Case Manager - The Way Out Center

The Salvation Army Southern California•Spokane, WA

About The Position

The Case Manager may provide front-line homeless outreach services to engage, enroll, navigate, and ultimately provide center/housing referrals to individuals experiencing homelessness from the streets into The Way Out Center or more appropriate temporary housing options. This positions responsibilities occur in multiple potential settings: front desk coverage at The Way Out Center, Community Partner Agencies (Emergency Center, Social Service Agencies, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Treatment Partner Agencies, Community Corrections/Jail/Prison, etc.), and any other place that individuals experiencing homelessness congregate. The Case Manager also provides support to individuals residing at The Way Out Center to help program participants regain control of their lives through recovery from addiction, mental health issues, and substance use challenges while seeking permanent housing. This involves working with individuals to identify goals and making progress toward those goals, helping them to get housing readiness trainings, permanent housing, and achieve housing stability. The Case Manager may have contact with the public or office environments that may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior, typical/extreme weather conditions, contagious parasites/diseases, or contact with domestic animals.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred
12 months direct work experience with individuals experiencing homelessness
Knowledge of social services, local resources and referrals as appropriate
Possess general computer and keyboarding skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), recordkeeping systems, or willing to learn
Effective communication, both verbally and in writing
Demonstrate effective personal and situational awareness
Flexible, relatable, and reliable
Self-motivated and work with minimum supervision
Be an active listener by asking questions and reflecting what is being said
Maintain healthy boundaries with participants and fellow staff members
Manage time effectively
Make decisions based on Established Policies and Procedures manual
Support Recovery and Resiliency in participants with mental health issues, substance use challenges
Model tools and techniques to assist participants with mental health issues, and/or substance use challenges obtain and maintain permanent housing
Successfully participate in TSA Spokane’s Employee Development training program
Skills Training interventions that support participants in achieving recovery goals
Impact of income on participants benefits (SSDI, SSI, Food Stamps, Housing Subsidies)
Provide social services, local resources, and referrals as appropriate
Over 21 years of age
Possess a Valid Driver’s License
Pass a Criminal and Driver Background Check
Have or complete De-escalation training
Current WA State Food Handler’s Card, Bloodborne Pathogen and CPR/First Aid Certification or obtain within 30 days of hire

Nice To Haves

Peer Support Certification preferred; required within 90 days of hire
Proficiency with CMIS/HMIS software preferred

Responsibilities

Represent The Salvation Army and respect and work within its Christian tenets
Provide outreach services outside The Way Out Center to recruit program applicants
Aid program applicants to gather or request photo ID, birth certificates, mental health and substance abuse evaluations, disability services and employment
Provide support, information and referral services as appropriate to program applicants
Establish/maintain professional, respectful and positive relationships with coworkers, applicants and community partners
Complete the pre-screen and application process alongside the applicant
Address applicants needs/concerns fairly and professionally; coordinate with supervision
Develop/maintain strong ties to the community, law enforcement, and other homeless service providers
Complete applicant’s placement into the center once approved
Manage the front desk area when required
Assist participants by engagement, case management, community resources, and services to support their housing search efforts to achieve permanent housing stability
Provide and advocate for any effective recovery based services that will aid the participant in daily living
Identify barriers to permanent housing and develop strategies to overcome those barriers
Develop a collaborative individualized, strengths-based case plan inclusive of action steps for permanent housing search related issues
Work with the participant to set goals and develop a Permanent Housing Plan with the assistance of the case management
Update the Case plan as the participants needs and circumstances change
Complete progress notes to document the participants progress toward housing and permanent housing stability
Provide coaching, advocacy, information, and referral, linkage and coordination with resources, and ongoing supports
Assist with completion of required paperwork
Share lived experiences to support the individual in the housing search process
Promote self-advocacy by assisting participants to have their voices heard; their needs, goals, and objectives established as the focal point of recovery
Assist participants in building social skills in the community that will enhance permanent housing acquisition and retention
Serve as a link between participants and other needed services
Schedule/provide guest transportation to/from appointments, meetings, and employment as required
Facilitate Life Skills Classes on a weekly basis-develop topics and skills to be taught, practiced, and modeled throughout the housing search process, other housing related issues, and housing stability
Develop meaningful relationships with landlords and property management companies to facilitate timely, accurate referrals for housing opportunities
Maintains required level of security each shift
Ensure that all supplies are properly stored ready to be used by the co-workers or guest
Build “Trust”; be consistent, trustworthy, and honest
Complete documentation and data entry tasks on assigned shifts without delay.
Assist with seasonal/special Events as assigned
Perform other tasks as assigned