Service Coordinator I Housing Specialist DHS ICMS

Service Coordinator I Housing Specialist DHS ICMS

REPORTS TO: DHS ICMS Program Manager

HOURS: 40

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY: The Housing Specialist Service Coordinator I is a field-based position that provides Housing Location services for homeless members participating in the Department of Health Services (DHS) Housing for Health (HFH) and Department of Mental Health (DMH) - Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS) Program. These members have been identified by the DHS/DMH and Coordinated Entry System (CES) and referred to Step Up ICMS Services for long-term financial assistance and supportive services. The Housing Specialist-SCI will work closely with the ICMS Service Coordinators to house members in this program (e.g., complete Housing Authority applications and submission, unit searches and unit identifications, housing inspections and recertifications, and relocation). This position in the future will transition into an ICMS Services Coordinator to provided ongoing supportive services and case management services.

DUTIES: Case Management Activities:

· Provide Outreach to referred homeless individuals from DHS/DMH and CES to ICMS Services to be screened for Housing Location Services to rapidly house families and individuals.

· Access all referrals for Housing Location Services to what geographic area members would like to live in.

· Will assist all unhoused members with Section 8 application process (HALCA, LACDA, etc.), Rental Assistance unit identification form (TBRA/Brilliant Corners), Recertifications and Relocation.

· Conduct warm hand-off to ICMS Service Coordinator once member moves into housing for ongoing supportive services and case management services.

· Other duties as assigned.

Housing Search, Location, and Placement:

· Housing Specialist- SCI will take the lead on housing search, unit identifications and location and lease up placement.

· Search for housing options aligned to the capacity and choices of the members and communicate program efforts to property managers to match potential program participants to appropriate housing options.

· Conduct HQS inspections to ensure the unit meets HUD quality standards.

· Complete RFTAs packet with property manager and member for completion and submit to appropriate Housing Authority.

· Coordinate lease signings with property managers and members and assist members with process.

· Process requests for associated application fee’s expenses and prep check request documents.

· Coordinate move-ins to include furniture and appliances, as well as member transport.

· Assist the ICMS SCI when a member has been approved to move and needs relocation services.

· Act as liaison between client, ICMS SCI and landlord for compliance with lease, eviction prevention, good neighbor behaviors, etc.

· Other duties as assigned.

Documentation and Data Collection:

· Ensure client files meet set audit standards with required documentation.

· Document services provided within 48 hours using G.I.R.P. format (Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan) with every client contact, housing searches, placements, etc. and other documents utilizing in prescribed record system. (CHAMP/CLARITY/HMIS, and/or hard copy files.)

· Verify and document client’s income. Complete rent payment schedule with client and provide utility allowance calculations to client. Complete rent calculations based on rent payment schedule.

· Track and report client outcomes in file and in HMIS. Ensure timely entry of data in HMIS.

· Ensure HMIS data is complete and accurate.

· Other duties as assigned.

General Requirement:

· Maintain professional boundaries and quality customer service.

· Participate in on-site and off-site training and meetings as directed. Attend internal and external case conferencing meetings as necessary to coordinate services. This includes but is not limited to meetings with internal departments, partner agencies, monthly housing team meetings, etc.

· Work collaboratively with other members of the Step Up team as needed to support and effectively perform their assigned job duties and contribute to the achievement of the program's goals and objectives of housing and income stability.

· Respond to all calls in a timely manner. Address emergency situations immediately and divert non-emergency calls to appropriate times.

· Other job duties as assigned.

· SKILLS: Knowledge of or experience with mainstream benefits and services, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, Harm Reduction, etc.

· Experienced in Housing Location Services and Landlord Engagement.

· Experienced with applications and vouchers with Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), Brilliant Corners – Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool (FHSP), and Rental Assistance.

· Ability to work collaboratively with others and in a team.

· Initiative and solution focused practice. Uses good time management skills and resources to balance case load direct service and paperwork.

· Works within skills and scope of practice asking for support and training to improve abilities when needed.

· Ability to work as a team member on the streets, in homeless facilities or with other homeless community providers such as police, churches and hospital ER’s.

· Ability to engage individuals on the streets in a meaningful manner which imbues trust.

· Understands and promotes safety first to self and team members.

· Demonstrates good judgement and ability to work independently. Ability to problem solve and use time management skills. Organizational skills are key.

QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of 1 years’ experience in providing housing location and landlord engagement services. Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with people who experience homelessness and or are diagnosed with a mental-illness or Social Work/Mental Health related Bachelor's degree and minimum of 1 years' experience working with people who experience homelessness and or are diagnosed with or mental-illness in a community or housed setting necessary. The ability to work as a part of a team is crucial. Knowledge of issues facing program members, (e.g., health, substance abuse, mental health, physical health, domestic abuse, child welfare, resources for undocumented person), excellent written and verbal communication skills, must be able to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry and documentation. Microsoft 365 Office is essential. Must have own transportation and current California driver's license and insurance with good driving record at all times during employment.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Work with people experiencing homelessness whether on the streets, in shelters or other places of habitation or services, may present inherent challenges and difficulties such as: exposure to bed bugs or other infestations, unpleasant smells or odors, individuals who may have poor hygiene or unclean homes due to homelessness, mental health symptoms, or poverty. Additionally, in working with our members, employees may encounter instances of profanity, sexually explicit or derogatory language, or verbal or physical expressions of anger and trauma. Very rarely do these situations ever escalate to physical contact, and negative or derogatory communication patterns can often be negotiated successfully. All direct care staff are provided adequate training to develop skills to deescalate crisis situations that may arise and Step Up has established procedural safeguards for all employees to mitigate (but not eliminate) these inherent risks of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Keyboard data entry required.

Step Up utilizes the principles of trauma-informed care and mental health recovery. These principles inform our Core Values of Hope, Wellness, Voice and Choice, Respect, and Collaborative Relationships. As representatives of Step Up, employees agree to adhere to these values in their interactions with members, colleagues, supervisors, and associated community members.

STEP UP CORE VALUES

HOPE – We believe all people have the capacity for positive growth and change. We use hope to inspire and motivate ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

WELLNESS – We believe in promoting a culture that supports healthy and fulfilling lives. We use a supportive environment to foster well-being for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

VOICE AND CHOICE – We believe in the right to choose and be heard. We use voice and choice to create meaningful outcomes and empowerment for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

RESPECT – We believe in promoting interactions that are non-judgmental, transparent. We use respect to guide all of our words and actions with ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS – We believe in forming partnerships to share resources, knowledge, and experiences. We use collaborative relationships to strengthen accomplishments for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

Step Up is committed to providing quality services that adhere to the highest ethical standards and principles. All Step Up employees agree to adhere to the ethical policies and codes of conduct, as outlined in the Employee Handbook and those specified for this grant.

Step Up provides equal employment opportunities without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, mental or physical disability, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

STEP UP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Preferred)
• Working with unhoused: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $47,000 - $52,000