Case Manager / Housing Stabilization Specialist II - BHBH

Housing Matters • Santa Cruz, CA

just now • $28 - $32

About The Position

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. The Behavioral Health Bridge Housing is an interim housing site with 30 non-congregate units where individuals can stay temporarily and receive behavioral health and housing services. Case Manager / Housing Stabilization Specialist II is the journey-level class and is expected to work with a minimum amount of supervision. Incumbents are required to use assessment, interviewing, and counseling skills to perform moderate to complex casework services.

Requirements

• Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain this knowledge would be:
• A minimum of one year of experience performing social service casework services comparable to a Case Manager I or Outreach Specialist I at Housing Matters in an exceptional manner exceeding all standards and abilities
• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in social work, social welfare, human services, or one of the social or behavioral sciences.
• Social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.
• Social and economic factors which influence individuals and/or households experiencing homelessness.
• Principles of human behavior and development, psychological defense mechanisms and reactions to stress.
• Community health, welfare, social, and legal support systems, and other resources available to clients.
• Interviewing and record keeping techniques, including the documentation of all actions and contacts in case files.
• Basic principles and trends of affordable housing.
• Federal and State housing regulations, programs, and procedures.
• County and state affordable housing policies, procedures, and programs.
• Housing inspections.
• Grant compliance reporting.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the organization is required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous outreach experience with underserved populations preferred
• De-escalation and MI skills preferred
• Direct experience with mental health, and behavioral health clients recommended
• Spanish speaking a plus

Responsibilities

• Provide the first point of contact and engagement for individuals/ families experiencing homelessness.
• Effectively engaging potential clients out in the community, e.g. approaching individuals who may be experiencing homelessness off-site and engaging them in a conversation about resources and options for housing.
• Build supportive rapport through recurring contacts with households experiencing homelessness before they enter housing programs.
• Assess new participants through the HNS (Housing Needs Assessment) and HMIS Standardized Intake
• Work and efficiently communicate with partner organizations to stay up-to-date on community resources; coordinate with other outreach programs for group outreach and events.
• Accept each individual for who they are and where they are; provide options, information, and choices that allow for stimulating change.
• Work with households as they begin to think about housing options; engage in problem-solving to access immediate housing, services, and shelter options.
• Facilitate client assistance funding to move eligible households into permanent housing in Santa Cruz County as well as other locations.
• Coordinate with staff to support entry into programs or shelters when immediate housing is not available.
• Perform intake interviews, and assessments, and assist participants in developing individual case plans.
• Facilitate participants’ pathway to permanent housing in coordination with Housing Matters team and other programs, agencies, and organizations.
• Provide ongoing case management including assessment, referrals, budget assistance, housing navigation, housing placement, and promoting housing stability with individuals as assigned.
• Develop and maintain accurate written case records including intake, assessment, ongoing case plan, and progress notes.
• Conduct or assist with Housing Stabilization depending on program needs.
• Meet all administrative requirements including recordkeeping, HMIS etc.
• Maintain confidentiality and treat participants with dignity and respect at all times.
• Assist in the overall administration of the program.
• Transport program participants in Housing Matters vehicles to meetings and appointments in accordance with program requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Orient new shelter guests into the program, including outlining shelter policy and expectations, touring the shelter facility and dining hall, etc.
• Facilitate storage of personal items.
• Respond appropriately to potential crises that may arise.
• Report any hazards to the Program Manager for immediate attention.
• Support the Program Manager in enforcing and maintaining campus and shelter policy.
• Assist with room/pallet shelter checks.
• Support the Direct Services Team in facilitating day, and additional services.

Benefits

• 6 Medical plans - 100% employee coverage
• Dental - 100% employee coverage
• Vision - 100% employee coverage
• Life insurance (UNUM) - 100% employee coverage
• Chiropractic and Acupuncture (for those who elect medical insurance) - 100% employee coverage
• 403b Retirement Savings matched up to 3% dollar-for-dollar with no vesting period
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Travel Assistance
• PTO: 20 days annually, 1 paid floating holiday, 9 paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level