Housing Solutions Case Manager (4471)

MERCY HOUSE • Santa Ana, CA

12d • $23 - $23

About The Position

The Housing Solutions Case Manager, under the direction of the Housing Solutions Manager, is responsible for assisting Mercy House clients in obtaining and sustaining permanent housing by utilizing the Housing First Model. This position is responsible for providing case management services and housing advocacy to clients that enter our system of care. The Housing Solutions Case Manager role assesses clients, evaluates the effectiveness of housing plans, and tracks progress made by clients toward their housing goals. This position advocates for and supports clients enrolled in the Rapid Re-housing and Homeless Prevention Programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field and/or four years of experience in social work or human services in a public or private organization (required)
• Valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a reliable vehicle required; must be comfortable using a personal vehicle for home visits, shelter visits, and community-based meetings
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population and demonstrate ethical behavior
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize duties
• Ability to perform crisis intervention as needed
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional, and safe environment while on duty
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, landlords, social workers, and other service providers
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive client information
• Dependability, responsibility, and respectful communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and basic typing, email, and internet skills
• Ability to work some weekends and/or evenings to respond to crisis situations as needed
• Ability to lift, bend, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with the homeless population is highly preferred
• Fluency in Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, and Vietnamese is of significant value

Responsibilities

• Attend Family Support Team (FST) and/or multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings as assigned by supervisor
• Provide comprehensive case management services including intakes, housing stabilization plans, goals planning, linking, and monitoring
• Utilize client-focused strategies and harm reduction methodologies to help clients stabilize their housing
• Practice Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing techniques
• Maintain case notes using the GIRP (Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan) format
• Provide tenant education, advocacy, and referrals to various services as needed
• Develop individual case management plans, including financial planning and housing goals, with recipient individuals and/or families
• Meet regularly with clients to track progress in the program and ensure they are following program requirements
• Understand the importance of achieving quality outcomes for clients
• Empower clients in a manner that is supportive, objective, and client-centered
• Maintain case files up to date and ensure that all necessary client information is submitted into the HMIS database in a timely manner
• Update the program’s master logs daily and ensure information is accurate for each case
• Coordinate home visits with clients as necessary
• Conduct habitability inspections as needed
• Assist clients with employment- and housing-related barriers
• Assist clients in building upon their strengths and recognizing their needs in a respectful manner
• Be knowledgeable of community resources and link clients to such resources as needed
• Follow all case management policies within the agency
• Maintain a caseload as assigned by supervisor
• Participate in Coordinated Entry System (CES) meetings weekly, following all CES policies and procedures to request client matches and submit updates as needed
• Assist clients in searching for housing, provide housing leads, and facilitate relationships between landlords and clients
• Provide support and mediate landlord/resident issues as necessary to help clients sustain their housing
• Complete re-certification of assistance as necessary and gather required documentation from clients in a timely manner
• Conduct follow-ups with clients as assigned by supervisor
• Work as a team member with all staff, interns, and/or volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, supervision meetings, community meetings, and training workshops as needed
• Attend monthly meetings with the Housing Solutions team to discuss client progress, needs, and share resources
• Collaborate with leasing agents (as applicable) and support clients’ housing efforts
• Accept responsibility for aiding the development of a positive team relationship with other case managers and upper management
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment; multitask; collaborate with other departments; adapt to changes in workload; and demonstrate trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for all clients, including but not limited to stabilization plans, case notes, call logs, and emergency plans
• Submit and upload backup documentation related to client services in a timely manner
• Assist with program activities as necessary
• Develop new partnerships with other agencies to enhance current services
• Assist with all data collection systems
• Ensure confidentiality and safety of case files and client information, with knowledge of HIPAA laws
• Ensure documents submitted on behalf of clients are valid and submitted in a timely manner
• Utilize computers and appropriate software
• Respond to calls and emails in a timely manner
• Perform tasks independently and prioritize important tasks and deadlines
• Occasionally lift items up to 25 lbs. (e.g., accepting donated items) and tolerate prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Perform ad hoc projects as assigned by the Housing Solutions Supervisor and/or Manager

Benefits

• 100% medical coverage of base tier monthly premium
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation + Sick Pay)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matching
• Paid on-the-job training and orientation
• Mileage reimbursement
• Referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees