POSITION OVERVIEW
The Case Manager is responsible for direct service provision to residents. Direct services include individual counseling, group counseling, advocacy services, referrals and follow-up, home management and financial counseling. Individual must demonstrate sensitivity to issues related homelessness. In addition, the Case Manager will make all necessary linkages to community agencies to provide proper placement of residents in areas of permanent housing, referral to engage in after care services prior to leaving the agency, vocational and educational services, and to assist families in securing public assistance, Medicaid or other benefits.
Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
This position is open in the following boroughs: Manhattan (Harlem), Bronx, Queens
Salary: $42,000 - $47,000
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain caseload of 25-30 families.
• Conduct intake interviews, as assigned, to assess and evaluate residents for admission using DHS CARES system and as outlined by URI
• Engage residents in initial and ongoing treatment processes, through individual and group counseling, under clinical supervision of the Social Work Supervisor.
• Conduct independent living plans on at least a biweekly basis in DHS CARES system
• Monitor case plans for effectiveness and individual client needs, functional capabilities and assistance needed to increase independent functioning
• Develop and maintain housing referral resources, assist residents in the process of locating and securing permanent housing, in conjunction with Housing Specialist.
• Assists all residents in the process of referral and placement in community based resources including after care services
• Assess residents' vocational and educational needs, aptitudes and interests through interviews and testing. Develop and maintain placement and follow-up as appropriate after assessment and counseling.
• Develop and maintain liaison activities with DHS, HRA. Public Assistance and Medicaid Administrators and Workers, to assist eligible residents in securing Public Assistance and Medicaid by acting as a personal advocate through telephone or personal visit/contact
• Assist in the development of savings plans with clients as applicable
• Assist in the performance of weekly unit inspections of all units, including child welfare-involved families with children from birth to six(6) months of age and all other units on a biweekly basis
• Explore where possible, family reunification as an option for transitioning out of shelter
• Regularly assess the safety and well-being of clients
• Make appointments for residents' physical exams.
• Develop with the resident, a contract of mutually agreed goals and objectives to be accomplished within an agreed upon timetable.
• Facilitate psycho educational groups in conjunction with direct service staff.
• Assist in the coordination of on-site and off-site services
• Participate in training seminars conducted to enhance and develop clinical skills with the client population.
• Attend weekly individual case supervision, group supervision, monthly case conferences, and staff meetings.
• Function independently in time of facility coverage, including, responsibility for appropriate action in crisis situations per agency procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Social Work Supervisor.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• Bachelors Degree in Human Services.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Two (2) years of counseling experience, preferred, in a residential shelter.
• Three (3) years of crisis counseling experience preferred in a residential shelter for homeless individuals and/or families.
• In addition, must have training and experience in assessing the vocational and educational needs and aptitudes of clients, thorough familiarity and success with engaging clients experience assisting eligible clients through the process of obtaining Public Assistance, Medicaid and other benefits.
• Experience with supportive group facilitation.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of homelessness within disenfranchised communities including individuals whom identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
• Familiarity with DHS regulations and DHS Cares Reporting.
• Must possess a demonstrated ability in delivering client services including: communication and listening skills, understanding of human interaction and personality development, the ability to write and record case documentation, and demonstrated skills in group counseling.
• Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications.
• Must have ability to be flexible of schedule as needed.