PATH Outreach / Housing Case Manager

Transitions Mental Health Asso•San Luis Obispo, CA

7d•$26 - $33•Hybrid

About The Position

Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) is a U.S. federal grant program providing outreach and services for individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The PATH Outreach Worker is responsible for providing assistance and trauma informed support to homeless and formerly homeless residential clients with serious mental illness, substance use disorder and/or physical disabilities. The PATH Outreach Worker is expected to identify homeless mentally ill adults within the community, assess their medical and psychiatric needs, and assist them in obtaining appropriate services, including but not limited to referrals to Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol, and the Department of Social Services (for Cash Aid/Food Stamps/MediCal and Social Security Disability application support). Case Managers are expected to supervise the general health, safety, and social rehabilitation of clients. They also perform moderate facility maintenance, function as positive role models, promote cooperation and harmony in communal living, and uphold and promote the program philosophy in all duties performed with a trauma informed approach.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a related Human Services field and 6 months related experience or at least three years related experience, working with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health challenges or justice system involvement.
Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and strong oral/written and communication skills.
Well defined organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and flexibly
Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure.
Able to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level
Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health.
Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the workplace.
Ability to be willing to work with supervisor oversight and direction.
Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees.
Ability to mindfully promote equality and respect diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all of the other fascinating characteristics that make us different.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services
Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including mental health, gender, race and ethnicity.
Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business.
Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, at least 2 years driving experience and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize reliable personal vehicle and auto insurance.
Must comply with a TB assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.
Must be able to successfully complete CPR training.

Responsibilities

Identify and engage with homeless community members to assess needs and make appropriate referrals to supportive services.
Receive referrals from a variety of sources and meet with clients in a timely manner to assess their needs and appropriateness for services (includes completing intake paperwork with potential clients and following their progress until outreach services are no longer needed or desired).
Conduct VI-SPDAT surveys for determination of the severity of needs and placement onto the Coordinated Entry Program for housing and support services.
Recognize and be available to clients in psychiatric crisis or emotional distress, linking them to appropriate support systems, including outpatient and crisis/inpatient treatment.
Function as a role model to clients with regard to rehabilitation and recovery, communication skills and work behavior.
Transport clients to and from appointments.
Resident Services: Includes participating in intake interviews, facilitating house meetings, meeting with residents weekly, and on an as needed basis for case management, advocacy, and ILS counseling purposes, providing information and referral services for community resources.
Provide crisis intervention, and communicate the emotional, physical, and mental state and functioning of clients to the Program Manager and other assigned staff members by attending scheduled staff meetings and by completing daily, weekly and monthly charting.
Site management: Includes inspecting sites, assisting with cleaning and/or repairs, arranging for professional repairs or services, participating in the purchase or donation of furniture or household supplies, communicating with the Program Manager regarding physical repairs, enhancements, and/or cleaning that is needed. Assist residents with move in/out activities.
Liaison: Communicate with other service providers regarding current clients, communicate with the Housing Authority, when appropriate, regarding client intake, rents, and Section 8 status, attend direct service provider meetings, and serve as a representative of the program to the community.
Extended Services: Provide case management and support services to clients who have moved on to independent housing situations. When applicable, serve as a Section 8 resource and aid the client throughout the process, work closely with the Housing Navigator to assist the client in all aspects of attaining independent housing, and communicate the progress of extended service clients to the Program Manager and other staff members through staff meetings and charting.
Complete program paperwork. This may include, but is not limited to individual client files, evaluating and charting client progress, service plans, admission/ discharge paperwork, HMIS data entry, Excel, Word, One Note, collect and record client rents, enter data into electronic record keeping system for potential MediCal billing, and security deposit receipts, and other required forms. Ability to meet program deadlines.
Promote, encourage and maintain trauma-informed practices in all services and activities. Practice and promote, both individually and in team meetings, TMHA’s Collaborative Communication Guidelines in order to facilitate clear, empathetic and person-centered communication.
Administrative Duties: Complete program paperwork in a timely fashion, including time sheets and financial receipts. Administrative duties may also include: maintaining individual paper and/or electronic client files; evaluating and charting client progress; developing service plans, admission and/or discharge paperwork; HMIS data entry, which includes entering and exiting all clients; entering client notes within three business days of the client contact, adding entry/exit dates in HMIS as well as Excel and Word; meet or exceed State required contract outcomes.
Complete all assigned trainings.
Attend all assigned HDAP, agency and other required staff meetings to coordinate case management activities with supervisors and program staff.
Must be comfortable working in a diverse and unpredictable environment and meeting clients “where they are at” with a “whatever it takes” non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach.
Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager.