Case Worker (Drop-In Center)

El Paso Center for Children•El Paso, TX

2d•$20

About The Position

The Case Worker will provide full-time casework and advocacy support, outreach, activity planning, and coordination of services to Drop-In Center (DIC) guests. Working closely with the Program Manager, the Case Worker will encourage youth to access available services. The role includes training in crisis de-escalation techniques, engagement, CSEY and the CSE-IT tool, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care. The Case Worker will assist in orienting new guests to the facility and its services, help youth access emergency needs (such as meals, laundry, showers, and rest), and support youth in navigating and accessing additional services provided by both professional staff and community resources. This team member will also be cross-trained in Youth Emergency Shelter operations to support youth referred to and utilizing shelter services. The scope of work is subject to change as needed to ensure the project’s success and to meet funders’ requirements. Likewise, complementary changes may be made to projects or individual goals and employee expectations based on agency/management strategic goals. All Center for Children team members are expected to be collegial and collaborative, mutually supportive, and focused on excellent services to clients, fidelity to program models, and ethical provision of services.

Requirements

Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well to diverse individuals at all organizational levels.
A strong results orientation, openness to new ideas, and a proven ability to deliver a consistently high quality of service to both external and internal work partners.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Problem solving skills are essential for developing creative solutions to program/personnel challenges as they arise.
Detailed knowledge of diversity and needs of homeless youth, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who have been exploited.
Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes in staffing, program scope, assigned tasks, and modalities utilized, setting the example for team members as changes are made.
Employees providing services to clients must meet the requirements of the program model or funder for the project to which they are assigned.
In general, the Center prefers that client-serving staff: Be a graduate from an accredited high school, GED program, or equivalent with at least 2-3 years of experience in a human services role and/or with at-risk youth; or Have an associate or bachelor's degree in social work or related field with 1-2 years of experience in a human services role and/or with at-risk youth.
Depending on the role requirements, additional work experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for college.
Strong time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from all walks of life.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Ability to read, write, and speak English and Spanish.
Exceptional computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and familiarity with data management systems.
Must have a valid driver’s license, a vehicle in safe operating condition, and maintain proof of current insurance at Texas minimum standards.
Successful completion of a criminal background check in accordance with agency policies.
Must be able and willing to travel for trainings, meetings, and conferences as needed.
Ability to walk, sit, stand, and lift/carry at least 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

Maintain a welcoming and healthy youth development environment, upholding high standards of cleanliness, safety, and professionalism.
Conduct outreach activities, including street outreach.
Ensure accurate and timely data entry, ready for audits, peer reviews, and funder visits.
Maintain accurate records in case files and the Homeless Management and Information System (HMIS).
Collaborate with the Drop-In Center/Youth Outreach and Housing (YOH) Division team to respond to calls, conduct intake assessments, and transport clients to safety.
Provide crisis intervention and support to youth and staff during high-stress situations, utilizing trauma-informed care and crisis de-escalation techniques.
Build strong, trusting relationships with youth, empowering them to take an active role in their care and goal-setting.
Connect clients with housing opportunities and essential services based on individual needs, including mental health, substance use, and educational resources.
Help youth navigate community resources and opportunities, including housing and employment services.
Coordinate referrals and collaborate with internal and external partners to provide comprehensive, coordinated services for youth.
Interact with youth in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner, respecting diverse backgrounds and needs.
Promote a positive, supportive environment that helps youth build life skills, self-confidence, and resilience.
Regularly assess and document client progress, adjusting care plans as necessary to meet evolving needs.
Work independently, taking accountability for activities and events during shifts, and documenting incidents, visits, and critical activities.
Provide transportation to clients as needed, including for medical appointments, shelter, or other necessary services.
Respond to calls, conduct intake assessments, and support clients during emergencies or safety concerns, ensuring proper follow-up.
Professionally interface with partners, law enforcement, nonprofit agencies, Safe Place partners, visitors, and family members.
Oversee drop-in center activities, including meal preparation, housekeeping, food pantry, laundry, and group activities, ensuring smooth operation.
Be cross-trained in Youth Emergency Shelter operations to support youth referred to and utilizing shelter services.
Collaborate in Youth Emergency Shelter activities to establish relationships with youth/young adults.
Participate in ongoing professional development, including required training and education programs, and share on-call duties with YOH staff as needed.
Train and recruit new Safe Place partners, maintaining partnerships to ensure a network of community support.
Provide backup and related support to other agency staff as needed, performing additional duties as required or assigned.
Engage in self-care practices, participate in team debriefings, and seek support to manage the emotional demands of the role.
Demonstrate a high level of personal accountability, continually seeking opportunities for improvement and making suggestions to enhance service quality.
Perform other duties, as required or assigned.