Intensive Case Manager (Homeless Shelter Support)

Agency Summary

Friendship Shelter is a non-profit homeless services agency founded in 1988 and dedicated to ending homelessness in South Orange County, one person at a time. Friendship Shelter operates a full spectrum of services to end homelessness, including street outreach, emergency shelter, housing navigation, financial assistance, and permanent housing with supportive services. We believe in a housing-first and harm-reduction approach and value the unique experience of each client we serve. All of our programs employ trauma-informed principles and are housing-focused, low-barrier, and client-centered. We are committed to diversity in our workforce and endeavor to create a work experience that is inclusive, meaningful, and effective at ending homelessness.

Position Overview:

The Intensive Case Manager (ICM) will deliver community support services through the CalAIM initiative, including Housing Navigation, Housing Stabilization, Day Habilitation, and Enhanced Care Management. The ICM will manage a diverse caseload of clients, including individuals experiencing homelessness and housed clients, providing comprehensive case management.

Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive needs assessments and developing care plans that address physical health, mental health, substance use disorders, oral health, palliative care, long-term care, and social support. The ICM will coordinate services to address social determinants of health and assist in resolving homelessness. Core duties involve outreach, goal setting, care coordination, health promotion, housing navigation, transitional care, transportation (as applicable), independent living skills development, and facilitating referrals to community and social services. This is a shelter site-based position.

Essential Job Duties

• Engage with homeless individuals to determine eligibility and facilitate program enrollment through in-person meetings, mail, email, text, and phone communication.
• Provide ongoing services through regular in-person appointments, including assessments, care plan development, service coordination, coaching, education, and referrals to community resources.
• Support client engagement by scheduling appointments, providing reminders, coordinating transportation, including driving clients to appointments, and addressing barriers to service engagement.
• Collaborate with the client's care team, including internal and external partners, to coordinate care, facilitate case conferencing, and make referrals.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including case notes and client data, to ensure compliance with funding regulations and support Medi-Cal billing and project tracking.
• Foster positive relationships with staff, partner agencies, and community volunteers to enhance service delivery.
• Assist clients in securing and maintaining housing, providing advocacy and support for housing-related tasks.
• Enter data into HMIS, CalOptima Connect and other required databases, ensuring all records are accurate and up to date.
• Use a team approach to resolve housing barriers and respond to client crises as needed.
• Represent the organization in county-wide meetings and other forums as required.
• Provide instruction and assistance to improve clients' independent living skills, including budgeting, household care, and personal care.
• Connect clients to resources that enhance housing stability, such as employment, income benefits, medical care, mental health services, and legal aid.

Minimum Qualifications The following are the minimum job-related qualifications which an individual needs in order to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job.

• Case Management experience.
• Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorder, or other disabling conditions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle with valid registration and insurance.
• Desire to be a part of a team that is passionately committed to ending homelessness.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Comfortable working in a Housing First, Trauma Informed, and Harm Reduction setting.
• Ability to navigate the local Orange County social services arenas, such as Medi-Cal, CalOptima, food stamps/GR, ID services, social security and other social service or behavioral health providers.
• Well organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Conflict management skills.
• Decision-making skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written).
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Outlook, and web browsers.

Environmental & Physical Requirements

Shelter / Field Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Work will be performed in shared spaces within the shelter environment and will involve interaction with clients throughout the day. Typically requires the ability to spend 66% hours each workday doing the following activities: sit for extended periods of time, walk, bend, stoop, or climb. May require the ability to lift and/or push up to 25 pounds 33% of the time. Driving personal vehicle during work hours is required.

Additional Information Regarding Friendship Shelter Job Duties and Job Descriptions

Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one’s supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The Company reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.

Any estimate, schedule, or guideline provided to associates in this job description or elsewhere in connection with their jobs is only intended to help describe job duties and for planning purposes. Regardless of any such estimate, schedule, or guideline, employees must always record all time worked for our company (which includes but is not limited to on-site work time at a shelter, office, or other work location; required waiting time; administrative time; and work-related travel time).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Laguna Beach, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27