Prevention Case Manager

Prevention Case Manager

Homeless & Housing Services

Director of Regional Coordination

Valley Oasis Homeless & Housing services provides comprehensive services designed to address the root cause of poverty and homelessness within SPA 1 of Los Angeles County. Participants may be mentally ill, have intellectual developmental disabilities, substance abuse issues, and chronic medical/physical disabilities, exiting institutions and are homeless.

The Prevention Case Manager primarily assists clients who are at-risk of homelessness to maintain and stabilize their housing. The Prevention Case Manager provides assessment, intake, coordinates, monitors Housing Plans and mutually designed goals while advocating for each client at-risk of homelessness.

The Prevention Case Manager provides assistance in building client self-sufficiency around the Adults/Singles, TAY and Families systems in housing, budgeting, employment, educational training, health and other social services. The emphasis is on long-term economic and housing stability in keeping with the Housing 1st goals.

Essential Job Functions:

· Work with a diverse and marginalized caseload of participants, experiencing many barriers including homelessness, complex trauma, medical, mental health needs and substance use

· Support participants with allowable financial assistance (rental arrears, move-in costs, utilities, legal fees, etc.) within LAHSA guidelines, ensuring proper documentation, HMIS entry, and timely processing of requests

· Primarily assists individuals and/or families who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless including flexible services to meet the individual needs of participants

· Conduct intake, enrollment, and eligibility verification, including completion of LAHSA’s Homeless Prevention Targeting Tool (HPTT), eviction documentation, and AMI income verification.

· Collaborate with participants to develop a Housing Stability Plan (HSP) signed by the participant, update every 90 days, and complete monthly progress reviews. Enter HSP dates and updates into HMIS

· Apply a Progressive Assistance approach, providing the minimum level of support necessary, adjusting services based on participant stabilization, and scaling intensity of case management up or down as needed

· Enter all services and case notes into HMIS within 48–72 hours of contact, complete status updates (income, disability, employment) within 3 business days, and document exits within 2 business days in accordance with LAHSA standards

· Develop and maintain complete, accurate, and current files with all required documents and data in agency records and electronic database, HMIS. Includes updates to changes in income and any demographic domain

· Provide financial assistance support (rental arrears, utilities, move-in costs, legal fees, etc.) in compliance with LAHSA guidelines, ensuring all requests are documented, approved, and timely

· Ensure program outcomes are met, including: exiting at least 75% of participants to permanent housing, ensuring 80% remain housed 6 months post-exit, and supporting at least 35% of participants in increasing income during enrollment

· Maintain strong data quality to ensure compliance with program and funding requirements

· Engage participants in problem solving dialogue to assess for additional resources available within the participant’s own network.

· Make documented referrals to other services as needed and work with other community providers and subcontractors to provide collaborative services to clients

· Serve as the primary point of contact for a caseload identified for participation in eligible programs

· Ensure participants have the necessary documents to stabilize housing and assist with acquiring the documents when needed

· Interview and evaluate participants to identify social, emotional, and economic factors, which may interfere with attaining stability and optimum health

· Obtain consents and authorizations for participants in the program

· Attend and participate in CES Care Coordination and Case Conference meetings to identify program participants and coordinate services with other providers

· Utilize landlord negotiation strategies to assist participants in remaining in their current permanent housing

· Perform housing location duties to identify appropriate housing options for participants, if necessary

· Assist participants with accessing, obtaining and retaining permanent housing. Facilitating the move in process before and after move in. Including but not limited to assistance with housing applications, housing identification, landlord negotiation and on-going landlord engagement

· Provide participants with linkage to benefits establishment, and or vocational resources to increase income

· Transport/accompany participants in agency or personal vehicle to unit search, viewing, lease signing and to various agencies and healthcare providers in the greater Los Angeles area to increase community support services and community reintegration

· Educate participants on budgeting and housing household management, including cleaning, cooking, household upkeep and cleanliness, non-hoarding behavior

· Assist participant with linkage to community resources for in-home supportive services if necessary

· Link participants with appropriate medical, mental health, substance abuse providers, as well as recuperative care, food, clothing and transportation resources

· Provide advocacy to help address issues and barriers between landlords and participants

· Provide participants with resources for rental arrear and/or move-in through program enrollment, as needed

· Work with participants nearing program exit to build a strong stabilization plan with the goal of long-term housing retention

· Complete regular reassessments to ensure that the participant continues to require assistance

· Maintain confidentiality of participant files per HIPAA and all applicable guidelines

· Ensure services to participants are reflective of customer choice and emphasize housing first, harm reduction and trauma-informed care models

· Use effective communication skills such as active and reflective listening to build rapport

· Utilize appropriate motivational interviewing interventions to increase positive outcomes

