Emergency Shelter Case Manager

Emergency Shelter Case Manager

Agency Mission:

In recognition of the dignity and value of every human life, the mission of IPH is to address the needs of the homeless and low-income community by providing a continuum of services to encourage self-sufficiency, empowerment, and stability.

Summary:

IPH’s Emergency Shelters in Albany serve individuals experiencing homelessness along with a broad range of other challenges, including poverty, mental health and substance use disorders, medical challenges, and legal issues. Services focus on improved health outcomes, education, and community connectivity. Each guest receives person-centered services and support that addresses a unique set of needs. IPH provides supportive shelter settings where guests can focus on addressing factors that have led to their homelessness.

The Shelter Case Manager provides direct care to shelter guests, maintaining a caseload of 15-19 people. The Case Manager is responsible for providing strength-based, trauma-informed, holistic, and comprehensive services to support positive outcomes for shelter guests.

Principle Responsibilities, Accountabilities, & Duties:

The Shelter Case Manager is responsible for providing efficient and effective service delivery through the following functions, as well as other assigned activities:

Direct Support:

• Assess social determinants of health related to housing, income, health care, hygiene, life skills, behavioral health, transportation, employment, and education, as well as any other needs identified during the intake and ongoing assessment process
• Assist guests with identifying an appropriate discharge destination and timeline
• Assist guests with developing goals related to identified needs and the identified discharge destination
• Monitor guests’ progress and adjust/modify goals, as needed
• Implement crisis intervention techniques and respond effectively to emergency situations
• Coordinate referrals and admissions with the local hospitals, community-based organizations, and local Department of Social Services
• Provide education regarding health care, developing healthy coping skills, and understanding resources and services
• Supervise guests' self-administration of medication
• Ensure guest access to hygiene supplies, linens, laundry, and meals
• Facilitate conflict resolution meetings between guests when appropriate
• Foster an emotionally and physically welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for guests with a 24- hour staffed shelter program

Coordination & Connection to Services:

• Obtain ongoing information regarding local community services and resources
• Complete community-based referrals and provide warm hard-offs for appropriate services
• Facilitate guests’ communications with the local County Department of Social Services (DSS) to maintain a positive partnership with DSS and ensure seamless access to necessary assistance
• Connect guests with primary care providers and other specialty health care and behavioral health services
• Assist with access to prescribed medications
• Assist with navigation of government agencies, such as unemployment, social security administration, DMV, vital records, immigration, court system, probation, and parole
• Link guests to managed care organizations for effective insurance coverage
• Provide transportation in agency vehicle, when appropriate and connect guests to other transportation resources
• Attend appointments with guests, when appropriate
• Maintain effective communication with guests’ service providers to ensure a team approach to care
• Participate in Provider Meetings with guests
• Establish professional relationships with local landlords and housing programs
• Collaborate with various IPH programs to link guests to services
• Prepare guests for transitions into community living by increasing independent living skills in areas such as hygiene, self-care, budgeting, health management, symptom management, communication, and coping skills

Documentation:

• Maintain accurate case files, including up to date documentation of all services provided
• Enter data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), including Intakes, Progress Notes, Case Management Intake Tool, Milestones, and Discharges
• Establish and update Independent Living Plans
• Complete shift notes and incident reports when applicable
• Assist with completion of DSS Applications and obtain Shelter Letters from the local Department of Social Services

Professional Development:

• Participate in internal staff trainings, shelter team meetings, and regular case management meetings
• Complete required First Aid, CPR, and Naloxone and re-certification training, as well as participate in additional external training opportunities
• Engage in weekly supervisory meetings with the Shelter Supervisor
• Collaborate with Shelter Direct Support Staff to ensure a team approach with guests
• Attend agency staff meetings

Qualifications:

• A minimum of one year of experience in a human service setting; sensitive to the needs of the homeless community and individuals experiencing behavioral health and physical health issues
• Case management experience: knowledge of evidence-based practices such as strength-based, trauma- informed approaches, low barrier, and harm-reduction approaches preferred
• Clean, valid NYS driver’s license; must be able to pass and maintain IPH’s insurance standards

Physical Requirements:

This work requires the following physical activities: climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting up to 20 lbs., finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing, and visual acuity.

Skills:

• Demonstrate strong organizational skills necessary to assure smooth operation of the program
• Possess strong interpersonal skills necessary to work with vulnerable and underserved populations
• Strong working knowledge of local community resources or able and willing to learn on the job
• Operate as a flexible, team player in a dynamic changing environment
• Collaborate professionally with an interdisciplinary team of providers
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Possess the ability to make independent decisions when necessary
• Respond effectively to emergency/crisis situations
• Exercise sound independent judgment within the scope of the program
• Maintain strict confidentiality in all areas; written, spoken, and observed communication
• Flexible to the daily needs of a non-profit environment
• Familiarity with Windows, MS Office, Excel, email, and database use

Hours, Salary, & Benefits Information:

• Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
• Hourly position starting at $21.03/hour ($41,008.50 per year based on 37.50 hours per week)
• Employer-sponsored health insurance available along with various ancillary benefits (LTD, STD, Voluntary Life, etc.)
• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, and personal leave and 11 paid holidays

IPH 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.03 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person