Case Manager II - Outreach & Engagement (Vehicular Homeless Outreach Program)

Company Description

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs.  The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.  St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, and education services are carried out at four sites on the Westside of Los Angeles.  St. Joseph Center’s integrated programs provide clients with concentrated and coordinated access to services according to the nature of their needs.

Job Description

The Vehicular Homelessness Outreach Program (VHOP) seeks to engage with persons living in recreational vehicles (RVs) and automobiles with the goal of moving them off the streets and into permanent housing. The Case Manager works as a team member ensuring the delivery of quality care in accordance with the rules and regulations established as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center (SJC).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Case Manager II’s key areas of responsibility include: 

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Coordinate with relevant SJC departments as well as community partners HOPICS, PATH, LAHSA’s Emergency Response Team, and Supervisorial District 2 (SD2) staff to provide holistic and coordinated outreach and support to the vehicular homeless residing in SD2.
• Develop and maintain strong ties to the community, law enforcement, the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and other homeless service providers to support the programmatic goals of VHOP.
• Organize and participate in case conferencing meetings with VHOP team to assist in developing case plans and help prioritize workloads.
• Provide programmatic reporting and periodic updates to SJC and SD2 senior staff. Collect and analyze outcome data and help develop evidence-based strategies.
• Lead Quadrant team members in outreach service areas and special events.
• Coordinate daily quadrant outreach schedules.

Essential Duties:

• Carry out outreach and navigation support to persons living in vehicles including surveying vehicular homeless clients utilizing the Vulnerability Index (VI) SPDAT to identify and prioritize this group for permanent housing according to their acuity and needs.
• Provide case management and develop an individualized housing plan that addresses housing, health, mental health, and independent living goals.
• Provide linkages to residential and outpatient services for mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment.
• Work with eligible individuals to secure permanent housing with the use of short-term rental assistance and services so they can transition to full housing stability.
• Provide life skills sessions on budgeting and increasing income.
• Provide bus passes, taxi vouchers, and/or direct transportation to clients, as needed.
• Provide benefits advocacy and assistance with enrollment.
• Assist clients in completing the required paperwork, obtaining certification, searching for, and identifying appropriate housing, negotiating with landlords, and assisting with the move-in process.
• Conduct home visits and linkages to needed community-based supportive services.
• Plan and assist with RV Disposal.
• Participate in hiring process of candidates and assist with onboarding new hires.
• Lead Quadrant specific activities, community partnerships, and report on specific area outcomes.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter and the ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff. Must have excellent organizational skills and the capability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have a strong knowledge of homeless services and resources and demonstrated knowledge and experience with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First methods.
• Strong leadership and organi