DSS Case Worker

PURPOSE
Provide direct and indirect services to individuals and families with the objective of achieving mutual client system and worker goals. Improve the quality of life, enhance social functioning, and empower program participants and their families. Aide in contributing to building long-term sustainability within the lives of our program participants. Connect program participants with the services and resources necessary to help achieve and maintain their goal of independent living.

REQUIREMENTS
· Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field.
· Prior case management experience preferred.
· Experience using data entry platform, HMIS, preferred.
· Experience, preferably in a residential program, serving the homeless or similar population.
· Experience working with Substance Abuse and Mental Illness preferred.
· Familiarity with overall philosophy, purpose, and mission of United Veterans Beacon House.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
· Completes an initial needs assessment screening and acts upon critical needs appropriately and immediately. 
· Observes the principle of confidentiality, agrees, and adheres to the company’s Code of Ethics and Confidentiality Agreement. Maintains strict confidentiality of all client and staff information.
· Orients clients to the shelter programs, requirements, and consequences. 
· Assures that basic nutrition and hygiene needs are being met.
· Develops an Independent Living Plan, tracks progress and evaluates outcome with goals for permanent housing identified.
· Monitors progress towards goals bi-weekly sessions.
· Refers clients to appropriate resources to assist with meeting goals.
· Maintains client case records to include ILP, DSS paperwork, and correspondence progress towards goals and documentation of any ILP violations.
· Maintain HMIS database with updated progress notes and running log of interactions.
· Report critical incidents immediately to the appropriate Beacon House and DSS staff.
· Collects data necessary to meet funding requirements and statistical.
· Conduct weekly walk-throughs of assigned UVBH residences.
· Conduct regular fire and other emergency drills with the house manager, support staff and clients of assigned UVBH residences.
· Provides periodic reports to supervisor on the progress of each case including noticeable changes in appearance and behavior.
· Follow-up with maintenance for all repairs and replacements.
· Assist residents who are inappropriately referred to relocate within forty-eight hours. Performs other record keeping functions required by the DSS Contract, Police Activity Report, Critical Incident Report, etc.
· Works with the DSS liaison to meet client goals.
· Responsible for all aspects of the shelter assigned; this includes the physical condition of the property, the clients and their cases, the staff working within the house, the technology used by the staff within the house. This includes all computers, phones both cellular and land, and laptops.
· Supervise the weekly scheduling of the shift work within the shelter.
· Attend weekly meetings with Program Manager/Program Director and fellow Case Managers.
· Work closely with the Housing Specialist to locate permanent housing for clientele.
· Conduct regular meetings with caseload.
· Assist clients with setting up laundry transportation. 
· Rotating on-call weekends with House Managers and other Case Workers.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Workers are representatives of United Veterans Beacon House and are, therefore, expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects accountability to the agency, the community, and the client system. 
• Does not abuse sick time or personal days. 
• Consistently reports to work on time and is ready to begin work at the start of the shift.
• Always provides proper notification when late or absent.
• Performs on-call duties as outlined in On-Call Policy.  
• Available to work overtime when necessary. 
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in the organization of workflow.  
• Able to perform duties independently, with minimal need of direct supervision.
• Maintains the confidentiality of clients, shelter/programs, agency and or United Veterans Beacon House.
• Reports to work well-groomed and in compliance with dress code.  
• Wears ID Badge while on duty. 
• Demonstrates the ability to interact in a positive and helpful manner with clients, visitors, contract staff, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Reflects commitment to building a supportive work environment and maintains a positive attitude at the workplace and towards job.
• Projects a good image in dealing with the public clients.  
• Is willing to make an extra effort to help build a quality and caring shelter/program.
• Employees may be required to carry out other duties as assigned.