Service Coord I Care Coordinator ODR ICMS

Step Up•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The DHS-ODR-ICMS Service Coordinator provides Intensive Case Management Services funded by the Department of Health Services’ Office of Diversion and Re-entry. The role supports pretrial participants experiencing homelessness in achieving and maintaining physical health, mental health, and housing stability. In partnership with the Superior Court, the coordinator provides case management, service linkage, supportive services, and housing retention assistance. The program seeks to resolve alleged felony cases early and divert defendants into ODR Housing & Services with a grant of probation. Step Up on Second uses Housing First and Harm Reduction models of service delivery. The position works with a diverse and marginalized population facing barriers that may include homelessness, complex trauma, medical and mental health needs, and substance use. Services are guided by participant choice, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and psychosocial rehabilitation. Work may involve challenging conditions and interactions associated with homelessness and trauma; staff receive training in crisis de-escalation and the agency has procedural safeguards to mitigate workplace risks. This is a 40-hour, non-exempt position in the SEIU721 bargaining unit. The role requires a California driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and a good driving record during employment. Step Up’s principles of trauma-informed care and mental health recovery inform its values of Hope, Wellness, Voice and Choice, Respect, and Collaborative Relationships.

Requirements

At least two years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness and/or people diagnosed with mental illness; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in social work or a mental-health-related field and at least one year of such experience in a community or housed setting.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and in an interdisciplinary environment.
Knowledge of issues affecting participants, including health, substance use, mental health, physical health, domestic abuse, child welfare, and resources for undocumented people.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation.
Strong computer skills; Microsoft 365 Office is essential.
California driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and a good driving record maintained during employment.
Ability to perform the listed physical duties, including occasional lifting or moving of up to 15 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with people involved in the judicial system.
Familiarity with and dedication to Housing First and Harm Reduction models.
Experience with crisis intervention and homeless and chronically mentally ill populations, and understanding of and commitment to psychosocial or recovery-oriented practice.

Responsibilities

Evaluate participants and identify social, emotional, and economic factors that may affect stability and health.
Obtain required participant consents and authorizations.
Help participants access temporary housing, obtain permanent housing, and complete move-in and post-move-in processes.
Meet face-to-face with participants weekly before housing placement, and twice monthly after they have lived successfully in housing for at least one year.
Transport or accompany participants in the employee’s vehicle to housing searches, viewings, lease signings, agencies, healthcare providers, and court appearances as needed.
Collaborate with participants to develop measurable service plans, reviewing and updating them quarterly and when goals are completed.
Assist participants with budgeting and household management, including cleaning, cooking, upkeep, cleanliness, and non-hoarding behavior.
Link participants to benefits and vocational resources to increase income.
Connect participants with medical, mental health, substance use, recuperative care, food, clothing, and transportation resources.
Advocate for participants and provide progress reports to the court regarding their progress and engagement.
Maintain complete, accurate, and current participant records and data in agency files and electronic databases, including CHAMP and HMIS; update income and demographic information.
Maintain confidentiality of participant files in accordance with HIPAA and applicable guidelines.
Complete an initial Bio-Psycho-Social Assessment and complete the 5x5 and Acuity Index during reassessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
Document services within 72 hours using the GIRP format: Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan.
Deliver services consistent with the “Whatever It Takes” model, emphasizing participant choice, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and psychosocial rehabilitation.
Use active and reflective listening to build rapport and appropriate motivational interviewing interventions to support positive outcomes.
Coordinate with agency and external providers to develop strength-based strategies focused on housing retention and general wellness.
Participate in staff meetings, individual and group supervision, case conferences, and required training.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Adhere to Step Up’s core values and equal employment opportunity policies.