Mental Health Case Manager-Vets ($5,000 Sign On Bonus)

SIGN ON BONUS: $5,000

Pathways to Housing DC is an innovative and nationally recognized nonprofit organization committed to ending homelessness for individuals with serious mental illnesses, co-occurring substance abuse disorders and/or other medical challenges in our Nation's capital. Pathways is one of the originators of “Housing First”, in which services are provided to those in need without conditions and pre-housing requirements such as curfews, mandated sobriety or compliance with medication.

Case Managers on the Veterans Housing First Team provide flexible, community based services that are designed to promote the stability, recovery and community reintegration of formerly homeless veterans referred to Pathways by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and community agencies. The Veterans Housing First team employs a Housing First model to rapidly reduce Veteran homelessness, particularly for those who present with serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and/or chronic medical conditions. Services are provided to veterans in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Maryland.

The goals of the Mental Health Case Manager are to provide clinical Mental Health intervention services in a trauma informed environment, while supporting veterans to obtain and maintain housing. The Clinical Case Manager maintains a primary caseload of 10-15 clients and provides case management services using a Housing First, Harm Reduction approach in a compassionate and responsible manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to collect functional, environmental, psychosocial, financial, employment, housing, educational, and basic acute and chronic medical needs information as appropriate for Veterans and their families to develop a case plan.

• Develop support systems to meet client needs by identifying and coordinating a variety of available services necessary to maintain independent living, and, when possible, self-sufficiency and family stabilization

• In collaboration with the Veterans Housing First Team Clinical Coordinator,, provide individually tailored services to each client in the following areas: housing, Mental Health, school, training & work opportunities, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), health, wellness self-management, relapse prevention, money management & entitlements, medication support, self help & empowerment, problem solving, family life & social relationships and integrated treatment for substance abuse;

• Collaborate with client in the formulation of an Individual Recovery Plan that is reviewed and modified with client on a regular basis;

• Refer clients to available therapeutic, social service, educational and medical resources when appropriate and encourage participant engagement

• Conduct crisis intervention as necessary. Provide clinical intervention during psychiatric emergencies.

• Engage in street and shelter outreach as needed to connect with referred Veterans in any environment to include: the streets, shelters, jails, hospitals, apartments, office etc.

• Support the implementation of clinical interventions and housing procedures among all program participants

• Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation (e.g., progress notes, incident reports, home visit reports);

• Provide intensive case management support to clients by meeting or exceeding the monthly client contact requirements- typically 4 visits per month, based on the Veteran’s case management needs (as indicated by the published Veterans Health Administration HUD/VASH Case Management Directives).

• Participate in weekly staff meetings; Participate in staff trainings as scheduled; Perform related work as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or a related field required. Minimum LGSW or LGPC required.

• Two years case management experience, preferably in Mental Health services, including experience in social services, supported housing, or with persons with psychiatric disabilities highly desired.

• Veteran of the US Armed Forces strongly preferred

• Experienced with Housing First model desirable

• Patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and sensitivity to persons with disabilities and other minority populations;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• High level of computer proficiency preferred.

• Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle required

• Must consent to Department of Veterans Affairs background checks and credentialing