DCFS Probation Liaison

Job description

Problem Solving (also known as "Diversion" or "Rapid Resolution") is a crisis response philosophy and approach focused on supporting individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis to quickly identify and access alternative housing resources outside of the homeless crisis response system. By practicing active listening skills through creative conversations. Problem-Solving supports the individual or family in crisis to identify viable temporary or permanent housing resources within their own networks or resources, such as family or friends. In select cases and as a last resort, limited and one-time financial assistance can enhance an individual or family's success in rapidly connecting to alternative temporary or permanent housing.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working as a case manager with homeless population and possess knowledge of housing and other area resources.
• Must be proficient in record keeping including tracking, maintaining, and reporting statistics according to program guidelines and requirements
• Must have the ability to meet the physical requirements of this position
• Experienced and strong understanding of CES/LAHSA.
• Strong understanding of Los Angeles County foster care and juvenile justice systems, including foster care placement options, participant rights and eligibility, and discharge planning processes.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
• Database experience (HMIS) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with TAY and HUD programs.
• Valid California driver's license and insured automobile.
• Knowledge and experience with motivational interviewing, evidence-based practices, harm reduction, and trauma informed care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilize culturally-relevant active listening and motivational interviewing with participants to support them to access temporary or permanent housing outside of the Coordinated Entry System (CES).
• Liaise with DCFS, Probation in order to service youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness through a referral process.
• Liaise with, and provide technical assistance to, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regional office staff including children's social workers (CSW) for youth exiting or exited from DCFS.
• Liaise with, and provide technical assistance to, Probation Camp staff and field deputy probation officers for youth exiting or exited from DCFS.
• Participate in discharge planning meetings and related services for youth and young adults exiting foster care and/or Probation Camps.
• Provide services to youth/clients with accessing mainstream or CES resources to end their housing crisis.
• Identify safety or health issues that may need to be considered during identification of housing.
• Provide mediation between households and property owners/family/friends to assist in resolving housing crisis.
• Partner with legal service providers to resolve housing crises.
• Deliver both field- and place-based supportive services, as appropriate, to participants.
• Acquire resources and make successful referrals, including follow-up to ensure the participant successfully accesses and initially retains housing.
• Able to minimize barriers to accessing CES (e.g. transportation, documentation, etc.)
• Ensure services are documented (e.g. face to face, phone and collateral contacts) in the LA CoC homeless management information system (HMIS) in a timely and thorough manner.
• Assist in budgeting with participants, and determine what level of minimal assistance is necessary to be successfully housed or have housing crisis resolved Facilitate access to CES for participants, as appropriate, including the completion of the Initial Triage and Initial Assessment phases of system access, assessment and housing location
• For participants gaining entry into CES, provide a warm handoff to sustained case management services where possible, or provide initial case management for up to 60 days upon the participant gaining CES access.
• Increase linkages between post-secondary education systems ad homeless services.
• Coordinate with other relevant community providers and entities to ensure effective communication, service, case conferencing and placement.
• Participate in agency, funder and contract required trainings and meetings.
• Continuously try new approaches and explore new solutions.
• Deliver services based on participant strengths.
• Attend trainings and participate in regular technical assistance such as learning collaborative.
• Comply with contract SRS and agency KPI's.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Are you familiar with TAY and HUD programs?

Experience: Case management: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person