Social Worker/Service Coordinator II

Step Up • Los Angeles, CA

17d • 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, fingerprint, and clearance.
• 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.
• 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 not required but 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.

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 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 stability.
• 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 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.
• Use trauma-informed, evidenced-based practices, motivational interviewing, housing first, and recovery-oriented models of treatment.
• Provide clinical therapeutic and case management services for individuals with psychiatric disabilities to assist them in improving their current level of functioning in the community.
• Assist in securing appropriate housing, ensure housing stability via home visits, individual therapy, linkage to medication support, vocational and educational opportunities, and reduction of substance use and abuse leading to full recovery.
• Collect data and assist with outcomes reports.

Benefits

• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Generous paid time off (13 paid holidays, 10 days of EPTO, 12 sick days).
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Health, dental, vision, Aflac, and life insurance $25,000.00
• 403(b) retirement plan available on the first day of work.
• Step Up matches 3% of the 6% the employee contributes after working 1000 hours.
• 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