Practitioner, Care Coordination

URBAN ALCHEMY•Denver, CO

5d•$25 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Practitioner, Care Coordination uses the housing first model and trauma-informed care approach to help adults experiencing homelessness. They conduct assessments and help guests establish and achieve their short and long-term goals. The Practitioner, Care Coordination works with guests to address immediate needs such as shelter, healthcare, education, employment, benefits, and counseling. They also help guests find long-term housing and connect them to resources to help maintain their housing and achieve self-sufficiency. The Practitioner, Care Coordination makes referrals to services, advocates for guests, coordinates assistance, and occasionally accompanies guests to appointments.

Requirements

1+ year of professional experience providing case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness or closely related special needs populations, with knowledge of community resources.
Sensitive to individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues such as PTSD, psychosis, borderline behaviors, and bipolar disorder.
Working knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and able to implement them effectively.
Working knowledge and experience with housing-related services.
Strong knowledge of social services, benefits, and entitlements.
Familiar with housing first, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles.
Collaborates and coordinates effectively with other agencies.
Maintains ethical and professional standards and boundaries.
Handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Works well in a team environment with diverse populations while providing excellent customer service.
Works effectively in a high-stress, dynamic environment while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Listens actively and communicates information and resources based on guests' needs.
Understands barriers that guests might be facing and advocates for them as needed.
Reads, understands, and follows instructions, procedures, and safety guidelines.
Executes tasks in a timely manner.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact comfortably with guests and staff.
Strong time management skills to coordinate complex tasks efficiently.
High school diploma, GED, or professional training required; college preferred.
Proficient with computers and able to use HMIS and other record-keeping software.
Completes required training in HMIS and SOAR.
Values kindness and respect in all interactions.
Genuinely aligned with the company's mission, values, and model.
Collaborative team player with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.
Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Compassionate and emotionally resilient when serving individuals experiencing poverty, mental illness, addiction, or homelessness.
Able to obtain and maintain background clearance in accordance with company policy.
Able to use a smartphone or tablet to enter data in the field.
Valid driver's license and good driving record preferred.
Standing: 3+ hours
Walking: 3+ hours
Sitting: 3-5 hours
Bending at Waist: less than 2 hours
Lifting: Up to 25 lbs occasionally
Able to physically assist guests with mobility needs when transporting them to appointments.
Regular local travel required by car to transport guests.
Work is performed in a shelter site with direct, regular exposure to the shelter environment and guests served.
May involve exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Expected to work in all weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Lived experience with incarceration and/or homelessness is valued.

Responsibilities

Ensure that interactions with guests are people-centered, solution-focused, and strengths-based.
Use the principles of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and housing first when working with guests.
Build positive relationships and trust with housed and unhoused community members.
Engage with individuals in distress, assess the cause, and use strategies to de-escalate the situation.
Perform wellness checks for guests who require close attention.
Maintain a caseload of 15-30 guests based on current needs and resources.
Work with guests to complete assessments, identify strengths and resources, and set goals.
Coordinate and monitor referrals to benefits, entitlements, health care, immigration services, employment opportunities, and other community services.
Manage contacts with outside agencies, acting as a guest liaison and support self-advocacy and access to needed/preferred resources.
Coordinate with medical professionals and connect guests with crisis support services as needed.
Enroll guests in benefits using SOAR.
Engage with guests to build a housing service plan and help them set attainable goals.
Assist guests with attaining correct documentation in preparation for permanent housing.
Help guests navigate the process of applying for and securing permanent housing.
Set up individual files for new guests and ensure documents are secure and HIPAA guidelines are followed.
Effectively use systems and tools such as HMIS, to ensure compliance with data standards and record-keeping as required by Urban Alchemy policies, regulatory agencies, and grant requirements.
Document all guest interactions, maintaining accurate notes and reports.
Practice self-awareness and cultural humility as a member of a diverse team; be conscientious and sensitive to power and other interpersonal dynamics with other team members.
Provide transportation for guests to appointments and support guests with other visits as needed.
Plan and lead groups and activities for guests based on their needs and interests.
Work flexible hours and/or shifts, weekends, and on-call shifts.
Support all staff with meeting the needs of guests.
Demonstrate compassion and respect in all interactions with guests, staff, and stakeholders.
Apply emotional intelligence to build effective, meaningful connections.
Follow all safety procedures and ensure compliance with OSHA, state, local, and company’s policies.
Follow all company policies and procedures.
Attend orientation and complete required training mandated by the company or funders.
Follow appearance standards by wearing designated uniforms and ID badge.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.