11-145 - Housing Stabilization Case Manager - OC Housing Stabilization Program

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Housing Stabilization Case Manager provides holistic, strength based, harm reduction case-management services specializing in housing to include, but not limited to: removing barriers in order to become housing ready, assisting residents with making appointments, coordination of gathering housing documents, developing a housing plan, creating a budget in order to save towards moving into sustainable housing, assistance with linking residents to resources, assistance with applying for and locating housing, housing advocacy, assists with coordinating resident moving out of shelter or streets into housing. The Case Manager searches for and visits various housing options and builds rapport with landlords and property managers to ensure individuals are linked to proper housing services. The Case Manager participates in weekly Coordinated Entry System (CES) housing match meetings to provide resident updates on individuals being discussed during meeting.

Specific Duties

Case Management:

• Ensure holistic, strength based, harm reduction case management is provided in a timely, efficient and effective manner.
• Maintain an active case load.
• Work with homeless and housed individuals and families to remove barriers that would impede them from focusing on obtaining and maintaining housing.
• Create a case plan with each resident and perform needs assessments to ensure proper services are offered.
• Meet with residents on case load as needed, at minimum monthly.
• Ensure resident case notes are entered weekly within internal and external databases.
• Assist residents with obtaining documents needed for housing.
• Utilize conflict management, de-escalation, and crisis intervention techniques in emergency situations.

Housing Navigation and Sustainability:

• Research and visit various housing options that cater to low-income single individuals/seniors and build rapport with landlords and property managers to ensure individuals are linked to proper housing services.
• Assists in locating and securing permanent housing through outreach to landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and other social service agencies.
• Facilitates the use of community resources to assist residents in integrating into the community. Identify, refer and link newly housed residents to appropriate resources.
• Provide in-home/in-community visits using a step-down approach (CTI) with each client.
• Teach basic life skills and educate newly housed clients about neighborhood amenities, services, and transportation.
• Apply knowledge and educate residents about tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Provide proactive follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress toward self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, and problem-solving.
• Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client-centered and holistic services to keep them in housing.
• Serve as Liaison between landlord and client (and clients/neighbors) for any housing-related issues.

Record Keeping:

• Maintain proper documentation including copies of housing documents, resident goals, monthly reporting, and resident electronic files.
• Enter resident case notes into internal and external database (HMIS, CES System, Wellsky, CalOptima) in a timely manner (as each database requires).

Core Competencies

Strategic Thinking - Develop strategies to achieve organizational goals; adapt strategy to address constant change and conditions.

Problem Solving - Identify & resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully and develop solutions.

Oral Communication - Speak professionally, clearly, and persuasively in a variety of potentially challenging situations; seek clarification and respond appropriately to questions.

Written Communication - Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; Present numerical data accurately; Read and interpret written information.

Teamwork - Balance team and individual responsibilities; Build a positive team spirit, morale, and group commitment to established goals, core values and objectives.

Active Listening - Ability to focus completely on what the client is saying and not saying, to understand the meaning of what is said in the context of the client's desires and support the client self-expression.

Adaptability and Flexibility - Ability to adapt successfully to changing situations and environments, able to keep calm and flexible during difficult and stressful situations.

Time Management - Ability to prioritize responsibilities effectively, create and plan assigned tasks for sufficient deadlines, the ability to create to-do and checklists, set clearly defined goals, and sets good balance between work and family life.

Cultural Competence - Ability to embrace and respect the diversity of each and every clients served.

PAY RATE: $26.00-$28.00/HR.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. Ability to drive and conduct in home visits with clients.

Minimum Qualifications

• By virtue of its direct contact with, and representation to people who engage in Salvation Army programs, people who demonstrate an understanding of The Salvation Army's Christian mission are required for this position.
• High School Diploma/GED required, a bachelor's in social work or equivalent degree (preferred).
• Minimum 1-year experience in case management working with people in recovery, mentally ill and homeless.
• 1-year experience with HMIS or Wellsky (preferred).
• Experience with tenant/landlord relationships preferred.
• Must be in good physical health and mental health, and capable of meeting the demand of the position.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test and clean MVR check. (driving required)
• Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish preferred.
• Detail-oriented to complete file requirements and ensure contract compliance.
• Knowledge or understanding of tenant's rights and responsibilities as well as "strengths-based" case management.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively and remain positively engaged with co-workers, community members, and residents.
• Must have flexible availability to handle crisis calls nights/weekends/holidays.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literate; effectively use a computerized database for resident file management, with basic skills in Microsoft Office: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook email.

High School or Equivalent (preferred)

Microsoft Office: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook email. (required)
Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish preferred. (preferred)
1-year experience with HMIS or Wellsky (preferred). (preferred)
Experience with tenant/landlord relationships preferred. (preferred)
Minimum 1-year experience in case management working with people in recovery, mentally ill and homeless. (required)