Case Worker � Open House Transitional and Maternity Housing Program�

Coastal Horizons Center•Wilmington, NC

About The Position

The position of OHTMHP Case Worker involves participation in the screening, admission, orientation, transition planning, and discharge process into or out of the Open House Transitional and Maternity Housing Program. A Case Worker needs to assess a client and their child/children life domain areas, provide local resources for the client and their child/children to meet those needs, and follow up to assure a client and their child/children have made the necessary appointments. The Case Worker will arrange for clients and their child/children to receive services identified in the Individualized Service Plan. The Case Worker will provide transportation for clients and their child/children to and from appointments, community activities or other events when clients are unable to find transportation themselves. The Case Worker works closely with the client and their child/children and service providers to ensure appropriate transition plans upon discharge from the program.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in human services or related field
At least two years related work experience with homeless or vulnerable youth OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to assertively interact with and monitor clients and their child/childrens behavior.
Strong interpersonal communication skills: ability to develop and maintain professional boundaries and to interact effectively with clients, their child/children, and staff.
Knowledge of available community resources and services to support clients and their child/children with substance abuse problems.
Ability to represent the agency in community forums and effectively conduct advocacy efforts aimed at furthering the vision and mission of Coastal Horizons Center.
Knowledge of the laws, regulations and policies governing RHY and transition age youth including the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and the Contractual Agreement for Continuing Residential Support (CARS) agreement.
Ability to demonstrate effective oral and written communication.
Strong organizational skills: ability to develop, organize, and maintain schedules.
Knowledge and comfort in working with client populations.
Able to work with basic computer skills.
Ability to network and coordinate efforts with support systems identified in ISP.
Must be able to physically perform the basic operational functions of climbing, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, and hearing.
Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly lift objects.
Must possess the visual acuity to perform extensive reading and determine the accuracy of work assigned.
Must have a valid NCDL and a good driving record approved by CHC insurance provider.

Responsibilities

Participate in admissions and discharges for the Transitional and Maternity Housing Program and, when necessary, respond to emergency clients and their child/children's needs.
Assists clients and their child/children in accessing needed community resources in the community.
Provide ongoing case management to clients and their child/children including creating, updating, and monitoring progress of individualized service plans (ISP).
Develop and maintain a network of supportive agencies to ensure necessary referrals for basic needs and other services that could include employment or school.
Communicate and collaborate with apartment owners and landlords, to secure safe housing once discharged, to address any conflicts or problems, and to maintain positive relationships with housing agencies.
Engage in regular consultation with team members and supervisors to ensure ethical and high-quality services and documentation.
Coordinate and run community meetings between participants and staff including Life Skills group and parenting group.
Facilitation of recreational activities and pro-social community events.
Transport clients and their child/children utilizing a company car or minivan to and from appointments, groups, or community activities.
Conduct outreach efforts to promote services provided by OHTMHP.
Advertise with local community agencies and collaboratives to identify eligible program participants.
Screening potential clients and their child/children for admission to the OHTMHP program utilizing screening forms to determine eligibility and appropriate services.
Ensuring clients and their child/children's immediate needs are met such as medications, food, clothing, and shelter.
Development of transition plans for current clients and their child/children and necessary tracking documentation for transition plans to include the eight life domains.
Provide needed transportation or arrange transportation and assist clients and their child/children in the community to decrease the potential to return to homelessness.
Maintain program and client records including staffing notes, individualized service plan notes and / or any documentation needed for clients in the program.
Actively participate in supervision meetings, training, case staffing, and team meetings .
Assist OHTMHP clients and their child/children with transportation needs including resource connection to transportation services and learning how to utilize public transportation.
Engage clients and their child/children in individual sessions as part of crisis management when needed.
Assist with coordination and facilitation of pro-social community events and recreational activities.
Any other activities or duties deemed appropriate by the Program Director.