Case Manager Specialist (Special Program Manager I)

About the Role

This is a full-time, permanent Case Manager Specialist (Special Program Manager I) position within the Department of Social Services. The role involves administrative and managerial work coordinating or assisting in the management of specialized agency programs such as housing, nutrition, transportation services, community-based in-home care, substance abuse services, community services to guardianship clients, advocacy programs, and other specialized services for senior citizens, disabled adults, and other client populations.

The Case Manager Specialist will provide outreach and engagement case management services, including identification of chronically homeless individuals, assessment, service planning, referrals for substance use/health/mental health care, and housing placement for targeted clients living on the streets of Anne Arundel County as part of a team. The role requires close collaboration with the Coordinated Entry System to match chronically homeless individuals with needed services and housing pathways.

This position involves 50% field work (community outreach in diverse settings such as residences, streets, and encampments, requiring extended walking, standing, and bending) and 50% office work (sedentary administrative duties in a standard office environment).

Responsibilities

• Actively manage an assigned caseload of formally homeless individuals and families receiving a housing subsidy, with the goal of maintaining housing and preventing returns to homelessness. This includes assisting with annual recertifications and applying for related benefits and services needed to retain housing and empower clients toward greater self-sufficiency.
• Provide high-quality, culturally sensitive, client-centered, intensive housing- and life-safety-focused case management utilizing evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction.
• Create and maintain case management notes, client charts, daily statistics, HMIS daily work, and detailed daily summaries according to policy and department goals.
• Assess clients on vulnerability, substance use issues, mental health symptoms, legal issues, health care, employment and income, independent living skills, and community engagement to guide the frequency and type of case management intervention.
• Provide advocacy services with community agencies and other resources to support each client’s personal growth, enhanced independence, and access to housing and external services.
• Demonstrate initiative in exploring existing and potential resources through the development of positive working relationships with service providers in the Anne Arundel County community.
• Supervise 2-4 housing case managers working in the Community Programs Division.
• Maintain accurate written records and documentation in accordance with program standards, including individualized plans, guest charts, incident reports, detailed case notes, and referrals.
• Maintain HMIS records in a timely and accurate fashion and contribute to Annual Progress Reporting when needed.
• Participate in Outreach team events and activities, contributing positively to daily huddles, case conferences, and collaborations with third parties.
• Lead or participate in team meetings and by-name list meetings with providers and third parties.
• Perform related duties as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in health, human and social services, or a related field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in the management of human services-related programs, including six (6) months of supervisory experience.
• Valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Note: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in health, human and social services, or a related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis with up to four (4) years of experience in the management of human services-related programs, for a total of six (6) or more years of experience including six (6) months of supervisory experience, and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Note: For a University or College outside the United States, the applicant must provide documentation of accreditation and educational equivalency, which can be accomplished through a credential evaluation service. Applicants with a foreign degree must provide this documentation upon the close of the announcement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals experiencing untreated mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders.
• Experience engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness across diverse settings and environmental conditions.
• Work experience in a government environment.

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of the methods and procedures of program development, implementation, and promotion.
• Knowledge of the program areas related to the department/agency to which the position is assigned.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the specialized program area.
• Knowledge of the client population’s psychological, physical, social, emotional, and health needs.
• Skill in assessing client and program needs.
• Skill in problem-solving.
• Skill in the use of computers and automated office technology.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate the work of others.
• Ability to deal tactfully, effectively, and equitably with people.
• Ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office.