STEP Case Manager

About the role

The STEP Case Manager supports Transitional-Aged Youth (TAY) clients in our Short-Term Emergency Placement Program (STEP) shelter (90 days) who are actively experiencing homelessness. The Case Manager develops case plans with clients that may include document readiness, service referrals, advocacy, education or employment readiness, substance abuse recovery, other housing referrals and mental health support.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management for transitional-aged youth clients who are actively experiencing homelessness.
• Support clients with crisis intervention, resource navigation, advocacy, mental health and housing support.
• Support program implementation, documentation, and compliance.
• Case Management: Complete client intakes to assess client needs and program eligibility. Provide ongoing intensive case management in collaboration with outside agencies to secure wrap around services for an ongoing client caseload of up to 14 active clients and around 20 aftercare clients. Develop 90-day case plans for clients to meet immediate and longer-term needs; work with each client to achieve document readiness for housing programs, develop safety plans; develop short and long-term goals with clients, including a safe and stable housing plan. Work with clients on behavioral contracts when needed, to work toward successful exits. Maintain precise and accurate documentation of client goals and needs, case management services delivered, including maintaining client files and service entries in the Center’s client database and HMIS.
• Client Advocacy and Support Services: Assist clients who are in crisis with safety planning and building healthy coping skills. Assist clients in overcoming barriers to achieving case goals in the areas of housing, transportation, employment, education, mental health, sexual health, healthcare, food and basic needs. Establish and strengthen relationships with community referral partners to more effectively navigate available resources and advocate on behalf of clients to assist them in progressing toward their individualized goals. Assist in other housing services like serving meals, facilitating bi-weekly house meetings, workshops, and other shelter-related duties.
• Support Program Implementation, Documentation, and Compliance: Accurately and completely record client profile information, all services provided to clients, and client progress/successes in the client data systems daily per agency guidelines. Collaborate with and contribute to building a robust referral database and standard operating procedures to assist clients in accessing LGBTQ+ culturally affirming housing, medical and mental health service providers, legal aid, crime victim services, subsidized health insurance coverage, public assistance programs, government issued identification, and LGBTQ+ affirming business and professional services, faith communities, sports leagues, social and activist groups, and arts and cultural organizations, amongst others. Develop relationships with service providers to ensure the Center’s community resource information is accurate, relevant, affirming, and accessible. Coordinate meetings, activities, and workshops relevant to the program.
• General Duties: Function as an essential member of the Programs Team and Housing Department. Staff and support Housing, Center, and collaborative partner events. Support Housing team with coverage when needed. Participate in staff meetings, planning meetings, committee meetings, and other external collaborative meetings as needed. Collaborate with programs, development, and operations staff, as well as external partners, to maximize the reach of Center programs and advocacy efforts. Stay actively informed about Center and community resources and assist clients with resources and referrals. Maintain healthy boundaries with community members who are experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, sexual/physical assault, bullying, mental health crisis, and other vulnerabilities. Handle a variety of special projects and other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and experience

• Knowledge and understanding of the issues, needs, and interests of LGBTQIA2S+ youth, including a thorough understanding of the intersections of race, national origin, and the spectrum of gender and sexual identities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, immigration status, and physical abilities in an intersectional environment.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and client-centered philosophy and a commitment to maintain strict confidentiality with client and organizational information.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Requirements

• Passion for the Center’s mission and work to create a region where LGBTQ people thrive and a commitment to follow all policies and procedures of the organization.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in social services field; 4 years of youth-focused case management experience may be substituted for formal education.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience working directly with youth from diverse communities is required. Experience with trauma-informed interventions and working with clients who have experienced trauma is preferred.
• Proficiency in English is required; Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is preferred.
• Computer/Office Equipment Skills: Proficiency working with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Teams. Database systems, and social media tools.
• Access to reliable automobile transportation with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required. This position may transport clients in their vehicle for appointments and case management related goals.