Disaster Case Manager - DR4781 TX

Job Description:  Disaster Case Manager

Reports to: Disaster Case Management Supervisor

Status: Full-time Exempt  Grant Funded

BACKGROUND

Disaster Case Management is a time-limited process by which a skilled associate (Disaster Case Manager) partners with a disaster affected individual or family (Survivor) in order to plan for and achieve realistic goals for recovery following a disaster. This comprehensive and holistic Disaster Case Management approach to recovery extends beyond providing relief, providing a service, or meeting urgent needs.  Texas Counties are: 

Bell, Cooke, Denton, Hockley, Kaufman, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Smith, Trinity, Walker, Waller.

ROLE OF THE CASE MANAGER:

The Disaster Case Manager serves as a primary point of contact, assisting the Survivor in coordinating necessary services and resources to address the Survivor’s complex disaster recovery needs in order to re-establish normalcy. The Disaster Case Manager relies on the Survivor to play an active or lead role in his or her own recovery. The Disaster Case Manager reports to a DCM Supervisor.   

Essential Job Requirements:

• completion of a disaster recovery case management specific curriculum;
• current background check and negative drug test, as required
• able to maintain ethical conduct in accordance with organizational policy;
• conduct business in a manner consistent with the mission, values and policies of the organization;
• able to maintain high standards for protecting client information, sharing confidential information, including financial information, only as agreed upon by the client and as evidenced by a signed release form;
• must be able to multi-task and effectively accept change in routine
• must be able to work in a potentially high stress environment and,
• able to work calmly and effectively to resolve conflicts in sensitive situations; able to work collaboratively with others;
• computer literate, able to utilize word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and demonstrate ability to learn new and/or customized software;
• possess excellent communication skills both written and verbal;
• have a valid driver’s license and a registered, insured and reliable vehicle to be able to drive long distances in all areas within the service area;
• be organized and prepared for meetings, briefings, and conversations with clients, staff and external partners;
• able to work without close supervision on assigned duties, and be willing to seek and accept supervision as needed;
• possess no outside business interest that may conflict with the organization’s goals and objectives;
• not be employed by another agency conducting DCM activities under this FEMA program;
• demonstrate helpful inter-personal skills, such as:
• genuine care and respect for individuals, families, and communities served;
• effective listening and interviewing skills; 

• cultural and linguistic competence relative to the population served;
• ability to recognize and draw upon Survivor strengths;
• sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families in crisis;
• awareness of the impact of the disaster on the community, the family and the individual;
• interest in exploring options with clients, with respect for their autonomy;
• ability to maintain appropriate service boundaries; and
• self-awareness;
• other duties as may be assigned that are outside the scope of this job description.

Essential Functions:

• Perform outreach to identify vulnerable persons in need of services and referrals.
• Must meet survivors face-to-face a minimum of twice during the case management process.
• Must attend outreach events during the case management program. This may involve some evening or weekend work. Hours during the week will be adjusted to accommodate these events or work outside of normal 9-5 Mon-Fri schedule, and not to exceed 40 hours/week (Sun-Sat)
• Screen applicants promptly and responsively to identify urgency of need and direct individuals to appropriate services, providing accurate and timely information and referral.
• Perform intake interviews via phone and/or in person, linking survivors to resources for urgent needs.
• Conduct comprehensive, individualized, strengths-based, and culturally-responsive assessments of each Survivor's disaster recovery needs and available resources.
• Engage each Survivor to cooperatively participate in the development, implementation, and ongoing review of an individualized disaster recovery plan
• Empower the disaster survivor to effectively access the resources available in accordance with the sequence of assistance for disaster recovery
• Provide, refer, or otherwise arrange for individuals and families to receive needed services and resources identified in the recovery plan through the following actions:
  • assist in the restoration of pre-disaster social service benefits for qualified individuals;
• verify unmet needs by obtaining records and/or contacting vendors;
• network with other organizations to guide client through sequence of delivery without duplication of benefits or services;
• advocate with and for Survivor’s by activities including but not limited to:
  • preparing for and making case presentations on behalf of Survivor to Long Term Recovery Groups;
  • actively participating in long term recovery groups where such exists; and
  • providing support and advocacy with governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations when necessary
• Monitor Survivor progress toward recovery goals,
• Must maintain 35 cases by 90 days after hire date,
• Document using standardized forms and enter relevant information into the Survivor registry (database) in a timely manner.
• Case notes must be entered within 24 hours of any client contact or attempted contact.
• Provide continuity of client services through case transfer or case closure.
• Must provide regular mileage reimbursement reports, usually monthly. Mileage is reimbursed in this program. Mileage reports are mandatory.

Working Conditions:

The position is hybrid, in-person and remote work. The expectation is that most work will be conducted in-person and requires visits with Survivors or in-office work. Other hours (up to 40 hours) can be worked remotely. The schedule will be set by the Case Manager Supervisor. There is no overtime permitted in this program.

To comply with regulations by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the principal duties in job descriptions must be essential to the job. To identify essential functions, focus on the purpose and the result of the duties rather than the manner in which they are performed. The following definition applies: a job function is essential if removal of that function would fundamentally change the job

Disaster Services Corp SVDP USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We don’t discriminate. Ever. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by the federal, state, or local laws. If you are smart and good at what you do, come as you are.  The rest doesn’t matter.

Salary : $55,000 - $58,500