Housing Case Manager (COVID-19)

CCHS, Health, Housing and Homeless services (H3) has a mission to ensure an integrated system of care, from prevention through intervention, for homeless individuals and families within our community. In line with our mission, H3 serves to streamline access to housing and services while addressing barriers that prevent people from getting and staying housed.

The COVID-19 Housing Case Manager will be a key member in supporting the clients residing at the Project Room Key (PRK) hotels with transition planning from the hotels to their next housing placement (exit planning.) The Housing Case Manager is responsible for assisting clients in attaining all documents needed for housing placement and connecting clients to available housing resources with the end goal of stable housing. The Housing Case Manager will work on-site at the PRK hotels and engage each resident in face-to-face meetings.

Hourly rate range: $22.00-$25.75, hourly

This is a temporary position that is funded until December 31, 2021.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Creates individualized housing plans to support exits to permanent housing.
• Supports people who are chronically homeless and prepares them to live indoors. Examples of duties include coaching participants on how to get along with roommates, how and when to pay rent, how to set up utility accounts and how to pay utilities, daily budgeting, credit repair, and information on local agencies that provide food support.
• Assist clients in obtaining appropriate identification, as well as benefits such as Medi-Cal, SSI, GA, Cal Fresh and other benefits, and services immediately upon program entry.
• Maintain client files and associated case management documentation that include case notes, documentation, and electronic records on the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Assist clients with all steps of the housing process: “document readiness” (gathering and maintaining verification documents required for housing applications), meet with prospective landlords to inspect prospective units, application completion, interview preparedness, move in support, and anything else needed to assist client in successful housing placement.
• Apply knowledge of residential leases to educate clients regarding their rights and responsibilities.
• Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e., tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies.)
• Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client’s behalf to assist with obtaining and/or maintaining housing.
• Attend regularly scheduled case conferences to review and place prioritized clients, assign new individuals to housing navigators, rapid resolution, review and monitor the progress of individuals already assigned.
• Conducts assessments and develops alternative permanent housing solutions for persons residing in a PRK hotel.
• Works collaboratively with the Housing Navigation team to provide clients with information about housing availability and makes referrals to obtain permanent housing alternatives.
• Identify, support, and closely coordinate clients’ access to resources and services related to assessment outcomes. Sends referrals to Housing Navigation, Mental Health Case Managers/Clinicians, Healthcare for the Homeless Community Health Workers and Nurse Practitioners, Alcohol and Other Drug Access Line/AOD Counselors, legal services, other referral sources as needed.
• Meet with clients weekly to assist in developing and monitoring a case/life/treatment plan
• Enters standardized intakes, updates, and exit information as well as VI-SPDAT assessments into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) within 24 hours of first meeting.
• Educates clients on daily living skills to improve self-sufficiency and builds authentic rapport to support clients’ goals on an ongoing basis.
• Facilitates relationship-building with clients and their family members, including family reunification meeting and conflict resolution as needed
• Regularly reports and coordinates client progress during multi-disciplinary team case conference.
• Attend all required meetings, trainings, and case conferences.
• Submit reports to the COVID Coordinated Entry Program Specialist as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Possesses effective communication skills and the ability to work independently and cooperatively
• Thorough knowledge of homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, HIV and cultural diversity issues
• Have a good knowledge of community and support service resources for special needs populations
• Have a strong knowledge of Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, and Harm Reduction models
• Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced and high-stress environments
• A successful applicant will be fingerprinted and must pass the criteria used by the State of California to screen for criminal convictions that would be deemed detrimental to working with youth
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to communicate clearly, both in verbal and written forms
• Good computer skills (Word, Excel, HMIS systems, data entry, Outlook) required
• Ability to be supportive and provide guidance in a non-judgmental manner

Education/Experience

• Education: AA/AS degree in Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field; AND, 2 years of direct experience working with homeless populations;

• OR, High School degree or equivalent plus a minimum 3 years of direct experience working in a professional capacity with homeless, behavioral health or medically complex populations 2 years of which must be in direct case management.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants who are bilingual in Spanish or Southeast Asian languages are encouraged to apply
• Experience working in Contra Costa County and knowledge of social service providers in the area

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand Frequently

Walk Occasionally

Sit Frequently

Handling / Fingering Frequently

Reach Outward Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

See Constantly

Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

Not Applicable Not required for essential functions

Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Various environments depending on job necessities can include, but not limited to; General Office Setting, Homeless Shelter, Field work within Contra Costa County

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

Motivations

Education

Required

Experience

Required

Licenses & Certifications