PDX Care Coordination Practitioner

URBAN ALCHEMY•Portland, OR

8d•$26•Onsite

About The Position

The Care Coordination Practitioner uses the housing first model and trauma-informed care approach to help adults experiencing homelessness. They conduct assessments and help guests establish and achieve their short and long-term goals. The Practitioner works with guests to address immediate needs such as shelter, healthcare, education, employment, benefits, and counseling. They also help guests find long-term housing and connect them to resources to help maintain their housing and achieve self-sufficiency. The Practitioner makes referrals to services, advocates for guests, coordinates assistance, and occasionally accompanies guests to appointments.

Requirements

Sensitivity to individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues such as PTSD, psychosis, borderline behaviors, bi-polar, etc.
Working knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and be able to implement them
Working knowledge and experience of housing-related services
Strong knowledge of social services, benefits, and entitlements
Understanding of housing first, trauma informed care, and harm reduction
Demonstrated ability to collaborate and coordinate with other agencies
Possess ethical and professional standards and boundaries
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Work well in a team environment with diverse populations while providing excellent customer service
Ability to work in a high-stress, dynamic environment while maintaining a calm demeanor
Ability to listen actively and communicate information and resources based on the guests’ needs
Understand barriers that guests might be facing to advocate for them as needed
Ability to read, understand, and follow instructions, procedures, safety procedures
Willing to execute tasks in a timely fashion
Communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to comfortably interact with guests and staff
Time management skills to coordinate complex tasks in the most efficient manner
1+ year of professional experience providing case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness or closely related special needs population, and knowledge of community resources
High school diploma, GED, or professional training is required, college preferred
Strong computer skills and the ability to use HMIS and other record keeping software
Ability to successfully complete training in HMIS and SOAR
Must be prepared to deal with challenging circumstances related to serving people struggling with poverty, mental health, addiction, and/or homelessness
Must be able to obtain and maintain background clearance based on Urban Alchemy’s policies
Requires the ability to use a smart phone or tablet to enter data
Excellent at being reliable, punctual, and dependable
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs
Standing: 3+ hours per day
Walking: 3+ hours per day
Sitting: 3-5 hours per day
Bending at Waist: less than 2 hours per day

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
Lived experience with incarceration and/or homelessness strongly preferred
Driver’s license and a good driving record preferred

Responsibilities

Ensure that interactions with guests are people-centered, solution-focused, and strengths-based
Use the principles of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and housing first when working with guests
Practice self-awareness and cultural humility as member of diverse team; be conscientious and sensitive to power and other interpersonal dynamics with other team members
Build positive relationships and trust with housed and unhoused community members
Engage with individuals in distress, assess the cause, and use strategies to de-escalate the situation
Perform wellness checks for guests who requires close attention
Maintain a caseload of 15-30 guests based on current needs and resources
Work with guests to complete assessments, identify strengths and resources, and set goals
Coordinate and monitor referrals to benefits, entitlements, health care, immigration services, employment opportunities, and other community services
Manage contacts with outside agencies, acting as a guest liaison and support self-advocacy and access to needed/preferred resources
Coordinate with medical professionals and connect guests with crisis support services as needed
Enroll guests in benefits using SOAR
Engage with guest to build a housing service plan and help them set attainable goals
Assist guests with attaining correct documentation in preparation for permanent housing
Will help guests navigate the process of applying for and securing permanent housing
Set up individual files for new guest and ensure documents are secure and HIPPA guidelines followed
Effectively use systems and tools such as HMIS, to ensure compliance with data standards and record- keeping as required by Urban Alchemy policies, regulatory agencies, and grant requirements
Document all guest interactions, maintaining accurate notes and reports
Provide transportation for guests to get to appointments and make home-visits as needed
Plan and lead groups and activities for guests based on their needs and interests
Work flexible hours and/or shifts, weekends, and on-call shifts
Will support all staff with meeting the needs of guests
Will treat all Urban Alchemy guests, staff and stakeholders with compassion and respect
Use emotional intelligence to effectively engage and connect with others
Adhere to established procedures to provide a safe working environment including complying with OSHA, state, and local regulations as well as Urban Alchemy’s policies
Attend orientation and any additional training required by Urban Alchemy or our funders
Must wear an Urban Alchemy uniform and ID badge
Must carry all required safety and communications equipment
Follow all Urban Alchemy’s policies and procedures, including all safety guidelines
Will complete other duties as assigned in service to our guests and stakeholders