Case Manager, Problem Solving Specialist - Westside

Role: Case Manager, Problem Solving Specialist - Westside

Reports to: Program Manager, Problem Solving - Westside

Program: 1700- Coordinated Entry System 

Department: CES

Location: Westside Administration Office - 1453 16th Street, 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Setting: Not 100% Onsite

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm

Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

Openings: 1

SUMMARY:

The Coordinated Entry System (CES) Problem Solving program is a short-term housing intervention that seeks to assist participants to maintain their current housing or identify an immediate and safe housing alternative within their own network of family, friends and social supports.

The Problem Solving Specialist diverts participants from entering the homeless shelter system in coordination with CES lead agencies by securing and stabilizing housing via linkages to services that include but are not limited to legal services, one time financial assistance, and housing related support services. Problem-Solving also ensures that those households who do not have alternative housing options are quickly connected to existing emergency or crisis housing services to ensure their immediate health and safety needs are met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assess housing barriers of participants who are unstably housed and at-risk of homelessness to determine housing and service needs
• Request and coordinate Problem Solving Assistance funds with our funder (LAHSA) to ensure client financial needs are being met. 
• Develop housing procurement, financial, and self-sufficiency case management plan with participants. This will include an intake interview/assessment to determine household needs, goals, and eligibility. 
• Immediately after completion of intake/assessment, enter data directly into the Problem Solving document in HMIS.
• Provide advocacy with landlords on the household’s behalf to develop a workable plan to maintain housing. 
• Maintain a caseload of a minimum of 25 individuals and maintain weekly case notes in our Homeless Service Management System (HMIS)
• Mediation and dispute resolution with previous/ current landlord, friends or family. Works in conjunction with legal service entities to facilitate the work flow between case management and legal service support. 
• Linkage to credit counseling and other services necessary to assist program participants with critical skills related to budgeting, managing money, accessing a free personal credit report, and resolving personal credit problems.
• Provide reunification or relocation services and support. 
• Document all services identified and provided, referrals made, and transportation provided.
• Advocates for and actively assists individuals in obtaining services (e.g. benefits, housing referrals, financial assistance, home based services, training, medical services, mentoring and socialization).
• Use automated technology including HMIS and hard copy files to maintain, update, and report on case data, goal attainment, and outcomes in a timely manner   
• For clients who obtain Financial Assistance from this program, they must have a complete chart to include eligibility documentation as well as the program agreements completed.   
• Perform other duties as assigned.    

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Knowledge of homeless social service providers and Coordinated Entry System
• Able to communicate and interact with subcontractors, housing providers and community partners in a culturally competent manner
• Detail oriented with excellent time management, organizational, written, verbal, interpersonal, and computer skills
• Self-starter with the ability to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in fast-paced work environment
• Able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year full-time experience working with the homeless, preferably those living with mental illness and / or substance addictions
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) 

Work Environment:

• Combination of field and office environment.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.
• On occasion walk or drive to different local sites.
• Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments.
• Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor.
• May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day.