Assistant Case Manager

Society St. Vincent De Paul Alameda•Oakland, CA

5d•$25 - $27

About The Position

The Assistant Case Manager supports the Case Manager in providing compassionate, person-centered services to individuals experiencing homelessness who reside in St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County’s emergency shelter. The role expands the department’s capacity through direct client support, resource coordination, housing-navigation assistance, documentation, and administrative follow-through. Working under the direction of the Case Manager, the Assistant Case Manager helps shelter guests identify and access community resources and services that support housing stability and overall well-being. Guests may face complex barriers, including mental health challenges, substance use disorders, domestic violence, unemployment, and a lack of identification or other documentation. The position requires a compassionate, dependable, organized, and resourceful person who can build appropriate professional relationships, maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively, and collaborate with shelter staff and community partners. The position is intended to increase the shelter’s capacity to provide timely, meaningful guest support and contribute to measurable outcomes related to service engagement, housing navigation, referrals, and housing stability. The job description is a general description of essential functions and does not constitute an employment contract or list every possible duty. Employees may be assigned other tasks by supervisory or management personnel.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Ability to establish trusting, professional relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work respectfully with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, domestic violence, disabilities, and other barriers to housing stability.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational, time-management, follow-up, and attention-to-detail skills.
Ability to maintain accurate documentation and handle confidential information.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel, email, and web browsers.
Ability to learn and effectively use HMIS and other organizational databases.
Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations and use appropriate de-escalation techniques.
Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and work in a fast-paced shelter environment.
Commitment to the mission and values of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to follow established procedures and seek direction from the Case Manager when situations exceed the position’s scope.
Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Ability to work effectively with people from diverse ethnic, cultural, economic, and social backgrounds, including people with disabilities, people experiencing substance use disorders, undocumented people, and individuals who have experienced trauma or homelessness.
Must be willing to become a Mandated Reporter; training is provided as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in social services, case management, housing services, shelter services, outreach, behavioral health, community services, or a related field.
Knowledge of local community resources and supportive services in Oakland and Alameda County.
Understanding of trauma-informed care, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, and/or OARS principles.
At least one year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, housing instability, domestic violence, behavioral health challenges, or other vulnerable circumstances.
Experience providing direct client or customer service in a social-service or community-based setting.
Experience with HMIS or a similar case management database.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Sociology, or a related field.
Equivalent relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Support the Case Manager in providing case management and client-centered services to shelter guests.
Help guests identify immediate needs, barriers, goals, and available resources; provide one-on-one support, coaching, advocacy, encouragement, and resource navigation under the Case Manager’s direction.
Assist guests in accessing food, transportation, identification documents, benefits, health care, behavioral health services, employment resources, and other supportive services.
Help guests prepare for appointments, complete applications, gather required documentation, follow up on referrals, and reconnect with existing case management or support providers when appropriate.
Assist with regular communication and follow-up with assigned guests and support challenging interactions and conflict resolution or de-escalation as directed by the Case Manager.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and provide compassionate, respectful services.
Assist with housing navigation, including identifying housing opportunities and resources, completing applications, gathering documents, contacting housing providers, and following up on applications and referrals.
Support guests in accessing Oakland Housing Resource Centers, Coordinated Entry resources, and other housing-related services.
Maintain current information about housing opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, and community resources.
Help coordinate housing appointments, interviews, viewings, and other housing-related activities.
Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources throughout Oakland and Alameda County; assist with referrals to medical, behavioral health, substance use treatment, domestic violence, employment, benefits, food assistance, transportation, and other services.
Maintain updated resource information, identify new resources, help guests navigate public and community-based service systems, and build working relationships with community organizations and service providers as appropriate.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation as directed by the Case Manager.
Enter and update client information in HMIS or other approved case management databases following appropriate training.
Track referrals, service linkages, appointments, housing applications, housing outcomes, and other program activities.
Help compile information for monthly reports, grant reporting, contract compliance, and program evaluation.
Follow organizational policies, confidentiality requirements, applicable HIPAA requirements, and HMIS standards; protect confidential information and exercise professional discretion.
Collaborate with the Case Manager, Shelter Manager, shelter staff, volunteers, and community partners to support positive guest outcomes.
Communicate relevant client needs, concerns, and service updates to the Case Manager in a timely manner.
Participate in staff meetings, case consultations, trainings, and professional development activities.
Help identify service gaps and opportunities to improve the guest experience and shelter services.
Support outreach, community events, resource fairs, and other activities that connect guests with services.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization’s mission.