Problem Solving Specialist - DPSS Co-Located

FLSA: Non-exempt                                                                             

DEPARTMENT:  Housing Services

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:  

Problem-Solving is a humanistic approach that works to reduce system in-flow by creatively assisting households and individuals in maintaining their current housing or identifying an immediate and safe housing alternative. Under the leadership of the Problem Solving Coordinator, The Problem-Solving Specialist engages with clients receiving DPSS emergency housing assistance, regardless of perceived needs or barriers. 

The Problem Solving Specialist will be co-located/assigned to a DPSS LA County District office and will be expected to work on the field a substantial amount of time.

BENEFITS:

• Monday-Friday Day Schedule.
• Full benefits package to all positions after 30 days of employment.
• Free standard HMO Health, Dental, and Vision plans offered to employees.
• 401k plan with 4% employer match.
• PTO that accrues to 15 days annually and increases with seniority.
• 14 Paid Holidays annually.
• Opportunity for growth.
• Bilingual Stipend if applicable.
• Technology Stipend if applicable.
• $23.00 an hour starting pay, dependent on experience and skillset

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:  

• Meets with participants to learn about family dynamics, and cultural factors that may assist in finding housing inside the participant’s network or family, as a last resort utilizing the resources of the Program to obtain housing, helps participants establish a plan to sustain housing permanently
• Provide field-based case management services including, but not limited to, housing stabilization, money management, community integration, employment linkage, benefits establishment and linkage to community providers for substance use, primary and mental health care
• Providing crisis intervention services focused on enhancing the clients’ ability to independently problem solve, utilize effective coping skills and manage and self-coordinate care
• Communicates with and visits, families, outside service providers and landlords to familiarize them with the program and the unique needs of participants. 
• Coordinate collection of documents required to receive financial assistance. 
• Use guidance provided by LAHSA to track conversations, outcomes, and services provided to ensure program goals are met. 
• Continuously works to identify and apply new, creative approaches and solutions for each participant/family
• Additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or other mental health related discipline.
• 2 years or relevant experience OR have equivalent relevant experience.
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training.
• Have reliable transportation an a valid driver’s license with auto Insurance.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employee may be asked to participate in cross-training programs or pursue additional education or training when it is determined to be in the best interest of the company by the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

This description is only intended to identify the duties, responsibilities, and requirements for the position.  It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted to describe each and every duty an employee assigned may be required to perform. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work is performed in a normal office setting. The noise level is moderate with occasional loud outbursts. Occasional need to work out in the field contacting clients in homes and schools. Frequently uses motor vehicle to effectively execute job duties.

REASONING ABILITY:  

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, (i.e., calculator, copy machine and computer printer).
• Constantly converses with staff and clients
• Frequently operates a motor vehicle to travel to school or home site
• Frequently needs to position self in order to effectively interact with children of lesser stature
• Occasionally needs to transport materials (food, clothing, books, etc.) weighing up to 50 pounds for therapeutic activities
• Frequently needs to use motor vehicle for business purposes.

The Whole Child is an equal employment opportunity employer and no candidate for employment will be rejected on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or sex.  Candidates with physical impairments will be considered so long as it can be reasonably demonstrated that the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed without hazard to the individual, fellow employees, or clientele.