Crisis Stabilization Case Manager

Job Description

SAWC Crisis Stabilization Case Manager Position Description

Crisis Stabilization Case Manager Job Description

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Profile:

The Crisis Stabilization Case Manager is responsible for coordinating and conducting outreach with Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) to accept referrals to SAWC's Housing Crisis Stabilization (HCS) 7-bed shelter program. Once admitted, they engage with clients, create individual service plans, provide referrals, and provide housing-readiness case management. They also provide referrals for basic needs and identify safe, affordable housing as soon as possible, following the "Housing First" model. They work extensively with community resources and act as representatives of SAWC while liaising with several other agencies, including WCCMH case management and SAWC's Mental Health Coordinator. SAWC is seeking a candidate who is familiar with individuals accessing mental health services and/or substance use services, and/or is interested in working with vulnerable populations. The position is scheduled during business hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend and holiday work as needed.

The Crisis Stabilization Case Manager position may be temporary for at least 2 years. The position is funded through the WCCMH Millage Fund until 2028. If funding contracts are renewed, the position will sustain as funding allows.

The position is salaried and exempt. The base annual salary is $48,960. This role is represented by our Union, the Delonis Workers United of Ypsilanti, an Industrial Workers of the World chapter. Please note SAWC greatly values lived experiences and considers them during the hiring process.

We are a dynamic work environment that inspires hope in those we serve. Our building is open for operations 24/7; this role can work a majority of a daytime schedule but will require flexibility for early mornings or evenings to better engage with clients on your caseload.

General Responsibilities:

• Assist where necessary with the orderly running of the Delonis Center.
• Manage assigned caseload of active cases of clients not primarily served in our residential program
• Transport clients as needed. A personal vehicle is likely needed; a company vehicle can be used if available.
• Meet with clients in the community, as needed.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date client records and ensure compliance with funding guidelines through real-time data entries in the HMIS system.
• Support other case managers, as needed.
• Work weekends and evenings during winter months and holidays, as assigned.
• Perform other assignments as directed by supervisor.
• Have a thorough understanding of and utilize community resources, as appropriate to client needs.

Case Manager Responsibilities:

• Review and process referrals from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) for the 7-bed Housing Crisis Stabilization (HCS) program with SAWC's Mental Health Coordinator
• Orient admitted HCS clients into the program
• Create an Individual Service Plan (ISP) with the HCS client for goals to stabilize mental health and find newer coping strategies
• Create a detailed housing plan to obtain supportive and/or permanent housing
• Attend monthly Care Coordination meetings for case review with WCCMH case managers/partners
• Ensure HCS clients are following ISP, being medication compliant, and attending medication reviews and meetings with their mental health provider
• Be on call to respond to WCCMH referrals until 9 pm, Monday- Friday and additional crises for the clients
• Seek additional activities to promote HCS client engagement into the community
• Support HCS clients in connecting with peer support
• Responsible for striving to meet the following program outcomes:
• 60% referral acceptance rate
• 30 individuals experiencing crisis served within the per project year (estimated average length of stay of 50 days)
• 100% of individuals receive care coordination and an individualized service plan (ISP) created in collaboration with County and additional community partners
• 60% of individuals served discharge to stable housing
• 90% of individuals linked to benefits and supports outlined in their ISP

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree, professional certification, or alternative equivalent experience. Related experience preferred. Knowledge of mental health and/or experience is recommended for this profession. Knowledge of housing, mental health, chemical dependency, and poverty issues helpful. Experience in social work, social services, or human services helpful as well.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Exhibit a commitment to diversity and issues related to poverty.
• Be culturally competent, including working with those who have serious mental illnesses, who are suffering from chemical dependency, or who have varying gender identifications or sexual preferences.
• Have the ability to multitask.
• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and use of the Internet in locating resources.
• Have reliable transportation.

Additionally, the person who fills this position must be:

• Have familiarity with issues related to homelessness
• Have familiarity with community resources
• Have good engagement skills
• Utilize good judgment
• Be both assertive and welcoming
• Have the ability to de-escalate conflict and manage crises
• Have the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations, and the primacy of client needs
• Have a commitment to economic justice, civil and human rights issues
• Be mature in nature and professional in action
• Be reliable and willing to work required shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits Information:

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County offers a strong benefits package that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance with very low deductibles; 403(b) retirement matching; a flexible spending account; generous paid time off; disability & life insurance; and a flexible schedule.

EEOC Statement:

Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of homelessness. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, height, weight, disability, age, or veteran status.