Case Manager - Outpatient Care Services (SPA 5)

Company Description

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice and throughout Los Angeles County.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through 20+ programs in four pillars of service: Outreach and Engagement, Housing Services, Mental Health, and Education and Vocational Training.  St. Joseph Center serves more than 10,000 people each year. 

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, mental health, and housing assistance is offered through street outreach and 9 service sites throughout Los Angeles County. St. Joseph Center also provides on-site services at five permanent supportive housing developments, and will provide services at an additional six more sites in the coming year.  St. Joseph Center’s total holistic approach to services provide our clients with the help they need to regain their stability.

Job Description

The Case Manager position is a part of the Los Angeles County Dept. Of Mental Health (LAC-DMH) Recovery, Resilience, and Reintegration program. This LAC-DMH contracted position engages with other mental health professionals and paraprofessional staff to ensure the delivery of quality care in accordance to the rules and regulations established by LAC-DMH as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Case Manager’s key areas of responsibility include: 

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Utilize the harm reduction, housing first, and recovery models of treatment when working with clients who experience severe and persistent mental illness.   
• Link clients to appropriate bridge/interim housing programs and assist them in completing required paperwork in order to enroll and maintain them in permanent housing-related programs.
• Develop and maintain strong ties to the community, law enforcement, and other service providers who may interact with our clients.

Essential Duties:

• Provide case management and supportive services to meet the needs of each individual by implementing a LAC-DMH client treatment plan with goals to assist the client in their mental health recovery.
• Complete LAC-DMH Documentation while adhering to quality assurance standards and documentation deadlines     
• Build trust and rapport with clients.  Meeting clients where they are at, whether it be on the street or in their home.
• Proactively link clients to physical health, mental health, and other supportive services internally or externally.   
• Assist clients to enroll in mainstream benefits and obtain identification (i.e. California Driver’s License, Social Security Card).
• Maintain electronic records for each client.
• Provide bus tokens, bus passes, taxi vouchers, and/or direct transportation as needed. 
• Participate in case conferencing meetings and other community meetings.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other services providers or programs. 

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.  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.   
• Strong knowledge of homeless services and resources.  Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, Housing First, and the Recovery Model of mental health treatment.
• Strong knowledge, and experience with, providing supportive services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
• A bilingual background is a plus.
• The position requires an ability to work flexible hours including some early mornings and evenings.

Experience:

• Preferred – Two years’ experience providing services to highly vulnerable populations.

Education:

• Preferred – Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services or a related field.

Direct Reports:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Computer Skills: