T10 - Wellness Specialist - 40 Hours/Week - Union (T10)

Episcopal Community Services (ECS)•San Francisco, CA

55d•$28 - $28

About The Position

As part of ECS’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) team, the Wellness Specialist provides targeted case management to formerly homeless adults and families, generally working with tenants who have stabilized in supportive housing and wish to pursue goals such as volunteer opportunities, employment, education, and—when the time is right—transitioning out of permanent supportive housing. Services include, but are not limited to, ongoing clinical needs assessment, service planning, supportive counseling and consultation with residents, community program and benefit referrals, facilitating support groups and community-building activities, as well as other general case manager responsibilities.

Requirements

Excellent verbal & written communication, organizational, and time management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to work well independently and collaboratively with teams.
Possess an understanding of and practice cultural sensitivity.
Experience in building rapport and engaging in the most difficult to serve participants.
Experience and ability to build supportive and respectful working relationships with individuals with disabilities and/or are experiencing homelessness that instills hope and promotes self-determination using a strengths-based approach.
Sensitivity to and understanding of the special needs of the homeless.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, systems, and platforms.
Ability to learn and use required mobile devices and business-related applications.
High degree of emotional intelligence, cultural humility, with a proven track record to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Lived experiences with homelessness, recovery from addiction, and/or mental health recovery required.
Six months of field experience working with people experiencing homelessness.

Responsibilities

Perform intake assessment of assigned residents on day of move-in to include a review of health status, psychosocial history, financial status, history of drug and alcohol use, housing history, etc.
Outreach to each resident on assigned caseload regularly, as well as in response to incidents or documentation indicating the resident may be in crisis, need behavioral health or medical intervention, or may be jeopardizing their housing (late rent notices, lease violations, etc.). Direct, in-person engagement is always the goal.
Work with each resident to develop and implement an individualized Service Plan based on each resident’s goals and needs, tailored to their preferences. When appropriate, for tenants who have shown stability in their housing, service planning will often focus on volunteer opportunities, employment, education, and for some, transitioning out of permanent supportive housing
If unable to offer on-site resources, provide referrals to other in-house providers or outside community resources regarding issues related to substance use, vocational training, legal services, immigration services, physical and mental health services, housing resources, money management, etc.
Assess each resident’s eligibility for benefits and entitlements and assist residents in applying for and enrolling in these programs.
Work with residents regarding budgeting issues, including the development of voluntary money management plans.
Advocate on behalf of residents with Property Management regarding issues that may be jeopardizing residents’ housing (late rent notices, lease violations, etc.). Under the direction of the SSM, work with Property Management to avoid eviction, when possible.
Assist residents or staff with conflict resolution to ensure a comfortable living environment for all residents that promotes a sense of respect, cooperation, self-sufficiency and tenant empowerment.
Participate in twice-per-week Wellbeing Checks, and as necessary, subsequent Emergency Safety Checks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.
Develop and facilitate at least one weekly therapeutic / psycho-educational group at the site. As directed by the SSM, assist with the organization and carrying-out of other program events and community-building activities, such as Residents’ Council, BINGO, BBQs, holiday celebrations, community meetings and meals, movie viewings, outings, etc.
Maintain up-to-date documentation in resident files regarding services provided in a complete, confidential, and professional manner. Complete all necessary paperwork and administrative requirements, including completing Significant Encounters, outreach letters, Service Plans, recertifications, filing, etc., within the required timeframe.
Assist residents with planned exits from the program to engage in comprehensive discharge planning, that includes referrals for case management, housing, food, clothing, medical treatment, detox, and/or other services as necessary and appropriate.
Assist in developing and implementing new programs, groups, and activities with the Support Services Manager.
Provide back-up coverage for other case managers, as directed by the SSM.
Share information and new resources with residents and staff.
Follow and implement all applicable policies and procedures of Episcopal Community Services.
Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with employees, volunteers, and residents of Episcopal Community Services, and outside agencies.
Attend meetings and perform additional duties as assigned.