Case Manager II

Hours Per Week: 40

Job Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Summary/Objectives of Position

The Case Manager II is part of the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project’s (BAIHP) integrated health and social services program specific to clients and patients who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency of Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. The role of the Case Manager II provides case management services for families, including assistance with obtaining housing, developing life skills/income, and achieving greater self-determination.

Essential Duties, Functions & Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify participants’ strengths, resources, and obstacles towards securing permanent, sustainable housing in the Kern County area.
• Assist clients in completing housing applications, including obtaining all documents necessary for a successful application.
• Support moving to a new unit, inspections, and developing plans for rent payment crisis and daily living.
• Provide case management to participants after housing placement, supporting them in adjusting to housing and building long-term connections to community services.
• Coordinate field trips to housing fairs, housing appointments, and other related trips.
• Provide coaching, case management and other support to make progress on their goal-based action plans, including working with partners and children. Maintain regular contact, including visits to participants’ apartments.
• Identify strategies to address any short-term or chronic issues, such as substance use or mental illness, which might compromise achievement of goals and trigger relapse into homelessness.
• Ensure that all established program goals are met or exceeded. This includes maintaining regular monthly contact with all assigned participants and their landlords, supporting program participants as needed to ensure they do not return to homelessness, and meeting and/or exceeding programmatic goals as defined internally and by funders.
• Maintain appropriate data collection and reporting as required for internal management reports, external funding sources, and regulatory agencies.
• Recruit landlords to accept subsidized housing clients, work closely with the housing authority to secure leases, and maintain ongoing relationships with landlords to support client housing stability.
• Link participants with services for mental/physical health, housing, substance recovery, and other services based on initial intakes and assessments.
• Help identify potential housing opportunities, complete paperwork, and prepare for transitional housing.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques. Explore participants’ substance abuse using the Harm Reduction Model.
• Compile data, prepare reports, and maintain thorough and concise case notes.
• Participate in weekly case management and other program meetings.
• Prepare monthly requests for payment of rent and utility bills, and track collection of tenant rent, working with the Finance Department. Follow up on rent arrears and ensure participants are abiding by the terms of the payment plan.

Minimum Mandatory Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, preferred graduate-level studies.

Experience:

• 2 years work experience in case management in a non-profit setting required.
• 2 years prior work experience with homeless or impoverished populations preferred, or significant life experience preferred.

License/Certification:

• Valid CA driver's license.

Skills:

• Experience with and understanding of crisis intervention and differing types of trauma.
• Maintain a high level of consciousness and sensitivity to homeless individuals, families, and issues (e.g., substance abuse, domestic violence, etc.).
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and direct the work of others.
• Can easily establish and maintain effective working relationships among staff.

Communication Skills:

• Demonstrates proficiency in communication and writing skills.
• Language skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general and professional documents.
• Ability to write routine and correspondence.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to foster teamwork; train and direct the work of team members and colleagues
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work productively and make independent decisions.

Technology:

• Familiar with electronic healthcare records systems.
• Proficiency with using computer-based applications (e.g. Microsoft Office) and clinical information management systems.

Benefits Offered at BAIHP:

At BAIHP, we value our employees and strive to provide comprehensive benefits to support their well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Here's what we offer:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental, Health, & Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Vacation Reward)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Indian Preference

Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) complies with the Indian Preference Act. Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans under the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). Subject to, but not in derivation of the Act, we are an equal opportunity employer.