Case Manager/Life Skills Coordinator

POSITION: Case Manager/Life Skills Coordinator - Residential

REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Social Services

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time

EXEMPT/NONEXEMPT: Non-Exempt Salaried

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Case Manager /Life Skills Coordinator fulfills two key roles: as Case Manager, they promote client wellness and autonomy through advocacy, assessment, planning, communication, education, resource management, and service facilitation. As Life Skills Coordinator, they monitor and assess the participants' life skills levels and offer guidance and support.


Case Managers are classified as essential workers, and as such accept responsibility for the completion of their critical services to clients, on site, even during times of emergency. These include, but are not limited to, emergencies caused by: weather, nationwide pandemics, civil unrest, and domestic threat.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Carry caseload (total # to be determined and is subject to change).
• Meet with caseload clients weekly and as needed on an individual basis, through assessment with supervisor.
• Link clients with appropriate providers and resources throughout the continuum of health and human services and care settings based on the needs and values of the client. Escort clients to scheduled and unscheduled psychiatric/medical care.
• Ensure that clients receive safe, effective, client-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable care. Maintain a non-judgmental, unbiased approach.
• Prioritize best practices for client safety and health in the face of immediate crises, through the outreach of qualified emergency responders.
• Organize, facilitate, and escort as needed for on/off-site activities in addition to managing a minimum of two ongoing groups. Track client participation in the client record.
• Ensure the safe handling, service and delivery of meals to all clients, in accordance to the NYC Food Safety Guidelines.
• Conduct unit inspections and ensure proper follow-up to findings, assisting clients as needed.
• Maintain client records as "audit-ready" at all times, as required by program funding sources. This includes, but is not limited to, recording progress notes, constructing service plans, updating medical and mental health information, and completing psychosocial assessments.
• Adhere to confidentiality protocols outlined by the agency.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director and/or Supervisor of Social Services.
• Represent Lutheran Social Service of New York's mission, values, ethics, and uphold agency Code of Conduct at all times.
• Demonstrates commitment to social justice and promotes equity by identifying and removing barriers, facilitating learning, cultivating community, and empowering others.
• Facilitates groups aimed at developing enhanced life skills.
• Researches community resources and recreational activities and makes individual referrals and/or organizes group activities, as appropriate.
• Organizes on-site art programs for holidays and coordinates the artistic aspect of facility bulletin boards and/or community areas, particularly during the holiday season.
• Conducts client assessments and determines skills deficits.
• Provides skills training in areas including, but not limited to: daily living, self care, social relationships, housing and money management. This may include direct training by way of client escort.
• Assists clients with self-understanding, building self-esteem and evaluating their life experiences.

SUPERVISES:

• Volunteers as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2 years in Human Services
• Working knowledge of issues related to homelessness, HIV, substance abuse, mental illness, and entitlements

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Good spoken and written expression.
• Good time management skills, able to handle multiple tasks and assignments at once as well as adhere to the punctuality of a set schedule.
• Flexible, able to work some holidays and weekends.
• Able to establish therapeutic relationships with clients and positive working relationships within LSSNY and with external agencies.

Proficient in internet navigation, E-mail, and Microsoft Word.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Crisis intervention skills.
• Familiarity with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Willing to participate in continuing education.

DATE REVISED: 8/6/2022