Case Manager I

DESCRIPTION:

Under direction of the Program Manager and with independent professional responsibility, performs case management with individuals and families who are program participants in permanent housing; functions at a highly skilled level in such areas as professionalism, record-keeping, assessment, individual counseling, community resource referrals; mainstreaming participants to community services. The ideal candidate will have strong understanding of the “housing first” model and the ability to maintain a strength-based perspective, and to work with low-income adults from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds who have a history of homelessness.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ø Performs overall assessment of program participant’s needs and develops individualized service plans with short and long term goals.

Ø Reviews case plans weekly to adjust goals where needed or appropriate.

Ø Performs a wide variety of group counseling with program participants.

Ø Facilitates an array of educational workshops and support groups designed to meet participant needs.

Ø Educates program participants on issues surrounding living skills, parenting, financial capability, workforce development, health and hygiene, housing, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Ø Maintains comprehensive lists of community resources for use by program participants; refers program participants accordingly.

Ø Maintains and updates all client files to ensure compliance.

Ø Establishes individualized budgets with program participants and assists program participants in monitoring savings and expenditures.

Ø Documents all contact with program participants; prepares all screenings, assessments, service plans, evaluations, and reporting records.

Ø Transports program participants in company vehicle, as needed.

Ø Attends meetings and trainings as directed.

Ø Performs other related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Ø Social casework objectives, principles, and methods; public welfare laws and the functions of public welfare agencies; principles of community organization and problems which call for the use of both public and private community resources; individual and group behavior and effects of social and economic forces upon individuals and families; principles and techniques of interviewing and documentation in social work; group facilitation; basic computer skills/applications; and cultural diversity.

ABILITY TO:

Ø Demonstrate skill in the application of casework methods and practices; interpret to the applicant, program participant, or others the public welfare programs as set forth in the laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; follow established agency documentation guidelines; establish and maintain effective individual and group relationships with participants, the general public, and employees; serve as a role model to clients by emulating appropriate behavior regarding daily living skills, self-care, personal interaction, social relationships and constructive time management; use computer and peripheral equipment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Ø Bachelor’s Degree with one year pertinent experience in Social Services with an emphasis on casework and individual and/or group counseling; OR any combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the knowledge and ability to complete the duties outlined above. A strong understanding of the “housing first” model and the ability to maintain a strength-based perspective. The ability to work with low-income adults from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds who have a history of homelessness. Bi-Lingual/Bi-Cultural knowledge.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ø This position requires the ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written information, thinks critically; analyze information, makes reasonable decisions.

Ø This position requires a full range of physical mobility, such as bending, stooping, lifting, turning, carrying objects, and grasping, finger dexterity and the ability to see and hear.

Ø Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, Class C or higher, and proof of valid automobile insurance is required at the time of appointment. This position requires the ability to operate a motorized vehicle for the purposes of conducting agency business.

WORKING CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:

Ø Work is primarily performed in an office environment.

Ø High adaptability required.

Ø Work environment is usually hectic (fast-paced) with frequent short deadlines and regular instances of critical or unusual situations.