ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provide high quality support and develop positive relationships with residents and off-site clients through effective utilization of the Covenant House California case management system; which includes:

Conducting Initial Intake:

• Welcome youth to the program;

• Review initial intake documentation completed by receiving party

Completing a Full Intake Assessment:

• Review and complete the Intake/Assessment within 3-7 days and support the young person in identifying and accessing relevant resources.

Developing, Implementing, and Managing an Individual Service Plan (ISP):

• Success Plan (Housing Plan): Developed within 30 days of intake and update every 30 days thereafter in both HMIS and ETO systems.

• Wellness Survey: Complete every 30 days.

• Conduct regular home visits by driving to meet youth at their residences as required to provide case management support and ensure ongoing engagement - monthly for offsite, and weekly for onsite.

• Maintain a calendar of the youth’s work schedule, appointments, etc., in conjunction with the case plan;

• Develop and maintain knowledge of and connection to community resources;

• Make appropriate referrals for services within CHC and to community agencies;

• Engage in positive transition planning with the youth.

Developing, Implementing, and Managing a Transition Plan:

• Directly help the identified youth by supporting them in locating and visiting housing options, filling out housing applications, conducting housing habitability standards evaluation and complete required documentation;

• Providing mediation with landlords and neighbors;

• Providing written information about landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities;

• Reviewing and understanding the requirements of the lease;

• Obtaining, interpreting, and correcting (as needed) rental and credit history;

• Developing a household budget and reducing expenses to the extent possible; reducing or re-negotiating debt and/or obtaining other consumer credit counseling assistance;

• Providing information and referral to employment and free or reduced-cost goods and services.

• Partner with community and partnerships to negotiate and support payment of security deposits, utility assistance, rental assistance, furniture needs, and other housing costs as appropriate to the situation.

Maintain Timely, Accurate, and High-Quality Documentation:

• Monitor and document regular progress of youth’s case plan and maintain case management files for all youth (HMIS and ETO) assigned to his/her case load.

• Case Notes: Document case notes in the system at least once per week to reflect services provided and participant progress.

• Monitor program outputs and ensure that program outcomes are met and that there is complete documentation specific to external grants as required.

• Document pertinent information in Critical Incident Reports, Wellness Surveys, engagement touchpoints, Follow-Up forms, etc., as necessary.

Attend Department Case Review Meetings:

• Prepare and present assigned cases at case review meetings.

• Participate in weekly one-on-one check-ins and case management meetings with your immediate supervisor to receive guidance, support, and accountability.

Group Facilitation:

• Facilitate or support group activities with youth on a regular basis.

• Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the living environment

• Providing crisis intervention, as necessary.

• Providing back up support and coverage for other direct care positions (e.g. Residential Services, Support Center, etc.)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: A Masters degree in a behavioral science from an accredited graduated school as defined in Section 94302 of the Education, or a graduate program approved by the California Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education Bureau.

EXPERIENCE: Experience in a public or private child welfare social services setting, and/or specific experience working with transition age youth who are 16 to 24 years of age preferred. Experience with youth experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or system involvement. Previous experience with Title 22 regulations a bonus. Demonstrated leadership and program development experience are preferred.

At least one year of administrative experience or supervisory experience over social work, childcare, or support staff providing direct services to children in an agency or in a community care facility with a licensed capacity of six or more OR at least two years of employment as a social worker, in an agency serving children or in a group residential program for children in an agency or in a community care facility with a licensed capacity of six or more.

KNOWLEDGE: Working knowledge of Housing First model, Trauma Informed Care, principles of harm reduction and positive youth development. Knowledge of adolescent development, case management, crisis intervention, and community resources. Awareness and sensitivity to the needs of youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking.

SKILLS: Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work collaboratively with other staff. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively in public to effectively represent CHC in the community. Must be able to work independently as well as part of the interdisciplinary team. Ability to accurately and professionally represent CHC in the community by building relationships and communicating effectively verbally and in writing with young people, property owners/managers, vendors, partners, community members, and the general public. Communication with (and about) young people must reflect a “strength based” and “trauma informed” approach. Must have good organizational skills and time management. Strong computer skills and knowledge including word processing, spreadsheets, email, calendar, and ability to utilize database operations for data entry, reporting, and research. Bi-lingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

TRANSPORTATION: Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, reliable and efficient transportation, and a good driving record. Meeting clients for off-site appointments utilizing personal vehicle and/or providing transportation to residents and staff via company vehicles may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Facility consists of both general business office environments and communal residential shelter environments. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on occasion. Must be able to bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time; and to navigate stairs on a daily basis. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work occasionally in outside weather conditions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

SCHEDULE: Full-time 40 hours per week. Some evening, weekend, and/or holiday work may be required.