Service Coordinator I / Case Manager -- VASH Program
SUMMARY: In 1992 the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) established the HUD/VA Supportive Housing (HUD/VASH) Program. The program is a collaborative effort, supported through HUD Section 8 rental assistance vouchers and VA's provision of intensive case management services. The primary goal of HUD/VASH is to move veterans and their families out of chronic homelessness. The primary component of the program is case management services, designed to improve veteran's health and mental health, enhancing their ability to remain stable, housed and community-integrated. Step Up contracts with the VA to deliverintensive case management services, by utilizing multidisciplinary teams, to Veterans within LA County experiencing chronic homelessness.
DUTIES: The following reflects essential functions for this job but does not restrict other tasks, which may be assigned:
Leadership, Administration, Oversight
- Establish collaborative relationships with services providers inside and outside of the VA to ensure Veteran’s continuity of care with wrap-around services.
- Advocate on behalf of the Veteran to assist in the delivery of needed services.
- Attend daily/weekly meetings, supervision and case conferences as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
Direct Service and Support
- Arrange, coordinate and provide direct clinical case management and support to a caseload of 25 Veterans experiencing homelessness.
- Assist the Veteran in navigating the Housing Authority voucher process and provide support, along with the Housing Locator, to obtain permanent supportive housing.
- 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 a variety of services that may include health care, benefits, vocational assistance, education, recreation and any other needs.
- Provide direct mental health and substance abuse counseling using the Harm Reduction Model, within their scope of practice, or refer to another provider.
- Provide crisis management services.
Documentation and Data Collection
- Actively involve the Veteran in the development of an interdisciplinary treatment plan.
- Update Clinical Reminders and other important documentation as needed in the CPRS system and in compliance with VA requirements.
- Maintain clear and timely charts in the CPRS system of contact with the Veteran and other providers.
SKILLS: Knowledge of or experience with DSM diagnoses, assessment of level of functioning, EBP’s such as Motivational interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, DBT, Harm Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, PTSD, etc. Ability to work collaboratively with others and on a team. Takes initiative and has a solution focused practice. Uses good time management skills and resources to balance case load direct service and paperwork.
QUALIFICATIONS: QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience): Case Managers with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) from an accredited institution in the social sciences or family therapy, and at least five (5) years of demonstrated case management experience with high needs/high intensity of service populations. If Case Managers possess a master’s degree in the social sciences, only one (1) year of case management experience is required. Substance Recovery Certification may be required. Candidate must have own transportation and current California driver’s license and insurance. Position requires occasional driving and transporting.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Work with people experiencing homelessness whether on the streets, in shelters or other places of habitation or services, may present inherent challenges and difficulties such as: exposure to bed bugs or other infestations, unpleasant smells or odors, individuals who may have poor hygiene or unclean homes due to homelessness, mental health symptoms, or poverty. Additionally, in working with our members, employees may encounter instances of profanity, sexually explicit or derogatory language, or verbal or physical expressions of anger and trauma. Very rarely do these situations ever escalate to physical contact, and negative or derogatory communication patterns can often be negotiated successfully. All direct care staff are provided adequate training to develop skills to deescalate crisis situations that may arise and Step Up has established procedural safeguards for all employees to mitigate (but not eliminate) these inherent risks of employment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Keyboard data entry required.
Step Up utilizes the principles of trauma-informed care and mental health recovery. These principles inform our Core Values of Hope, Wellness, Voice and Choice, Respect, and Collaborative Relationships. As representatives of Step Up, employees agree to adhere to these values in their interactions with members, colleagues, supervisors, and associated community members.
STEP UP CORE VALUES
HOPE – We believe all people have the capacity for positive growth and change. We use hope to inspire and motivate ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.
WELLNESS – We believe in promoting a culture that supports healthy and fulfilling lives. We use a supportive environment to foster well-being for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.
VOICE AND CHOICE – We believe in the right to choose and be heard. We use voice and choice to create meaningful outcomes and empowerment for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.
RESPECT – We believe in promoting interactions that are non-judgmental, transparent. We use respect to guide all of our words and actions with ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.
COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS – We believe in forming partnerships to share resources, knowledge, and experiences. We use collaborative relationships to strengthen accomplishments for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.
STEP UP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $53,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
Experience:
- Working with Homeless Population: 1 year (Required)
- Case management: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Los Angeles, CA 90038: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person