Shelter Services linkage Case Manager

EAST OAKLAND COMMUNITY PROJECT • Oakland, CA

27d • $55,000 - $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Shelter Service Linkage Case Manager functions as an integral member of the Crossroads Shelter team. This role bridges traditional case management with specialized service linkage, taking a holistic, strengths-based approach to helping single adults stabilize, access vital community resources, and successfully exit to permanent housing. Operating under a strict Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed care framework, this position is responsible for conducting basic service plans, connecting clients to dedicated housing navigators, maintaining external service partnerships, and coordinating comprehensive community referrals.

Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of dedicated case management experience within the housing crisis or human services sectors.
• Demonstrated exposure to and understanding of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care principles as well as Motivational Interviewing.
• High-level competency in conflict resolution, verbal de-escalation, and motivational interviewing.
• Experience navigating diverse populations in urban environments; knowledge of the dynamics of homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions.
• Strong working proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and electronic databases/HMIS workflows, able to navigate web, able to retrieve resources via web, compose/uses email daily
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong reasoning ability to outline realistic service plans and make sound, ethical decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency in English required; secondary fluency in Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL) is highly advantageous.
• Able to identify, locate, and navigate local resources as well as providers that work with our population served as well as meeting their individual physical and or mental health needs.
• Able to start projects and or meet outcomes independently while also able to work and integrate with other peers, supervisors, directors, or other providers. The ability to request assistance or clarification when needed.
• Be able to shift focus or tasks as needed. Be willing and able to shift priorities or other metrics to complete task or other request from peers, supervisors, directors, or other providers.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field, or comparable equivalent work experience.
• Valid California Driver’s License and clean insurance record.
• Completion of a mandatory annual Tuberculosis (TB) test.

Nice To Haves

• Secondary fluency in Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL) is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct or update basic service plans that evaluate participant needs, mapping out historical and current external services received. Focus on building participant strengths and promoting personal fulfillment.
• Ensure specific health insurance (Medi-Cal/Medicare), primary doctor, and pharmacy information is documented at intake to facilitate healthcare alignment.
• Strictly adhere to county standards limiting medical and behavioral health queries to only those required by HMIS to protect client privacy.
• Meet regularly with participants—including mandatory weekly check-ins—to monitor progress, troubleshoot barriers, and adjust goals.
• Formally connect all eligible shelter participants to Housing Community Supports (HCS) Housing Navigation services under the direction of Alameda County Health Housing and Homelessness Services (H&H).
• Coordinate actively with assigned external housing navigators. Provide space on-site for client-navigator meetings and participate in bi-monthly case conferencing.
• Assist in coordinating local searches for affordable units and support positive relationships with property managers and landlords to facilitate placement.
• Conduct proactive regional and online scans of accessible community programs supporting stability, health, education, and quality of life.
• Compile and continually maintain an updated list of these community resources, ensuring it is accessible to participants on-site without required staff intervention.
• Actively build operational relationships with local providers. Facilitate smooth entry into external systems (medical, mental health, substance use treatment, public benefits) via personal introductions and appointment scheduling.
• Respect the self-determination of participants by ensuring they are explicitly informed that all non-housing navigation services are completely voluntary.
• Arrange or directly provide agency-supported transportation (via agency vehicle, public transit passes, or rideshare) for essential client appointments. This includes medical visits, job interviews, school obligations (up to one week), and housing viewings.
• Document all client service plans, progressive interactions, and referrals accurately in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Gather statistical data and prepare mandatory monthly reporting strings, including CHASS logs, referral files, voucher per diems, and tracking metrics.
• Participate in the progressive warning and corrective action system before enforcing an involuntary discharge, ensuring supervisor approval and client grievance form delivery are properly executed.

Benefits

• HMIS Privacy & Security training
• Confidentiality/HIPAA protocols
• Mandated Reporting (child/elder abuse)
• Universal Precautions/ATD controls
• Anti-Discrimination & Transgender Accommodation training
• Overdose Detection and Response (Naloxone/Narcan deployment)
• ACHCH Congregate Health System training
• First Aid/CPR certification
• Housing Problem Solving
• Harm Reduction application

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level