Hopwa Case Manager

Position Summary

The HOPWA Case Manger provides housing and health case management supportive services to participants in a program funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) who receive Housing Opportunities for Persons living with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) subsidized housing vouchers. The Case Manager provides intensive (high level of contact) case management and housing support (which includes locating and securing private market housing units available to homeless/at-risk individuals) for a caseload diagnosed with HIV and/or experiencing physical health issues, behavioral health conditions or substance use. Services include assessment of need, service planning and follow-up, establishing service linkages (physical health, behavioral health and substance use, food, employment, education etc., referrals based on service needs), budgeting and linkage to SOAR and advocacy.

Valid Illinois driver's license, proof of insurance and must have own vehicle. Mileage reimbursement provided.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Housing Case Management

• Conducts monthly home visits to ensure housing stability, support in development of life skills, and foster emotional support through a trauma informed and strengths-based approach.
• Performs crisis prevention and interventions as needed using Harm Reduction & Trauma informed Philosophies of Care.
• Documents in case notes & reports to agency's supervisor critical participants' issues to maximize retention.
• Acts as a liaison between landlords/property managers. Coordinates move-ins, lease renewals, inspections and eviction prevention.
• Completes housing leasing workflow in CaseWorthy for initial and renewed participants' leases to ensure continued housing stability.
• Ensure timely completion of eligibility assessments (EAs), collecting medical labs and general compliance to IDPH program requirements.
• Develops Individualized Service Plans in collaboration with the program participants.
• Refers and links participants to appropriate services.
• Assists participants in enrolling in public benefits such as SNAP, SOAR or employment readiness programs.
• Supports clients in developing or enhancing life skills and assists participants in increasing involvement in social and civic life.

Health Case Management

• Verifies enrollment in medical care and supports participants to engage in medical care by providing information, assisting in finding medical provider or helping participants make appointments.
• Assists participants in receiving timely and coordinated access to medically appropriate level of health and support services.
• Refers and links participants to appropriate services within the system of care that promotes positive health outcomes, treatment adherence, and greater self-sufficiency. Monitors participants' medical follow-through with services.
• Conducts coordination of medical care plan with participants' primary care provider. (Case conference with participants' medical provider, attending participants' appointment) to ensure all participants attend a minimum of two medical appointments per year.
• Supports medical treatment plan by providing participants information on medication, appointment and other treatment adherence issues.
• Must provide eligible participants assistance in obtaining access to other public and private programs for which they may be eligible (Medicaid, Medicare Part D, State Pharmacy Assistance Programs, Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program, other state or local health care and supportive services, and insurance plans through the health insurance Marketplace/Exchanges).

Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Completes case notes & services topics in CaseWorthy within five-business day of interaction.
• Completes annual & six-month assessment and enters into CaseWorthy within five business days of completion.
• Completes annual lease renewals workflow in CaseWorthy within 60 days of lease renewal.
• Maintains all applicable and required documentation in the CaseWorthy database.
• Represent Deborah's Place at meetings with agency partners, including the Center for Housing and Health and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Represent Deborah's Place and the AFC HOPWA program at external and internal meetings as assigned.
• Maintain required professional knowledge and job skills, particularly related to evidence-based practices and special populations, including motivational interviewing, mental illness and addictions. Attend and participate in required education programs and staff meeting.
• Represent Deborah's Place mission and values to participants, tenants and visitors
• Perform other duties assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in social services or related field and 1 or more years' Supportive Housing

Case Management experience OR 3 or more years' Supportive Housing Case Management experience.

Experience applying Homelessness and Supportive Housing concepts.

Experience applying Harm Reduction and Housing First philosophies.

Preferred Qualifications

1 or more years' experience in Substance Use and Mental Health field

Experience in applying and/or interpreting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid services

Experience in applying Crisis Prevention, Intervention, Goal Setting, and Resolution

techniques

Special Knowledge & Skills: Knowledge of issues surrounding homelessness, AIDS/HIV and other chronic illnesses, mental illness, chemical dependency and MISA issues; proficiency in Microsoft office software, good oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, conflict management and crisis intervention skills; demonstrate clear and professional boundaries; act in a professional manner Valid Illinois driver's license, proof of insurance and own transportation required.

Deborah's Place is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, immigrant, bilingual, and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.