Case Manager - Housing

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice and throughout Los Angeles County. The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through 20+ programs in four pillars of service: Outreach and Engagement, Housing Services, Mental Health, and Education and Vocational Training. St. Joseph Center serves more than 10,000 people each year.

Job Description

The Case Manager works as a team member with several social service professionals and paraprofessional staff ensuring the delivery of quality care in accordance with the rules and regulations established, as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high quality on-site case management services to residents living in Project Based housing. Serve as the central point of contact for clients as they navigate the transition from “person experiencing homelessness” to “tenant living within the community.”
• In conjunction with the housing program manager and other case management staff, evaluate individual/families for permanent housing.
• Assist individuals/families to establish eligibility for subsidized housing including the collection of all required documents and completion of all applications.
• Develop professional relationships with clients and maintain a caseload of project based participants, conducting regular face-to-face case management sessions.
• Assist with the preparation of forms and any other documentation required for initial housing voucher approval with the Housing Authority (HACLA, LACDA, Brilliant Corners), including annual recertification thereafter.
• Conduct regular on-site office hours at assigned property.
• Conduct initial home visits upon a new tenant lease-up and ongoing quarterly home visits, or more often as determined by need.
• Conduct ongoing monthly case management sessions to housed individuals/families to monitor clients’ progress and to provide appropriate community referrals. This includes referrals to any needed services including health, mental health, education, and vocational training, serving as an advocate or liaison to other organizations on behalf of the client when needed.
• Provide education on topics pertaining to successful housing retention, decrease social isolation, and prevent relapse risks.
• Support clients in the development of independent living skills including money management and budgeting, housekeeping, nutrition and food preparation, social/recreational activities, and job training/placement (when appropriate) that will help them maintain independent living.
• Develop and implement an individualized service plan, in collaboration with each participant emphasizing coordinated strategies for addressing short and long-term housing needs, financial stability, educational, mental health, substance abuse issues, relapse prevention, medication management, vocational training, immigration, legal issues, and any other risk factors that could impede permanent housing of self-sufficiency.
• Assist clients with maintaining medication and treatment regimens including accompanying/transporting clients to appointments in the community with health, mental health, and other care providers.
• Utilize a harm reduction, client focused and strengths-based model.
• Ensure case notes are entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) within 48 hours of completing a direct case management service with client, submit notes for review by program manager weekly.
• Manage client file organization, ensure appropriate forms are updated as required.
• Respond to urgent requests for assistance from clients or landlords.
• Provide new resident orientation as required.
• Develop close working relationships with all collaborating agencies, including property management and landlords.
• Participate in all meetings with collaborative agencies, and other community meetings as directed.

The position requires an ability to work flexible hours including some early morning and evenings.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Bilingual fluency in Spanish language preferred.
• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Must have the ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff.
• Must have excellent organizational skill and the capability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of housing market, housing programs and resources. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First.

Experience:

• One to two years of experience providing services to highly vulnerable populations.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, human services or a related field; a combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Direct Reports:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Valid automobile liability insurance.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, talk, hear, reach above and below shoulders; use hand and finger dexterity, keyboarding and making and receiving telephone calls. The employee may be required on occasion to lift and or carry up to 20 lbs.

Additional Information

Status: Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Employment with St. Joseph Center is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume.