Social Worker/Service Coordinator II

Step Up • Los Angeles, CA

11d • Remote

About The Position

Step Up on Second is a community mental health agency providing permanent supportive housing and assistance to individuals and Veterans experiencing serious and persistent mental illnesses and homelessness. The agency embodies core values of Hope, Wellness, Respect, Voice and Choice, and Collaborative Relationships, utilizing 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 HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a VA Contractor, the Step Up VASH Team consists of Master's Level clinicians, Case Managers, and Housing Specialists. Service Coordinators engage Veterans experiencing homelessness, mental health diagnoses, and/or co-occurring disorders, providing supportive services to help them attain and maintain permanent supportive housing. A hiring preference is given to qualified veterans. The role utilizes trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, motivational interviewing, Housing First, and recovery-oriented models. It involves providing clinical therapeutic and case management services to individuals with psychiatric disabilities to improve their community functioning, assist in securing appropriate housing, ensure housing stability through home visits, individual therapy, linkage to medication support, vocational and educational opportunities, and substance use reduction. The position also involves collecting data and assisting with outcomes reports. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply, and supervision towards BBS hours is provided.

Requirements

• BBS registered (or registration-eligible) ACSW/AMFT and one year's experience in case management within a social service position required.
• Must have clean DMV record and reliable transportation.
• Position requires frequent driving and transporting.
• Must complete government, VA background check, fingerprint, and clearance.
• Proficient in Word, Excel and Outlook programs.
• Familiar with entering data in a database program or electronic health records.
• Knowledge of or experience with DSM diagnoses, assessment of level of functioning, EBP’s such as Motivational interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, DBT, Harm Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, PTSD, etc.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and on a team.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and be solution focused.
• Uses good time management skills and resources to balance caseload direct service and paperwork.
• Must demonstrate proactive communication skills and embrace the mission of Step Up.

Nice To Haves

• Drug and alcohol counseling certification in California is desired.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Engage referred Veterans in services.
• Perform eligibility assessments to verify eligibility for VA healthcare services and VASH Housing Choice Voucher.
• Assess for immediate needs such as crisis intervention, medical attention, showers, clothing, food, and emergency shelter.
• 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 affordable housing.
• Provide face-to-face mental health and clinical interventions/therapy with Veterans (1-5 times a week, 2 times a month, etc.) 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 post-housing to ensure a successful transition to permanent housing.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with the Los Angeles VAMC, Housing Authorities for the City and 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