Shelter Case Manager

Summary: The Case Manager assists the shelter team with the provision of emergency shelter services to runaway and homeless youth, including youth removed from their homes due to caregiver abuse and/or neglect. The Case Manager is a senior member of the team with supervisory authority and responsibility for managing and monitoring the performance of subordinates. This position, as with all positions in a licensed operation, is responsible for compliance with licensing standards. This position is also expected to prepare for and test for GRO licensure within 12 months, if not already licensed. The scope of work is subject to change as needed to ensure the project’s success and to meet funders’ requirements. Likewise, complementary changes may be made to projects or individual goals and expectations for employees based on agency/management strategic goals. All Center for Children team members are expected to be collegial and collaborative, mutually supportive, and focused on excellent services to clients, fidelity to program models, and ethical provision of services. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Becomes expert in accreditation standards (as developed), licensing standards, and other policies/regulations. Consistently monitors all shelter activities and documentation for compliance.
2. Prepares for GRO examination (if not already licensed).
3. Establishes positive, therapeutic relationships with youth, providing individual counseling, service planning, and other responsibilities as described herein.
4. Participate on the Performance and Quality Improvement processes ensuring services are being delivered with fidelity to model and contractual/licensing obligations. 
5. Adhere to accreditation standards (as developed), licensing standards, and other policies/regulations.
6. Takes the lead in training and orienting new staff, supporting learning how to work effectively with youth, behavior management, crisis de-escalation, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, operations, documentation, and managing numerous details in a dynamic environment.
7. Provides immediate crisis de-escalation, intervention, and mediation. Consistently offers calm, kind, and trauma-informed response to youth. Utilizes distraction and diversion techniques to de-escalate issues.
8. Screen arrivals/referrals for placement, following guidelines, exercising good judgment, and making placement decisions. 
9. Actively works with entire team to support progress on the service plan for each youth. This may include designating specific coaching/life skills tasks to members of the team such as helping youth build a resume, helping with homework, etc
10. Maintains a high level of personal accountability, seeks opportunities to learn, welcomes opportunities to improve/correct performance/behavior, and makes suggestions to improve operations.
11. Carries out and meticulously documents (on paper and in mandatory databases) activities in the shelter and the provision of direct client services, including those required by CPS, funders, the agency, and/or licensing standards:

• Immediate crisis intervention counseling, de-escalation, diversion.
• Intake, assessment, and initial service plan development; service plan reviews/updates; discharge planning.
• Scheduling medical screenings, meetings with CPS, parents, and other professionals (including with other programs on campus that can provide services).
• Individual, group, and family support sessions utilizing evidence-based modalities.
•  Plans on- and off-site activities for youth, such as: 
• activities to support life skills development including psycho-educational workshops for youth/families (provided by staff or guests)
• recreational activities, introduction to careers and job preparation, introduction to using public transportation, college visits coordinating guest speakers on health, life, adult preparation, careers, etc

12. Participates in outreach to Safe Place and other partners and to the public to raise awareness, engage support for needs of program, and secure referrals.
13. As needed, participates in routine daily shelter operations, transporting youth, youth supervision, and outings.
14. Manage, with the support of the Shelter Supervisor and Program Director, planned and unplanned site visits from licensing and contract monitors.
15. Be expert in relationship development while being comfortable assertively coaching, correcting, supporting, motivating, and encouraging staff for compliance and excellent quality.
16.Performs other duties/assignments as determined by the Program Director.
17. Participates in continuing education programs as required in the Center.

Skills

• Knowledge of licensing and contract standards of the General Residential Operation.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well to diverse individuals at all organizational levels.
• A strong results orientation, openness to new ideas, and a proven ability to deliver a consistently high quality of service to both external and internal work partners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem solving skills are essential for developing creative solutions to program/personnel challenges as they arise.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes in staffing, program scope, assigned tasks, and modalities utilized, setting the example for team members as changes are made.

Minimum qualifications for this position include:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field from an accredited college or university. Masters degree is preferred. 
• Two years of previous professional experience in an organization serving youth and families. 
• Two years is case management experience. 
• Experience working at a General Residential Operation or Child Placing Agency is a must.
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish and English is preferred.
• Exceptional computer skills, including proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite of business applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with individuals from all walks of life. 
• Must have driver’s license, vehicle in safe operating condition, and maintain proof of current insurance at Texas minimum standards. Flexibility in transportation when schedule shifts are required/requested and/or when transportation needs for youth in residence exceed capacity of leased vehicle. Mileage is reimbursed for work-related travel.
• Must be able and willing to travel for trainings/meetings/conferences.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand, and lift and carry at least 25 pounds.

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