Bilingual (Spanish/English) Case Manager

Description

MIRIAM’S KITCHEN MISSION

Miriam’s Kitchen works to end chronic homelessness in Washington, DC. We advocate for permanent supportive housing as a long-term solution, while meeting short-term needs by providing healthy meals and high-quality social services to individuals who are chronically homeless.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Social Services Program works to help guests connect to needed services and care, with a priority on securing housing and maintaining housing with support from Miriam’s Kitchen and community providers. The program seeks to help guests be as healthy as possible and be able to successfully pursue their goals. 

Miriam’s Kitchen case managers invite guests to receive a wide range of social services either at Miriam’s Kitchen or through community services, including mental health, medical, and substance abuse services; assistance finding adequate shelter and permanent housing; connection to employment; and help meeting other immediate needs such as clothing, toiletries, transportation, and assistance obtaining vital documents (ID, birth certificate, SS card). By creating an atmosphere of hospitality where guests can choose how they receive support, Miriam’s Kitchen is able to build relationships with many vulnerable individuals who have difficulty connecting with services due to complex barriers such as mental illness or problems with substance abuse. 

The Bilingual Case Manager (40 hours per week) will provide a variety of direct services to homeless individuals during our program hours, with the opportunity to complete a variety of projects to ensure smooth and efficient functioning as well as improvement of programs. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Critical functions that the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. 

• Develop trusting relationships with Miriam’s Kitchen guests. Engage guests in housing, mental health, substance abuse, health, education, employment, and other needed services. Facilitate referrals to services to ensure a smooth and established connection. 
• Actively look for ways for Miriam’s Kitchen to expand or change programs to fill unmet needs. 
• Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports, and complete other program documentation (e.g., case notes, incident reports, etc.). Maintain appropriate confidentiality of guests’ information and records. 
• Support and encourage activities of Miriam’s Kitchen volunteers. 
• Help to promote organizational culture of treating our guests with dignity and respect and creating a community where guests feel welcomed and safe. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Functions that do not fundamentally alter the position. 

• Opportunities are available for involvement in broader program evaluation efforts, development and communications projects, and advocacy activities. 

Requirements

COMPETENCIES: The knowledge, skills, and behavioral attributes necessary for satisfactory job performance.  

• Fluency in Spanish is preferred; Proficiency in Spanish is required. 
• Knowledge, experience, and ability to connect with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and/or substance abuse. 
• Ability to work as a member of a culturally diverse team. 
• Flexibility, openness, and comfort working in a fast-paced program services environment with a diverse population of guests with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. 
• Strong communication skills 
• Strong Cultural competence, including excellent interactions and communication ability with a diverse population. 
• Strong sense of boundaries 
• Strong interest in and commitment to ending chronic homelessness in DC. An understanding of the structural and systemic causes of homelessness 

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience, education, certifications, skills, etc. the individual who holds or desires the position must have to perform the essential functions of the position. 

• Previous work experience with persons experiencing homelessness and/or lived experience of homelessness  
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred; Proficiency in Spanish is required. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Physical and mental capabilities required to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Physical Demands: Regularly required to sit; Regularly required to stand and walk in program areas during program service times to engage guests; frequently required to talk or hear; occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch; must be able to lift objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds. 

Mental Demands: The ability to communicate (written and spoken) effectively in English is required. 

TRAVEL DEMANDS: This position occasionally requires local travel between Miriam's Kitchen and partner sites. Where the need arises for business travel, appropriate compensation 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Hybrid work schedule (in-person work schedule for program work, in-person team meetings, and other in-person times designated by MK; option for remote work during other times). After-hours project work and representing Miriam’s Kitchen at community events are sometimes required. This position occasionally requires local travel between Miriam's Kitchen and partner sites. 

Miriam’s Kitchen guests come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. We are committed to hiring employees who bring a diversity of lived experience, education, thought, and engagement to help achieve our mission of ending chronic and veteran homelessness in Washington, DC. We encourage candidates to apply with the confidence that at Miriam’s Kitchen, we believe in our commitment to diversity and leading with our core values to build a strong, equitable, and inclusive workforce.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Salary : $56,000 - $60,000