Entry Level - Housing Solutions Case Manager

No experience necessary. We will train recent graduates with a Bachelor's degree in: Sociology, Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Behavioral / Social Sciences.

Introduction:
The Housing Solutions Case Manager is responsible for ongoing needs assessment, personal housing/ emergency plans, implementation, support, information, referral, and advocacy for individuals who are in the Mercy House Permanent Supportive Housing Program. This position requires successful working relationships with residents that support their ability to increase their self-reliance. This position will influence and recognize positive behavior changes and will identify problems and obstacles that threaten to undermine residents’ self-reliance and housing stability. Keeping clear and accurate files and records is essential to this position. This position will ensure that the team is practicing trauma informed and client focused strategies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. Client/Service Delivery:

• Maintain a minimum caseload of 17-25 individuals. Meet at least twice a month with residents to develop emergency plans and individual housing supporting plans based upon the housing assessment that identified barriers, including short and long-term measurable goals. Meet with clients in the shelters, out in community and in their home.
• Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client centered services to keep them in housing.
• Utilize skills regarding crisis prevention and intervention.
• Practice Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing techniques
• Assist residents to build upon their strengths and recognize their needs in a respectful manner.
• Conduct health, safety visits and inspect resident apartments to ensure that they are properly maintained by completing habitability inspections with Leasing Agents.
• Be knowledgeable of community resources and refer clients as needed.
• Organize and facilitate social and recreational activities designed to promote community involvement and peer support.
• Work with volunteers and community resources to assure that residents are linked with services such as employment, education, tutoring and/or mentoring as appropriate.
• Attend training that increase knowledge of effectively meeting clients’ needs (including co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence).
• Facilitate relationship building between landlords/caretakers and clients.
• To participate in the emergency on call schedule to ensure clients’ needs are met and must be available.
• Work collaboratively with other community support providers, outreach teams, Housing Authorities (Housing Specialists), Social Workers, Leasing Team, Landlords.

II. Team/Staff Relations:

• Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers in order to implement the mission and core values of the agency.
• Attend regular internal and external agency meetings.
• Work as part of team to plan and develop resident programs.
• Work in team environment, fast passed environment, be flexible, be able to adapt to sudden changes, be trustworthy, be reliable, be empathetic.
• Communicate effectively with diverse population.

III. Administrative:

• Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, emergency plans, case notes, case file, assessments, call logs, Housing Authority (application and re-certifications)
• Complete all paperwork in a timely and accurate manner that ensures payment to the agency from various sources.
• Assist with all data collection systems.
• Assure deadlines are met.
• Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments.
• Utilize computers and appropriate software (e.g. Microsoft: Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point) and/ or specific systems applicable to position.
• Responding to calls and emails in a timely manner.
• Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload.
• Occasional lifting of items up to 25lbs. (i.e., accepting donated items)
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

IV. Knowledge of:

• Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management.
• Effective documentation and guidelines

HOURS:
Monday-Friday 9 am-5pm
Will include some weekend and evening work and the ability to respond to crisis situations as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree, Social Work (or related field) with experience working in chemical health, mental health, co-occurring disorders is preferred.

Persons with less than a BA/BS degree but with at least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low income, and diverse populations and have a working knowledge of mental health and additions issues are welcome to apply.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work independently are required.

Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable vehicle is required. Comfortable with utilizing own vehicle to conduct home visits, visit clients at shelters, meeting clients out in the community.