Case Management Specialist (5370)

This is a temporary position with an estimated duration of approximately 90 days.

This position is responsible for: The PSH and RRH Case Manager provides comprehensive, client-centered case management to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and participating in either Permanent Supportive Housing or Rapid Re-Housing programs. Operating within a Housing First, trauma-informed framework, the Case Manager supports clients in securing and maintaining stable housing, achieving self-sufficiency, and improving overall quality of life; assists client in creating a Housing Stability Plan; and serves as advocate for client in order to acquire services that will enable them to functionally cope with their environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works within a Peer Support model where Case Managers work both independently and in teams when needed; Team is lead based upon the same principle where the Director of Social Services is the direct supervisor to the Case Managers, grant monitoring, and landlord relations / acquisition. The Director of Social Services oversees the program with a focus on methodology, philosophy, and Case Management services.
• Communicates with Director re: potential candidates for Rapid Re-Housing Program(s) and Permanent Supportive Housing Programs. Interviews applicants to determine eligibility for program enrollment based on HUD and County (ESG) requirements; conducts needs assessments, obtains pertinent information; refers applicants to other agencies to work in conjunction with or if not appropriate for program.
• Establishes unique, comprehensive, long-term program goals (three months or more) for eligible clients based on personality, decision-making abilities, mental capabilities, addiction history, family involvement, work history, strengths, and length of time of the particular program, etc.; explains goals to client in a manner that is easily understood; consistently counsels client on ways to grow in skills that will lead to long-term self-sufficiency such as budgeting. Goals should be client driven and developed with their input. Updates Housing Stability Plans at least every three months.
• Provides direct assistance in obtaining and maintaining self-sustaining sources of income, benefits, and other economic supports as well as professional resources that provide assistance in enhancing clients' psychosocial well-being.
• Meets regularly with clients to discuss and evaluate their progress with the Housing Stability Plan and to work on removing obstacles to self-sufficiency
• Prepared and maintains accurate and timely documentation in Clarity - the Homeless Information System - and internal databases, in accordance with HUD and agency requirements while ensuring data is up-to-date.
• Promotes self-awareness and provides appropriate encouragement.
• Helps clients apply for vouchers when eligible, and assists with Disability benefit applications and appeals of Disability denials.
• Conducts initial and annual assessments as needed and ensures new Releases of Information are signed in a timely manner.
• Assists clients with accessing supportive services such as medical/mental health care, substance use treatment, income supports, employment programs, and life skills training.
• Participates in case conferences, team meetings, supervisions, and Coordinated Entry Processes.
• Provides crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and de-escalation when necessary.
• Ensures services are culturally competent, trauma-informed, and grounded in harm reduction and Housing First principles.
• Completes and articulates discharge plans to clients exiting the program.
• Ensures all information and projections on the grant spreadsheets are up-to-date.
• Completes monthly stats in a timely manner ensuring accuracy.
• Provides impact stories or back-up information necessary to the Director of Social Services.
• Case Manager functions as the main contact for all partner agencies involved in relation to client needs, direction of services, and advocacy.
• Participates in initial client outreach when directed to include contacting other providers when client location is unknown.
• Expected to become familiar with the areas homelessness system, local / State / Federal laws and requirements pertaining to all areas of the program.
• Utilizes the HMIS sysstem as directed and/or required during the normal course of daily work.
• Performs Access Point Entry services for both clients in program and those within the Shelter system as directed when needed
• Acts as a liaison between landlords and tenants. Coordinates with landlords and property management staff to support housing retention and resolve tenancy-related issues including following-up with landlords and clients regarding rent portions. Continues to search for new landlords.
• Holds clients accountable to their rent portions and stays up-to-date regarding proof of income in the households.
• Works directly with clients to resolve legal issues.
• Prepares case presentations for the supervisor, attends team meetings, and weekly supervisions as directed.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in performing social service work for special or seasonal projects such as Angel Tree, Disaster Relief, etc.
• Performs other related work as required

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to meet attendance requirements.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to think clearly and quickly in order to maintain control of client caseload.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently work on multiple cases at the same time without becoming frustrated or disorganized.
• Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) 5-10% of work time.
• Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.
• Work is primarily performed in the community or client's home. This position is considered mobile in nature with some office time as needed.

Employee Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Savings Plan Available
• Supplemental Insurance Available

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Behavioral Science, or a related field AND
• Three years progressively responsible experience providing direct case management social services including accessing clients' needs and developing individual, comprehensive, long-term action plans for recovery utilizing a wide variety of resources OR
• any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid State Drivers License
• This position requires a level 2 background screening. For general information about the Florida Clearinghouse screening process, please visit:

B531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

Equal Opportunity Employer: Veterans | Disabled