Emergency Housing Case Manager

JOB TITLE: Emergency Housing Case Manager (Shelter Case Manager)

REPORTS TO: Emergency Housing Supervisor

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt

CELL PHONE: Reimbursement

DRIVER POSITION: Yes; please reference driving policy

SALARY RANGE: $21-$22/hr DOE

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting homelessness and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of wraparound services includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, counseling, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of nearly 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Emergency Housing Case Manager is responsible for engaging and supporting youth residing at the PodShare Emergency Housing site, and enrolling youth in need of immediate shelter. The Emergency Housing Case Manager will provide onsite support with basic needs, connecting youth to health, mental health, employment and housing resources, and coordinating with youth housing and service providers to ensure that youth are working towards a permanent housing plan. The Emergency Housing Case Manager will provide intensive case management services including, but not limited to the following: screening/assessments, intakes, crisis intervention, developing and promoting housing readiness, accessing opportunities for housing assistance and rental subsidy programs, and securing permanent housing placement. The position is also responsible for the development and implementation of a housing plan and budget for each program member. This position requires extensive coordination within multiple internal SPY Programs and external systems that include developing relationships with the Housing Authority, DCFS, DMH, community partners and resources, landlords, and property owners and managers.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Process incoming referrals and screen for eligibility and manage referrals waitlist
• Coordinate and assist with youth move-ins, and exit and sustainability planning
• Complete intake and other program documentation requirements, ensuring that charts meet quality assurance standards
• Utilize culturally-relevant active listening and motivational interviewing skills with participants to identify possible supports in their network
• Ensure that youth receive a Next Step Tool assessment
• Work with youth on creating a housing and service plan and provide intensive case management services to support youth
• Meet with youth on a weekly basis to ensure they are progressing towards their plan goals
• Connect youth resources to address their basic, physical, economic and psychosocial needs and follow-up to ensure the participant successfully accesses and initially retains housing
• Provide housing navigation, as needed, to connect youth to housing resources
• Ensure health and safety of youth including crisis intervention, risk assessment and safety planning
• Ensure services are documented (e.g. face to face, phone and collateral contacts) in all relevant databases in a timely and thorough manner
• Work with participants on budgeting,, connecting to benefits, employment and determining what level of assistance is necessary to be stably housed
• Participate in trainings, meetings, and technical assistance such as learning collaboratives
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization

Requirements

SKILLS YOU’LL NEED:

• Ability to effectively engage and support youth at-risk or experiencing homelessness
• Strong ability to identify youth’s individual needs and appropriate resources
• Knowledge of best practice models including: Housing First, Positive Youth Development, Authentic Youth Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Critical Time Intervention, preferred
• Self-Starter skill set, requiring the ability to develop relationships, build rapport and trust with youth, community partners, volunteers, and staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including organizational, detail and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diversebackgrounds, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities in a multicultural environment.
• Strong collaborator
• Understanding of factors contributing to youth homelessness, including DCFS and Juvenile Justice involvement
• Strong understanding of LA County foster care and juvenile justice systems, including foster care placement options, participant rights and eligibility, and discharge planning processes preferred
• Must have valid CA Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and an acceptable driving record

BACKGROUND YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 year case management or related experience working with unhoused and at-risk youth, preferred
• Knowledge and experience working with LA-based housing resources, partners, and programs, programs

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.
• Driving between SPY sites or to locations out in the community
• Field work, as needed

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: In an effort to stem the significant increase in COVID-19 positive tests as a result of the Delta variant, the State Health Officer has issued an order, which went into effect on August 9, 2021, requiring paid and unpaid workers of homeless services organizations to provide proof of vaccination and/or booster (if eligible for the booster shot) or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing if still not fully vaccinated. Please send proof of vaccination to HR. Failure to provide proof of vaccination will require the candidate to produce a negative test result within 72 hours of their first day of employment and commit to weekly testing. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, contact HR at HR. Please be mindful that these accommodations are limited in nature.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: One location