental health services, early school intervention, LGBTQIA+ support, transitional housing for foster youth, and special education. Agency Overview Side by Side values individuals passionate about helping underserved youth and families and fosters a trauma-informed workplace that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Compensation This position is 40 hours per week with an hourly rate of $29.00 to $34.01. Benefits 3 weeks of paid vacation for full‑time employees, increasing to 4 weeks after 2 years of service (for all non‑school based employees). 2 weeks sick leave for full‑time employees with 2 additional sick days for direct service staff. 10 paid holidays per year and 1 Self‑Care Anniversary Day each year. 99% employer‑paid medical for full‑time employees, including platinum level Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, or Anthem options. Dental and vision insurance. Long‑Term Disability insurance up to $9,000 per month, plus $50,000 Life and AD&D insurance. Employees may purchase additional life insurance at their own cost. 403b retirement plan with match after one year of employment. Professional development and other learning opportunities, including unlimited access to over 1,000 behavioral health courses online. Side By Side is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer. FREE Employee Assistance Program, including up to 10 complimentary personal counseling sessions per problem, per year for staff and dependents. Employee recognition program with $500 bonus awards. Employee referral bonus of up to $1,000. Pet insurance. Program Overview The Independent Living Program (ILP) provides every eligible youth in care with independent living skills training to support their transition to a successful, independent lifestyle. ILP services are currently delivered to youth ages 14‑21 by Side by Side in partnership with Alameda County Social Services. Job Summary The ILP Case Manager supports systems‑engaged youth in preparation for adulthood and navigation of and graduation from the Independent Living Program. The Case Manager co‑creates Independent Living goals and plans and provides intensive support to each youth on their caseload to ensure attainment of those goals. Each Case Manager must be on site daily for one week in a six‑week rotation; the position may transition to hybrid based on demonstrated autonomy and consistent fulfillment of youth needs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide client‑centered, strengths‑based, and culturally responsive case management and coaching services to a designated caseload of ILP‑eligible foster and probation youth, helping them with housing, education, employment, wellness, and permanency matters. Regularly meet and assess needs of each youth on assigned caseload, support goal attainment (including TILP objectives), and help them problem‑solve and address challenges. Meet clients in the field when needed to assist with accessing local resources and support services. Monitor clients for safety and stability risks and provide immediate response to urgent needs. Support at‑risk populations (perinatal teens, LGBTQ, CSEC) in accessing services unique to their situation. Meet with youth and their care team in the community to encourage participation in ILP‑related services. Advocate for and refer participants to appropriate services (housing, mental health, health, employment, tutoring, etc.). Attend continuing education and professional development trainings to strengthen capacity to deliver quality service. Be on site daily for one week in a six‑week rotation. Perform other duties as assigned. Programming Support Attend monthly community tabling events to promote youth and family awareness. Collaborate with ILP team to develop, implement, and iterate on culturally relevant programming for systems‑engaged youth. Provide support at ILP events. Facilitate or co‑facilitate life skills workshops. Support annual events (Back to School Bash, Independence day, Holiday events, etc.). Administration Maintain timely and accurate progress notes and other records documenting participant status, progress toward goal completion, and outcomes. Conduct quarterly quality assurance checks to ensure records are complete and up to date. Assist youth in applying for and obtaining financial support through stipend application processes. Provide status updates to County ILP staff when requested for QA purposes. Develop TILPs as needed. Participate as WOD on a weekly basis. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not exhaustive and do not include all responsibilities, duties, or expectations required of the position. Agency‑Wide Core Competencies Ethical Conduct. Understands and adheres to the Agency’s Code of Conduct, demonstrates integrity, and maintains strict confidentiality. Communication. Clearly informs verbally and in writing, understands instructions quickly, and judges what information is important and how to convey it. Judgment. Makes timely, sound, and supported decisions, recognizing and solving emerging problems. Safety. Maintains a safe work environment, follows procedures, and ensures equipment is stored properly. Technology. Efficiently uses personal computers, mobile devices, email, the Internet, and relevant software, including Microsoft Office. Job Knowledge Knowledge of the foster care system. Knowledge of obstacles faced by current and former foster youth. Understanding of youth development and youth‑adult partnership frameworks. Knowledge of child development. Knowledge of the domestic violence cycle. Knowledge of parenting skills and bonding techniques. Knowledge of substance abuse and harm reduction frameworks. Knowledge of youth‑friendly community resources and public welfare system. Work Quality Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word and Excel. Adaptability/Flexibility Ability to work both collaboratively and independently. Teamwork Establish and maintain rapport with youth, families, and other support professionals. Enthusiastic, strengths‑based approach to partnering with youth and collaborating with peers. Action Oriented/Initiative Commitment to effectiveness, prioritizing efficiency and follow‑through. Professionalism/Self‑Regulation Commitment to self‑reflection and personal awareness to remain emotionally available and connected with youth, functioning as an engaged team member. Inclusivity Desire and ability to support an inclusive environment, respecting cultural differences and commonalities in values, expectations, beliefs, and practices. Cultural Responsiveness Commitment to working in a diverse workplace and self‑awareness regarding issues of race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion/spirituality, and disability. Passion for working with a diverse group of transition‑age youth, including youth of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. Ability to involve families, both biological and chosen, as resources and support systems for youth. Requirements Qualifications BA/BS in a social science field or 2‑4 years of experience in mental health or working with systems‑engaged adolescent and transitional‑aged youth. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience in crisis and resource management, youth development, and group facilitation both virtual and in‑person. Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus. Fulfillment of TB clearance, fingerprinting, state clearance, and any other mandatory state/federal requirements. A valid California driver’s license and dependable personal automobile insurable under SHS policy based on DMV record. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sitting, walking, standing for extended periods. Twisting and bending for brief periods. Occasional reaching and/or grasping using hands and/or arms. Regular use of hands requiring dexterity with telephone, keyboard, mouse, or calculator. May be required to use cleaning products and assist clients with cleaning and moving belongings. Regularly required to talk and hear in person or by telephone. Visual ability to read documents and computer monitor. May be required to lift up to 30 pounds. May be required to ascend/descend stairs. Exposure to low to moderate noise levels characteristic of working in an office or client environments. Ability to drive to various sites. Side By Side provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr