Caseworker 2 - 1437

CENTRAL COUNTIES CENTER FOR MENTAL•Temple, TX

About The Position

Performs complex (journey-level) social services work. Provides a variety of office and field activities to manage and monitor a behavioral health supportive housing rental assistance program for individuals and their families experiencing homelessness or at-risk of experiencing homelessness, performs direct client services, and compiles and maintains related documentation. Work involves orienting all eligible participants to the program and providing housing search and supportive services to promote participants self-sufficiency, integration into the community, and permanency in housing; performing administrative tasks involved in the review and maintenance of a caseload of program participants. The principal duties are performed both in a general office environment and in the field and community where program participants’ reside. The position also serves as consultant to Center staff throughout the five-county catchment area in establishing and providing Supportive Housing services for Center consumers. Works under the administrative direction of the Housing and Employment Manager. This position provides a majority of services in the community, such as homes, jail settings, shelters, hospitals, and other environments in which the client lives and thrives. Due to this, this position is required to travel frequently within the service area and may interact frequently with clients, families, law enforcement/justice system officials, hospital staff, and other community stakeholders involved in the recovery of the individual they are serving.

Requirements

Experience in a field relating to the agency program.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred.
Requires knowledge and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.
Central Counties Services incorporates principles of trauma-informed care, which includes cultural sensitivity, in all areas of service delivery. All job descriptions include the responsibility to learn about and implement trauma-informed practices within the scope of work for the position.
Creative thinker/adaptive personality.
Knowledge or understanding of tenant’s rights and responsibilities as well as “strengths based” case management.
Knowledge of mental illness and emotional components of physical illness; of rehabilitation methods; of casework principles; and, of community resources.
Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, working with landlord.
Concentrated record keeping, budgeting, and basic mathematical skills; ability to produce required reports to federal, state, and local government agencies and funding sources.
Ability to proficiently utilize computer programs, e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel.
Excellent written and verbal skills.
The ability to establish and set appropriate limits with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence.
The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.
Ability to utilize de-escalation and/or conflict resolution as needed.
Competencies Critical Evaluation.
Communication.
Consultation.
Thoroughness/Attention to Detail.
Time Management.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Able to exhibit a high level of confidentiality.
Excellent organizational skills.
Must be able to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
Must be able to gather and analyze information skillfully.
Ethical Conduct
Relationship skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to perform tasks effectively and efficiently.
Ability to plan and schedule work and implement directives without constant supervision.
Ability to present a professional appearance and conduct when representing the Center.
Ability to work cooperatively and productively with supervisor, individuals, co-workers, and groups of persons at all levels of activity, contributing to a strong spirit of teamwork.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies and the general public using tact, courtesy and good judgment.
Must have and maintain a valid drivers’ license with an acceptable driving record.
Regular attendance and reliability is critical to business operations.

Responsibilities

Position will be primarily trained in Supported Housing and will be cross-trained in Supported Employment.
Conduct intake interviews and assessments to determine client eligibility to participate in housing services, identify barriers to obtaining/maintaining housing, identify participant strengths and assist participants to reducing barriers and linking to resources and services.
Assist participants in the development of a strength-based/solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, timely referral network in order to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed.
Provide weekly appointments with clients to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to assist with integration of clients in the community.
Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts and Texas Renter’s Rights to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities and Landlord responsibilities.
Frequent daily driving within the catchment area is required. Transporting clients should be limited to housing and job searches and occasional visit to relevant social service agencies.
Builds relationships with local homeless coalition, local Public Housing Authorities and apartment associations, Initiate contacts with Housing Authorities in the catchment area and establish ongoing relationships.
May utilize the HMIS/Coordinated Entry database for consumer experiencing homelessness.
May conduct housing assessment for all individuals in the target population milestone and provides services to identified clients through assessment results.
Assist clients in development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through pro-active housing and budget counseling sessions; provide budget counseling and education to assist clients in establishing payments plans for bills and past debts and to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining their housing.
In partnership with Landlord Specialist, provide mediation and advocacy with Landlords on the client’s behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing.
Work alongside Landlord Specialist to build relationships with local Landlords and tax credit properties.
Identify appropriate housing for individual consumers and families and maintain a listing of available housing in the service area.
Educate Central Counties’ staff on Supported Housing efforts. May have to attend meetings to update and education staff on efforts.
Meets and maintains all minimum service requirements according to Center requirements, Resilience Disease Management Design and Texas Administrative Codes.
Collect and report program data, including but not limited to HMIS reporting and funders’ required data.
Document case records, assessments, person centered recovery plans and progress notes according to Center requirements and Texas Administrative Codes.
Employees will maintain complete and accurate consumer medical records and keep all such information confidential.
Must stay compliant with all required training.
Develop and implement evidence-based practices based on the SAHMSA Permanent Supportive Housing Tools for Tenants Toolkit and/or the Individual Placement Services (IPS) toolkit.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Demonstrate high ethical standards, trustworthiness, and personal integrity.
Regular attendance, dependability, and promptness are required for the 8-5 workday or agreed upon hours 100% of the time, to ensure consistency and completeness of program’s processes.
Professional Development - Successfully complete training required to maintain skill competency and cross training to ensure consistency across program procedures.
Complete continuing education as required by professional standards and the Center.