Case Manager I-11-145- SC/OC Social Services

Job Description

Job Description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Case Manager I is a high demand position that provides holistic, strength based, harm reduction case-management services specializing in housing to include, but not limited to: removing barriers in order to become housing ready, assisting guests with making appointments, coordination of gathering housing documents, developing a housing plan, creating a budget in order to save towards moving into sustainable housing, assistance with linking guests to on-site and off-site resources, assistance with applying for housing, assistance with locating housing, housing advocacy, assists with coordinating guest move out of shelter into housing. The Case Manager I searches for and visits various housing options and builds rapport with landlords and property managers to ensure individuals are linked to proper housing services. The Case Manager I participates in weekly Coordinated Entry System (CES) housing match meetings to provide guest updates on individuals being discussed during meeting.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

Case Management:

• Ensure holistic, strength based, harm reduction case management is provided in a timely, efficient and effective manner.
• Maintain an active case load.
• Work with guests to remove barriers that would impede them from focusing on housing.
• Create a case plan with each guest and perform needs assessments to ensure proper services are offered.
• Meet with each guests on case load four times a month.
• Maintain case load tracking system current.
• Ensure guest case notes are entered weekly within internal and external databases.
• Assist guests with obtaining documents needed for housing.
• Schedule and facilitate weekly life skills groups related to housing needs such a; budgeting, how to be a good tenant, living independently, disseminating information on various housing programs.
• Utilize conflict management, de-escalation, and crisis intervention techniques in emergency situations.

Housing Navigation:

• Develop an individualized guest-centered housing plan.
• Conduct bungalow/bed space visits to maintain guest engagement.
• Research and visit various housing options that cater to low-income single individuals/seniors and build rapport with landlords and property managers to ensure individuals are linked to proper housing services.
• Maintain a list of current housing vacancies including but not limited to; low-income apartments, VASH and Section 8 opportunities, room for rent, room and board and local sober living homes.
• Assists guests in locating and securing permanent housing through outreach to landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and other social service agencies.
• Meet with each guests on your case load four times a month.
• Create an exit plan with each guest and coordinate guest move out into housing.
• Assist in facilitating training to new hires, interns and volunteers as needed.
• Allow new hires, interns, and volunteers to shadow you and provide site and daily duties overview as it relates to your role.

Record Keeping:

• Maintain proper documentation including copies of housing documents, guest goals, monthly reporting, and guest physical files.
• Maintain case load tracking system current.
• Enter guest case notes into internal and external database (HMIS, CES System, WellSky, and CalOptima) in a timely manner (as each database requires).
• Exit guests from case load and internal/external database, close out guests’ physical files
• Accuracy of CalOptima (CalAIM) billing process submission in a timely manner by designated deadline.
• Practice consistent communication related to guest status, this includes keeping supervisor informed of services guest is linked to with other service agencies, communicating challenges with guests, asking for assistance or direction for assisting guests with assessments, housing plans, referrals, exit plans.

Miscellaneous Duties:

• Participate in programming meetings and housing case management meetings
• Participate in guest meetings and huddles as needed.
• Participate in professional development trainings.
• Participate in Homeless Service staff meetings and trainings.
• Participate in Social Service and Community meetings such as CES weekly match meetings.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with all TSA staff and external community partners.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Leadership Core Competencies

Strategic Thinking - Develop strategies to achieve organizational goals; adapt strategy to address constant change and conditions.

Problem Solving – Identify & resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully and develop solutions.

Oral Communication - Speak professionally, clearly, and persuasively in a variety of potentially challenging situations; seek clarification and respond appropriately to questions.

Written Communication - Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; Present numerical data accurately; Read and interpret written information.

Teamwork – Balance team and individual responsibilities; Build a positive team spirit, morale, and group commitment to established goals, core values and objectives.

Active Listening – Ability to focus completely on what the client is saying and not saying, to understand the meaning of what is said in the context of the client’s desires and support the client self-expression.

Adaptability and Flexibility – Ability to adapt successfully to changing situations and environments, able to keep calm and flexible during difficult and stressful situations.

Time Management – Ability to prioritize responsibilities effectively, create and plan assigned tasks for sufficient deadlines, the ability to create to-do and checklists, set clearly defined goals, and sets good balance between work and family life.

Continuous Improvement/Organizational Effectiveness – Constantly look for ways to improve and promote quality, effectiveness, and efficiency at all operational levels

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

PAY RATE: $25-$27.00/hr.

Minimum Qualifications

• By virtue of its direct contact with, and representation to people who engage in Salvation Army programs, people who demonstrate an understanding of The Salvation Army’s Christian mission are required for this position.
• BSW or equivalent degree (preferred).
• Minimum 1-year experience in case management working with people in recovery, mentally ill and/or homeless.
• 1-year experience with HMIS (preferred).
• Experience with tenant/landlord relationships.
• Must be in good physical health and mental health, capable of meeting the demand of the position.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test and clean MVR check.
• Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish preferred.
• Must have ability to communicate effectively and remain positively engaged with co-workers, community members, and guests.
• Able to function in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment and be adaptable.
• Must have flexible availability.
• Must possess effective time management skills.
• Must be able to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Must model professionalism and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literate; effectively use computerized database for guest file management, with basic skills in Microsoft Office: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook email.