About Us

People First of Santa Cruz County is a homeless services provider dedicated to ensuring housing for all by uniting the community, forming partnerships, inspiring advocacy and providing services. We regularly update and distribute lists of free services and resources through the County in the form of 4 different Free Guides (Santa Cruz, Watsonville, San Lorenzo Valley, and Veterans). We are entering our third year of operating an RV Safe Parking Program that includes a stable place for individuals and families to park their RVs 24/7, case management, and housing navigation.

ABOUT THE OUTREACH-BASED CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

People First is currently hiring for our Outreach-Based Case Management Program which allows our team to literally and metaphorically meet people where they are at to cultivate trust and connect them to resources and services and partner with them to end their homelessness. We are seeking a team member who grounds their work in compassion and integrity, and who creates environments and relationships in which people feel safe, valued, and supported.

OUTREACH-BASED CASE MANAGER

Performs Outreach Case Management, participates in street outreach to the homeless clients in the Santa Cruz community. They work as part of an Outreach Team to identify unhoused individuals and families and work closely with the community to identify solutions.

Position Responsibilities:

Supportive Services

• Conduct daily street outreach to develop relationships / build rapport that will assist clients with addressing barriers to obtaining services / housing and appropriate health care needs.
• Conduct and complete all necessary paperwork to track client progress (daily logs, ISP, etc.).
• Meet with established clients on a weekly basis to review, evaluate, and support completion of their goals, connect them to the proper intervention and services. Enter results into HMIS in a timely manner.
• Provide street case management services by bringing services to clients in the community with the goal of linking / connecting them to long term supportive services, including assisting the client with benefits establishment (GA, SSI, TANF, Veterans pension, etc.), obtaining ID, birth certificate, social security cards, providing employment linkages and assistance, housing referrals and health related assistance.
• Build relationships and collaborate with community substance use and mental health providers to ensure seamless referral and services from street outreach to longer term mental health services.
• Participate in Case Management / Supportive Services staff meetings, case reviews and related functions.
• Maintain effective relationships with community partners and represent People First professionally in the community.
• Attend trainings, workshops and conferences related to position.
• Maintain confidential, professional boundaries with all program clients.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance at all times.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Documentation

• Maintain documentation standards as set forth by the program contract and CCAH policies.
• Complete paperwork on every face to face / telephone contact with client or collateral contact by the next business day at 5pm.
• Ensure all program data is accurate and entered into the required program documentation system as contractually required (i.e. HMIS, internal spreadsheet, etc.).
• Prepare case-related reports including but not limited to : demographics, outcomes, successes and challenges.
• Generate client data for reporting.
• Complete follow-up and retention services, as necessary, and provide back-up documentation in client file.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with Federal, State, County, People First, and CCAH guidelines.

We’re looking for candidates with:

• The ability to work independently and as part of the team and exercises mature and professional judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• High level of motivation and self-starting demeanor with the ability to coordinate multiple projects / tasks at once.
• Knowledge of maintaining and executing confidential information using HIPAA standards.
• Flexibility, adaptability and the capability to work in a fast paced, professional environment.
• The ability to demonstrate compassion and meet people where they’re at while also facilitating getting them to where they want to be.

Training and Experience

An excellent candidate for this role will have at least 1-2 years demonstrated knowledge and or experience with advanced and evidenced based interventions, including engagement and rapport building with hard to reach clients, Harm Reduction and Motivational Interviewing strategies, Housing First, non-violent crisis intervention techniques and case management interventions effective with a vulnerable population.

Special Requirements

Regardless of qualifications, candidates must…

• have employment eligibility verification,
• have or be able and willing to obtain CPR / First Aid training, and
• be able to work on site full time in Santa Cruz, California.

Driving

Driving is an essential function of this position. To meet the employment requirements for this role, all candidates must have…

• reliable transportation,
• a valid driver’s license,
• proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties, and
• the ability to qualify for People First’s auto insurance coverage.

Compensation

• This is a full time, hourly, benefited, non-exempt position.
• Benefits options include health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flex time off (vacation leave, sick leave, holidays, or any other type of time off). You do not need to accrue days to be able to use them, and you do not get paid out for any "unused" vacation days at the end of the year or when your employment ends.
• Hourly pay is $25-30 depending on experience.

Please email contact@peoplefirstscc.org with any questions. When you apply, please send us your entire work history, not an abridged resume. We look forward to hearing from you!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Santa Cruz, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person