CERF Outreach Case Manager

Position Summary

The CERF Outreach Case Manager provides street-based outreach and intensive case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness residing in identified vehicle encampments throughout Santa Barbara County. We are hiring three (3) Outreach Case Managers for the City of Santa Barbara, two (2) for the County of Santa Barbara, all based out of our Santa Barbara location, and two (2) for Mid/North County, based out of our Lompoc and Santa Maria offices. These positions are full-time, 40 Non-Exempt, and support the Vehicle Encampment Resolution Project, which works to resolve vehicle encampments countywide through coordinated outreach, engagement, assessment, and service linkage.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct street-based outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in vehicle encampments.
• Perform comprehensive screening and needs assessments in the field.
• Provide ongoing case management with the goal of connecting participants to long-term supportive services and housing.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise individualized case plans.
• Absorb clients with benefits establishment and entitlement applications.
• Absorb clients in obtaining personal identification and required documentation.
• Provide linkages to community-based services, including but not limited to healthcare, substance use treatment, mental health services, legal assistance, education, employment services, entitlement benefits, and housing waitlists.
• Provide transportation and accompany clients to appointments as needed to ensure access to services, advocacy, and follow-through.
• Make emergency referrals for crisis housing, extreme weather response, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and mental health crises.
• Collaborate with community providers, funders, law enforcement, and city and county agencies to support coordinated service delivery.
• Participate in cross-agency, multidisciplinary teams focused on engaging individuals who are difficult to serve.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with agency policies, funder requirements, and audit standards.
• Participate in audit preparation and data retrieval as required.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, trainings, and community meetings.
• Exercise sound judgment when handling confidential information and releasing information within authorized limits.
• Adapt to changing conditions, priorities, and client needs in a dynamic field-based environment.
• Maintain ethical standards related to confidentiality, professional boundaries, and dual relationships.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of issues faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and other marginalized populations.
• Ability to engage individuals using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approaches.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with competing priorities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to organize work, meet deadlines, and maintain detailed documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and email; ability to learn case management and data systems.
• Ability to safely drive a vehicle and travel throughout Santa Barbara County.
• Availability to work evenings and irregular hours as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Valid California Class C Driver’s License at time of appointment.
• Access to reliable transportation with required liability insurance for job-related travel.
• Experience in a social services setting with working knowledge of case management systems and planning techniques.
• Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, entitlements, and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Experience working with homeless individuals and families is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders is highly desirable.
• Bilingual Spanish language skills preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check and meet insurance carrier driving requirements.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Frequent fieldwork in outdoor environments, including vehicle encampments.
• Ability to observe client behavior, recognize changes, and respond appropriately.
• Ability to work irregular hours, evenings, and weekends as program needs require.

Application Process

To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to hr@sbnbcc.org. If we feel you are a good match for the position, we will contact you to schedule an interview.

Additional Information

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ancestry; national origin; religion/creed; sex/sexual orientation; gender; gender identity/expression, transition; political affiliation or beliefs; disability, medical condition, generic information, marital status; military/veteran status; pregnancy and conditions related thereto; or any other characteristic protected by law (as defined by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act — Government Code Section 12900-12996), except where such discrimination is based on a bona fide occupational qualification. Position begins immediately. Starting salary is $23 – $28 per hour, with medical and dental benefits provided, 403 (b) contribution and matching, and generous paid time off.