Case Manager

Job Title: Case Manager
Program: Rancho 600
Classification: Full-time
FLSA: Non-Exempt: Hourly: $26-28 per hour; DOE
Reports to: Program Manager
Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Position Description

The Case Manager assigned to the Rancho 600 – Interim Housing program will be responsible for working directly with participants to meet their daily needs in a safe and secure environment. The program will provide Interim Housing Services (IHS) stabilization for eligible Los Angeles County Department of Health Services participants on the campus of the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (Building) until permanent housing placement is secured. The Case Manager provides services including but not limited to, outreach and engagement, case management assessment and service planning, assistance with mainstream entitlement application and connection to employment services as necessary, housing location, addressing of all service needs to stabilize clients in housing and promoting recovery and community integration.

Specific Skills Required/Desired

1. Required: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong documentation and organizational skills including electronic and hard copy documentation. Knowledge of services provided by First Day and other social service organizations in Whittier and the surrounding area that assist individuals experiencing homelessness. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to exercise mature and sound judgment as well as good problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. Ability to work with diverse populations and to provide services in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner. Ability to maintain and execute confidential information, to project a professional demeanor at all times and to maintain regular attendance. Ability to time manage effectively and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure environment. Ability to manage crisis situations with minimum supervision and to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries.
2. Required: Successful completion of background screening (including drug and alcohol screening) and an updated Tuberculosis Test (within the last 6 months);
3. Preferred: Written and oral proficiency in Spanish.
4. Required: ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and/or weekends as needed.

Education/Experience/Training

1. Required: Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration or related field, and two years of experience in social services or healthcare, including experience dealing with substance use in clients and crisis intervention.
2. Required: proficiency in Microsoft Office and Web-based programs, HMIS and any other database software(s) used to track work outputs.
3. Required: CPR/First Aid Training Certification and HMIS Training Certification (training provided).
4. 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;
5. Preferred: Minimum two years of non-profit experience with the homeless population and/or case management.

Responsibilities

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the task that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

NOTE: First Day considers this position to be a mandated reporter of elder and child abuse

Program Responsibilities

• Provide onsite case management services in the areas of, but not limited to: Independent Living skills, housing stabilization, money management, community integration, employment linkage, benefits establishment, linkage to community providers for substance use services, primary and mental health care and all other services needed to assist clients in achieving their goals;
• Conduct 2 comprehensive assessments a month, face to face, using County-approved assessment tools within 7 days of participant’s initial enrollment in HIS Stabilization;
• Provide strengths-based case management and service coordination services designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable employment and housing;
• Develop individualized care plan in collaboration with client addressing short-term and long-term goals, utilizing 5×5 model approach;
• Update individualized care plan every 90 days at minimum, concentrating but not limited to; development of new goals, progress made toward achieving stated goals, and any changes to goals or action steps, with specific target dates and outcomes;
• Provide services focused on enhancing the clients’ ability to independently problem solve, utilize effective coping skills and to manage and to self-coordinate own care;
• Identify and review participant’s legal issues that are barriers to accessing and maintaining permanent housing (i.e., poor credit history, criminal records, pending warrants, etc.);
• Utilize evidence-based practices in service delivery such as intensive case management, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Critical Time Intervention and Housing First practices;
• Work closely with employment specialists at partner agencies to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment;
• Maintain documentation standards as set forth by the program contract and First Day policies, including maintaining compliance with HIPAA policies and practices;
• Complete progress notes on every face to face and/or telephone contact with client or collateral contact within 72 hours;
• Complete intake, assessments and service plans in coordination with client and within the documentation standards set forth by the program contract and First Day.
• Identify appropriate permanent housing options for clients, such as subsidized housing, Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH, Rapid Re-housing, as well as other non-traditional housing opportunities;
• Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing options and advocate for clients with prospective landlords;
• Assist participants with the actual move-in process, both physically and emotionally
• Maintain complete client records in client charts as well as in appropriate internal and external data management information systems (e.g. CHAMP), and other reports as directed;
• Initiate all referrals and linkages to services; monitor the progress and outcome of referrals in the County-approved information management system; and ensure access to eligible services and ongoing maintenance of services;
• Assess transportation needs, including heling participants navigate public transportation systems, assisting with access to paratransit services, and assisting with applications for reduced cost public transit passes;
• Establish and maintain position, productive working relationships with mental health programs, shelter programs, medical care programs, law enforcement, local officials, and providers of services and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness;
• Attend team meetings, case conference, training workshops and community meetings as needed;
• Maintain commitment to program-specific requirements identified in Whittier First Day Policies and Procedures as well as the most updated “Rancho 600 Program Scope of Services,” provided by Department of Health Services (DHS);
• Promptly and accurately report any issues and concerns regarding participants to Program Manager;
• Assist with conflict resolution by modeling and encouraging positive methods of problem-solving, respectful communication and self-restraint;
• Attend staff trainings and department meetings as needed, and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities Common to all First Day Employees

• Employ a strengths based and “whatever it takes” approach to assist participants in their transition from homelessness;
• Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times;
• Be proactive, creative and flexible in determining, evaluation, researching and resolving issues;
• Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines;
• Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on First Day;
• Demonstrate respect and courtesy towards others;
• Respond in timely manner in all aspects of communication;
• Work with minimum supervision; and,
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

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 essential job functions.

In the course of performing this job, this position typically spends long periods of time sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking and carrying and lifting 20 (lbs.). It requires coordination of multiple tasks, performing repetitive motion activities (typing), and firm/strong grasping. Operation office equipment such as phone, fax, copier, and computer.

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. First Day is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

First Day is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions of the Job: Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
O=Occasionally (up to 25% time on job); F=Frequently (25-75% time on job); C=Constantly (more than 75% time on job

A. Physical Demands

B. Working Conditions

C. Protective Equipment Required