Case Manager - Interim Housing

Full-Time AM Shift | Monday-Friday | 8:00AM - 4:30PM

The Case Manager will work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, assisting them in their transition from the streets or encampments into temporary shelter, and ultimately to permanent housing.

This role is vital in supporting participants as they navigate the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and receive necessary services, such as medical, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, and other supportive services.

The Case Manager plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment, ensuring that participants' needs are met in a trauma-informed, client-centered manner. This position provides ongoing support and crisis intervention while fostering pathways to stable housing and self-sufficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Participant Support and Engagement:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine participant needs and barriers, including housing stability, employment, medical, mental health, and substance use needs.
• Collaborate with participants to develop and implement individualized service plans aimed at achieving permanent housing, addressing challenges, and improving overall well-being.
• Maintain ongoing communication with participants, offering support and addressing their needs using a trauma-informed approach.
• Facilitate access to intensive case management services, healthcare, mental health, substance use treatment, and other supportive services in collaboration with partner organizations.
• Assist participants in obtaining essential documents (ID, social security card, birth certificate) needed for housing applications and other services. Maintain consistent communication with participants, employing a trauma-informed approach to foster trust and ensure participants feel respected and supported in their journey.

Program Operations

• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), maintaining up to date participant records and tracking outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with Housing Navigators and the Program Manager to support participants in their transition from interim housing to permanent housing.
• Participate in regular team meetings to review participant progress and develop strategies to overcome barriers to housing stability.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed, ensuring participant safety and coordinating with law enforcement, healthcare providers, or other emergency services as required.
• Ensure that participants are aware of and follow shelter policies and procedures.

Coordination and Communication

• Work closely with case managers, social workers, medical personnel, and community partners to ensure participants receive comprehensive services aligned with the program's 'whatever it takes' approach.
• Attend regular team meetings to discuss participant progress, program challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Act as a liaison between participants and community service providers, ensuring seamless access to care and services outlined in the SOW.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate case files and documentation, including case notes, progress reports, service referrals, and outcome tracking.
• Generate and submit program reports, including statistical data and summaries of participant outcomes, in compliance with county, state, and federal regulations.
• Monitor and update participant eligibility for housing and services, and adjust service plans accordingly as participant situations evolve.

Collaboration and Advocacy

• Work collaboratively with community partners, such as probation officers, social workers, mental health professionals, and housing providers, to facilitate seamless service delivery.
• Act as an advocate for participants, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are respected throughout the program.
• Participate in outreach efforts to engage individuals experiencing homelessness and offer pathways into the Pathway Home program.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING

Required :

• A bachelor's degree in social work, human services, public administration, or a related field
• One year of experience in social services or healthcare, including experience dealing with substance use in clients and crisis intervention.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Web-based programs, HMIS, and any other database software(s) used to track work outputs is required.
• Valid CA Driver's License, auto insurance, and reliable transportation (Driving is an essential function of this position.) Must be able to meet and sustain eligibility for insurance coverage through First Day's automobile insurance policy.

Preferred:

• Minimum two years of non-profit experience with the homeless population and/or case management.
• CPR/First Aid Training Certification and HMIS Training Certification (training provided).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands for this position include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

NOTICE:   This job description is provided as a general summary of common job duties performed by individuals assigned this job title. It is not all-inclusive, nor is it intended to create a contract, written or implied, between employees and First Day. It does not alter the employment-at-will relationship that exists between employees and First Day. As a condition of employment, all First Day employees are expected to perform job duties assigned by management even when such duties are not described in their job description.