DESCRIPTION:

Under direction of the Program Manager and with independent professional responsibility, performs case management with individual program participants in permanent housing; functions at a highly skilled level in such areas as assessment, individual counseling, group facilitation, community resource development, file monitoring and review; reviews agency reports and develops summaries. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the “housing first” model and the ability to maintain a strength-based perspective and to work with low-income adults from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds who have a history of homelessness.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Screens clients either in person or by telephone to determine their needs and eligibility for program assistance.
• Performs overall assessment of program participant’s needs and develops individualized service plans with short and long term      goals.

· Reviews case plans weekly to adjust goals where needed or appropriate.

• Performs a wide variety of individual and group counseling with program participants.
• Develops and facilitates an array of educational workshops and support groups designed to meet participant needs.
• Educates program participants on issues surrounding living skills, parenting, financial capability, workforce development,      health and hygiene, housing, and drug and alcohol abuse.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive lists of community resources for use by program participants; refers program participants accordingly.
• Establishes individualized budgets with program participants and assists program participants in monitoring savings and      expenditures.
• Documents all contact with program participants; prepares all screenings, assessments, service plans, evaluations, and reporting records.
• Coordinates incoming and outgoing participant referrals with other community agencies.
• Provides crisis intervention, referrals and collaborative consult with any service providers working with the client.
• Maintains and updates all client files to ensure compliance.
• Acts as peer review committee and will conduct weekly file review of client file for CM I.
• Transports program participants as directed.
• Attend and conduct meetings and trainings, as directed.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Social casework objectives, principles, and methods; public welfare laws and the functions of public welfare agencies; principles of community organization and problems which call for the use of both public and private community resources; individual and group behavior and effects of social and economic forces upon individuals and families; principles and techniques of interviewing and documentation in social work; group facilitation; report writing; advanced file management; advanced computer skills/applications; and cultural diversity.

ABILITY TO:

Demonstrate skill in the application of casework methods and practices; provide program and casework consultation to other staff members; interpret to the applicant, program participant, or others the public welfare programs as set forth in the laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; follow established documentation guidelines; establish and maintain effective individual and group relationships with participants, the general public, and employees; use computer and peripheral equipment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors Degree with one year pertinent experience in Social Services with an emphasis on casework and individual and/or group counseling; OR any combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the knowledge and ability to complete the duties outlined above. A strong understanding of the “housing first” model and the ability to maintain a strength-based perspective. The ability to work with low-income adults from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds who have a history of homelessness.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires the ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written information, think critically; analyze information, makes reasonable decisions. 
• This position requires a full range of physical mobility, such as bending, stooping, lifting, turning, carrying objects, and grasping, finger dexterity and the ability to see and hear.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, Class C or higher, and proof of valid automobile insurance is required at the time of appointment. This position requires the ability to operate a motorized vehicle for the purposes of conducting agency business.
• Ability to plan and manage workload independently.

WORKING CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:

Ø Work is primarily performed in an office environment.

Ø High adaptability required. 

Ø Work environment is usually hectic (fast-paced) with frequent short deadlines and regular instances of critical or unusual situations.