Intern Case Manager - PT Temporary

STGi is currently seeking an Intern Case Manager to support the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD/VASH). This is a temporary, hybrid position with travel up to 80% as assigned.

About the role

In partnership with California State University, Long Beach School of Social Work, this internship provides a Masters’ of Social Work student the opportunity to engage in supervised activities and gain practice experience applying theory and skills acquired in all foundation areas of the program. Internships begin in early September and run through mid-May, requiring a commitment of 16 hours per week (2 days per week). Interns will be supervised directly by an STGi HUD/VASH LCSW Clinical Supervisor and will shadow current Lead Case Managers—no independent caseload will be assigned.

Responsibilities

• Arrange, coordinate, and provide direct clinical case management and support to Veterans experiencing homelessness.
• Assist Veterans in navigating the Housing Authority voucher process and support them, along with the Housing Locator, to obtain permanent supportive housing.
• Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments to collect functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information to develop a case plan.
• Provide education regarding community living and basic life skills (money management, shopping, safety, basic cleanliness, and nutrition).
• Provide referrals and linkage to VA medical facilities, VA Regional Offices, and community-based agencies for services including health care, benefits, vocational assistance, education, recreation, and other needs.
• Provide direct mental health and substance abuse counseling using the Harm Reduction Model, within scope of practice, or refer to another provider.
• Provide crisis management services as needed.
• Establish collaborative relationships with service providers inside and outside the VA to ensure Veterans’ continuity of care with wrap-around services.
• Develop, perform, and assist with workshops pertaining to program services that meet client needs.
• Provide and assist at outreach events.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in the California State University, Long Beach School of Social Work Masters’ Degree Program.
• Must complete a minimum of one hour of individual supervision with their LCSW STGi Supervisor weekly.
• Must commit availability for the entire internship period (early September through mid-May) and the required hours of placement.
• Must complete comprehensive orientation with STGi and to the services provided.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Must have a current California driver’s license and insurance for regular driving and transport.

Skills

• Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflict, including dealing with uncooperative clients.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and in a team.
• Good time management skills and resources to balance direct service and paperwork.
• Excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Possible exposure to inclement weather during visits with Veterans in their community.
• Work with people experiencing homelessness—whether on the streets, in shelters, or other places of habitation or services—may present inherent challenges such as exposure to bed bugs or other infestations, unpleasant smells or odors, individuals who may have poor hygiene, mental health symptoms, or unclean homes due to homelessness, poverty, or trauma.
• May encounter instances of profanity, sexually explicit or derogatory language, or verbal or physical expressions of anger and trauma. While these situations rarely escalate to physical contact, negative communication patterns can often be negotiated successfully.
• All direct care staff receive training to develop skills to deescalate crisis situations, and STGi has established procedural safeguards to mitigate (but not eliminate) these inherent risks of employment.
• Travel up to 80% to conduct visits with Veterans.

Pay

$25/hour