Care Coordinator (RPHP)

Union Station Homeless Services•Irwindale, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Care Coordinator provides case management services through the Renter Protection Homelessness Prevention (RPHP) program for assigned program participants. The Care Coordinator provides supportive services and resource linkage to promote housing retention and wellness.

Requirements

Knowledge of crisis and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.
Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows, Office software programs, and Google Apps. (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, G-mail, Docs).
Ability to accurately enter client data and progress notes in the Homeless Management Information System, and run program management reports.
Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, printer and scanner).
Understanding of case management practices and ability to accurately and clearly document case notes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Possess valid California driver's license and have access to properly registered vehicle.
Option I: A Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field.
Option II: Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a related human services field.
Option III: Successful demonstration of required skills through current or past USHS direct employment or temporary assignment may be considered in lieu of the standard required years of experience.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley preferred.
Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs.
Current knowledge of best practice models, including: Housing First, Trauma Informed Care, Mental Health Recovery, Harm Reduction, and Critical Time Intervention.
Experience working with participants with complex medical, mental health, and/or substance use conditions strongly preferred.
Experience in the following areas strongly preferred: chronic homelessness, outreach and engagement strategies, intensive case management services, best practice models, medical, mental health, or substance use services, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, affordable housing and public benefits applications, housing and landlord/tenant rights, eviction prevention, etc.
Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages a caseload of 20-25 households that have been referred to and enrolled into RPHP program.
Rapidly enrolls referrals received from offices of elected officials, community organizations, and self-referrals, including gathering documentation needed for enrollment and creating Housing and Services Plans (HSP) in collaboration with participants.
Conducts housing location to locate units, verify property ownership, inspects units and submits rental packets.
Connects participants to resources that support housing stabilization and promote wellness, including medical, mental health and/or substance use services, employment, child care, etc.
Engages households on a consistent basis to provide support related to HSP goals, and to discuss budgets and progressive financial assistance. Frequency of services will be based on the needs of the family or individual, but home visits must occur once a month at minimum.
Provides trauma informed services that align with Housing First and Harm Reduction philosophies, are in accordance with agency and funder expectations, and abide by legal and ethical standards.
Strives to recognize the best in each participant and supports the meaningful change they seek through building relationships and utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and strength based case management techniques.
Acts as an advocate for participants who are experiencing housing barriers (e.g. poor credit, evictions, etc.), while establishing and maintaining a professional relationship with landlords and property owners.
Ensures that landlords are respecting tenant rights and that participants are aware of the expectations and obligations outlined in their lease agreements.
Connects participants to legal services when necessary to mitigate evictions or other tenant rights issues.
Completes and submits monthly rental packets that accurately reflect the household’s needs as well as their progression toward financial independence, while taking into account program timelines.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation in HMIS/other electronic record keeping systems and charts in accordance with agency policies and expectations.
Completes annual recertifications, including assessing for ongoing eligibility and unit inspections if applicable.
Assesses participant’s need for a transition to a more supportive housing resource and assists participants in accessing shallow subsidy, housing vouchers or permanent supportive housing resources when needed. This also includes relocation when necessary.
Regularly explores opportunities for community integration to support housing retention in preparation for a successful termination of services when appropriate.
Transports participants as needed to essential appointments and conducts visits within the community in SPA 3 and Los Angeles County.
Participates in weekly supervision and staff meetings, as well as Programs Department and agency-wide meetings and trainings.
Other duties as assigned.