Social Worker/Service Coordinator II

Step Up • Los Angeles, CA

12d • Remote

About The Position

Step Up on Second is a community mental health agency focused on providing permanent supportive housing and assistance to individuals and Veterans experiencing serious mental illnesses and homelessness. The agency utilizes evidence-based practices such as Wellness, Rehabilitation and Recovery, Housing First, and Motivational Interviewing. This is a field-based position within an interdisciplinary team structure. The role involves engaging Veterans who are experiencing homelessness, mental health diagnoses, and/or co-occurring disorders, and providing supportive services to help them attain and maintain permanent supportive housing. Supervision towards BBS hours and a comprehensive benefits package are offered. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply. A hiring preference will be given to qualified veterans.

Requirements

• BBS registered (or registration-eligible) ACSW/AMFT and one year of experience in case management within a social service position required.
• Must have a clean DMV record and reliable transportation.
• Position requires frequent driving and transporting.
• Must complete government, VA background check, fingerprinting, and clearance.
• Knowledge of or experience with DSM-5 diagnoses, assessment of level of functioning, DMH documentation, EBP’s such as Motivational interviewing, DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, etc.
• Ability to work independently and on a collaborative team.
• Initiative and solution-focused practice.
• Uses good time management skills and resources to balance caseload, direct service, and paperwork.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and Outlook programs.
• Familiar with entering data in a database program or electronic health records.

Nice To Haves

• Drug and alcohol counseling certification in California is desired.
• Hiring preference for Veterans.

Responsibilities

• Engage referred Veterans in services.
• Perform eligibility assessments to verify eligibility for VA health care services and VASH Housing Choice Voucher.
• Assess for immediate needs such as crisis intervention, medical attention, showers, clothing, food, emergency shelter, etc.
• Complete assessment and treatment plans in collaboration with the Veterans.
• Assist throughout the housing process, including completion of Housing Authority applications, support during voucher issuance, housing search, and move-in.
• Make appropriate referrals and assist with linkage.
• Utilize a Housing First approach to ensure rapid housing placement and stabilization.
• Identify opportunities for collaborative ventures with local apartment complexes, rental agencies, and owners of rental houses to find local affordable housing for Veterans.
• Provide face-to-face mental health and clinical interventions/therapy with Veterans, consistent with their designated Level of Care, to ensure engagement in treatment and housing retention.
• Establish and maintain an intensive therapeutic relationship with the veteran, family, Step Up and VA staff, and community programs/agencies.
• Formulate case-management treatment goals and plans that address identified needs, stressors, and problems.
• Develop appropriate life skills plans, interventions, and linkage with Veteran and VA providers.
• Coordinate interventions with Veterans Administration medical and mental health programs to promote housing retention and community integration.
• Support Veterans once housed to ensure a successful transition to permanent housing.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with the Los Angeles VAMC, Housing Authorities for the City and the County of Los Angeles, local behavioral health organizations, and other pertinent community resources.
• Collect and track relevant outcomes data of all tenants through VA forms.
• Document all clinical case management and psychosocial services and overall effectiveness of services provided, including crisis intervention and progress in VA Electronic Health Record.
• Ensure compliance with VA contract requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance are available after your first month.
• Generous paid time off, accrue 10 days of paid time off, 12 days of sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.
• 403(b) plan starts on your first day, with Step Up contributing 13% of your 3% after one year.
• Strong clinical supervision program for qualified interns earning clinical hours and registered with CA BBS.

What This Job Offers

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