· Liaise with other providers within the agency, as well as outside to formulate strength based strategies that focus on housing retention and general wellness

· Participate in staff meetings, individual and group supervision, case conferences and training as required

· Adhere to agency policies and procedures including confidentiality, child abuse reporting, and code of ethics

· Additional tasks, projects and or responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor that are not outlined but which are an important part of the agency’s goals and/or program outcomes

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

· Clear understanding of the concepts of Problem Solving, Homelessness, Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health First Aid, Critical Time Intervention, and the Coordinated Entry System (CES)

· Knowledge and understanding of policy, systems, and local programs that impact homeless persons and related public funding sources, regulations, requirements, and procedures

· Knowledge of resources including legal, medical, housing, educational and social service agencies and other resources in the community

· Knowledge of best practice models for assisting homeless people with varying degrees of needs/conditions and have a strong understanding of contractual requirements/compliance and applicable performance measures

· Knowledge of issues facing homeless individuals (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, and resources for undocumented individuals)

· Strong knowledge/experience working with individuals in crisis or unstable housing situations

· Strong knowledge of issues confronted by and sensitivity to individuals with substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, history of trauma and co-occurring-diagnoses

· Knowledge of community social service agencies and resources

· Work effectively under conditions of limited supervision, high stress and rapidly changing situations and circumstances

· Ability to handle common problems without supervisor intervention while knowing when supervisor participation is warranted

· Must be able to exercise initiative, independent good judgment, flexibility, discretion, effective communication, and solid decision making

· Ability to respond quickly and effectively to individuals who may be ill, using substances, lack of personal care, in crisis situations and/or potentially hostile situations

· Able to take appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining the safety of all participants

· Ability to work with a diverse population and provide culturally competent advocacy

· Ability to deescalate aggressive/agitated individuals

· Actively promote positive, nurturing interactions between participants

· Must be able to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, adjust to changing; circumstances, and demonstrate confidence working with diverse stakeholders

· Demonstrate the ability to utilize strong judgement and interpersonal skills to manage sensitive participant interactions including with those who may be in distress with acute illness, substance use issues, co-morbidity of behavioral and physical health issues in addition to homelessness

· Project a professional demeanor and a high level of professionalism when dealing with sensitive matters

· Promote cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and objective; collaborate with team members, sharing ideas and differences openly; be receptive to new ideas and adapt to change as necessary

· Considers impact of personal and professional choices. Consistently make decisions in keeping with organizational values and Supervisor’s direction

· Strict confidentiality must be observed as it relates to participant information, agency business, program decisions and all other personal information

· Excellent organizational skills and the ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks

· Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral; must communicate professionally and positively with participants, co-workers, management, community partners, employers, landlords, and other service providers

· Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner).

· Proficient in use of laptop/desktop computer, Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google drive

· Strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment, while exercising sound judgment.

· Able to work a flexible schedule; including nights, days, weekends and holidays when needed

· Able to respond to emergencies some evenings and weekends as necessary

· Use of a personal vehicle may be required to travel in and around Antelope Valley and/or Los Angeles County and periodically transport participants

· Maintain professional boundaries and work collaboratively with participants, volunteers and staff

· Accountability – be on time for scheduled shifts

· Be able to read and write English

· Bilingual Preferred but not required

Qualifications & Experience:

· High School Graduate or equivalent

· Bachelor’s Degree in Social/Human Services or related field, strongly preferred

· One year experience in case management for homeless individuals

· Experience in social services field; preferably working with homeless programs in a non-profit setting

· Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

· Education may be substituted by years of experience

Agency Requirements:

· Must have a valid California Driver’s License

· Clean driving record

· Reliable transportation

· Auto Insurance

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

An employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job must meet physical demands described:

· May be in contact with individuals in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not be attentive to personal hygiene and safety for themselves

· May experience unpleasant sensory demands associated with an individual’s use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal care

· May experience crises and potentially hostile situations, must be ready to respond quickly and effectively.

An employee is required to:

· Walk and climb stairs; Handle, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist; Communicate ideas and information verbally and written word; Be able to move oneself quickly and easily from place to place; Repeat various motions with hands, wrists, fingers; Climb on stools, steps and/or ladders; Be subject to outside environmental conditions, including but not limited to: Rain, heat, wind; lift at least 10 lbs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. If accommodation(s) are required, employee must inform Human Resources by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform Human Resources at the time it is needed.

Benefits

· Health

· Employee Assistance Plan

· 14 Observed Holidays

· Dental

· AFLAC

· Paid Sick

· Vision

· Cafeteria 125 Plan

· Paid Vacation

· Life Insurance

· Retirement Plan

· Personal Days

Schedule:

Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm (may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends, holidays and/or on call status)

Salary Range

$24.00 - $26.00 per hour

An Equal Opportunity Employer: Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability.

Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person