Case Manager

Mesa is looking for an exceptional Case Manager, excited about cultivating possibility for the young adults we serve. Case Manager is a bit limiting as a job title- we believe that our participants are not cases to be managed, but individuals with unique histories and visions for the future.

You will work alongside our participants to help build a foundation of health and wellness, while building the skills and resources to pursue their goals. Reporting to the Program Manager, this position will blend the provision and coordination of supportive services in the following areas: education, job training, employment, life skills, financial education, physical and mental health and wellness, community integration, relationship building, and the securing of permanent housing.

The Case Manager must be proactive, solution oriented, and enjoy working in an environment that is mission-driven and community oriented. The participants at Mesa are at the center of all we do. We exist to provide opportunity and support, to encourage and to help hold accountable.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Listen with care and compassion, encourage exploration and belief in oneself, and inspire hope and perseverance
• Assist participants in developing an educational, vocational, wellness and housing plan
• Meet with participants weekly to check in, evaluate progress, get creative in overcoming barriers and develop new ideas to help make goals achievable
• Assist participants in securing their benefits (income, food, health insurance, etc), in obtaining their personal records (birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, identification card) and other services (immigration, disability) as needed
• Assist participants in establishing transportation services and provide transportation at times using organization’s vehicle
• Coordinate with other area providers to ensure connection to all needed services such as educational support, mental and physical health, and job training
• Work alongside the House Manager to build and maintain a safe and supportive culture with healthy relationships among participants, which may require mediation and conflict resolution
• Respond to emergencies (mental health, for example) with sound judgment
• Teach and model social and life skills consistently
• Maintain case files for each participant documenting observations, records, and reports
• Maintain consistent communication with each participant and among Mesa staff
• Develop an understanding of the principles of Trauma Informed Care (TIC) and a commitment to honor these in all interactions with participants
• Utilize the Coordinated Entry System’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and maintain accurate HMIS reports
• Coordinate with local organizations to secure permanent housing options for participants
• Assist participants with completing housing applications, reviewing leases, providing basic inspection of potential units prior to move in, and helping with all elements of the move in process
• Administer Rapid Rehousing rental assistance and provide follow-up supportive services including landlord/tenant mediation to help participants retain housing
• Work alongside Program Manager and the Continuum of Care through the Coordinated Entry System to communicate about available units and participate in case conferences with the goal of identifying new participants
• Other related duties from time to time, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred:
• Experience working with young adults, especially those those who have been in the foster system, juvenile justice system, and those who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity
• Trained in approaches such as Trauma Informed Care, Harm Reduction and Motivational Interviewing, trained in cultural competency and in working with a neurodiverse population
• Substance Use Disorder counseling training
• Spanish speaking
• Must demonstrate excellent communication skills (verbal and written), resourcefulness,
• sound judgment, and the ability to work in a fast paced, challenging environment.
• Intermediate computer skills for effectively utilizing online documentation database
• Must be creative and committed to exploring new opportunities to support each participant
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills to work successfully with a variety of individuals
• Must be an independent self-starter, while being a strong team player
• Exercises healthy boundaries
• Practices and models self care

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is located in-office and requires some travel to support participants with various needs. Some events or projects may require an occasional night or weekend.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Our benefits package includes competitive compensation ranging from $55,000 - $75,000, 401k option without employer match, employer sponsored wellness and outdoor activities (yoga, meditation, hiking, etc), a healthcare and cell phone stipend, 12 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation time, and 5 paid sick days. Per Mesa’s 501c3 status, employees may also participate in the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness program for student loan forgiveness.

PREFERRED START DATE

Early to Mid-May in order to assist with the referral process for the young adults who will live on site and provide sufficient time for onboarding and training prior to the first cohort moving on-site in summer 2024.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Feel like a good fit? Please submit a cover letter and resume to dan.parziale@mesafarm.org using the subject line “Case Manager application”.

About Mesa

Founded in 2020, Mesa is a nonprofit committed to preventing homelessness among Ventura County young adults ages 18-24. Through the provision of transitional housing and trauma-informed supportive services, Mesa supports each participant’s overall health, academic achievement, vocational skills, relationship building, and community engagement with the goal that they are permanently housed within 24 months and prepared to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Mesa will welcome its first participants in June 2024 and be fully occupied with 12 young adults by the end of summer.

Mesa is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. Mesa is eager to include people with lived experience in all areas of our program. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ persons, and persons from other historically marginalized groups to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Adults

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Ojai, CA 93023: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person