WHO WE ARE: Established locally in 1911, Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN) is one of the region's largest providers of social services. Our professional staff operates more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job training. Every night VOA NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence, through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA is currently recruiting a full-time Case Manager for the El Dorado Navigation Center team in Placerville, CA. In partnership with El Dorado County, this 60-bed shelter provides a safe place for adults struggling with homelessness as well as case management and housing assistance, with the goal of moving our guests out of homelessness and into independent living. Full-time employees are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Case Manager is responsible for developing a case management plan to assist the shelter participants in developing a greater degree of self-reliance and independence. It will include linking participants to education, employment, budgeting strategies/money management, and addressing any bio, psycho, or social issues that may lead to homelessness, criminal behavior, or otherwise nonproductive lifestyles. The position will also assist clients with housing location and assist in reducing barriers so clients can meet the eligibility requirements of various housing programs within the community.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Provide records and services in compliance with program policies, regulations, and funding source requirements.
2. Maintain positive relationships with program participants, landlords, Volunteers of America staff, and all community service agencies.
3. Create and maintain case management files on each participant, including personal information, educational and job skills, short-term and long-term plans to become self-sufficient in all areas of their life, and documentation of participants’ progress and assistance in removing obstacles to set goals.
4. Assist clients with housing placement and housing stabilization.
5. Assess clients, assist them in meeting eligibility requirements, completing program applications, and facilitating program selection interviews.
6. Serve as program backup housing resources to provide alternative housing or program options as needed.
7. Document all follow-ups and placements.
8. Assist clients in obtaining or increasing income to become self-sufficient.
9. Provide crisis management as needed and mediate conflicts.
10. Complete all discharge paperwork in a timely fashion.
11. Complete budget and housing stabilization plans with participants.
12. Provide resource information and appropriate case planning specific to any participant with a physical or mental impairment.
13. Provide other documentation as required by funding sources and/or VOA.
14. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Shelter Director

B. Responsible for assistance with client development.

1. Liaison between clients and community service agencies to meet client needs.
2. Maintain a list of all available community services and providers.
3. Assure a safe, non-judgmental environment for the clients.
4. Maintain positive, professional, relationships with clients and staff.
5. Participate in agency and outside training sessions.

C. Record keeping and communication.

1. Maintain files on each participant’s short-term and long-term plans to maintain and improve self-sufficiency. Document progress and assistance in removing obstacles to set goals.
2. Provide records and services in compliance with agency policies, regulations, and funding source requirements.
3. Maintain daily, clear and thorough communication with the Shelter Director on all areas of responsibility listed in this job description.
4. Provide routine documentation of coordination and follow-up on all areas of responsibility and collect financial information.

D. Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all client concerns and/or infractions that can impact the program security.
2. Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
3. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards.
4. Adhere to staffing schedules in order to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and to accomplish program objectives.
5. Provide emergency shift coverage as needed.
6. Perform reasonably related duties as assigned by the Shelter Director.

E. Responsible for training and development of new staff.

1. Assist in department orientation and training for new employees as requested to assure quality work outcomes.
2. Identify appropriate ongoing training for both new and existing staff and report needs to management.
3. Serve as part of the program development team by providing information and support for the development of quality operations.
4. Maintain an above-average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for clients and all personnel.

F. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e. CPR, First Aid, etc.

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field is highly desired.  Three (3) years of experience working with the homeless population is required.  Working knowledge of all evidence-based practices in ending homelessness is required.  CAC/CADC or experience working in alcohol/drug recovery programs preferred. The Case Manager must have a working knowledge of property management, fair housing laws, and credit statements.  This position requires demonstrated ability in record keeping, good written and verbal communication skills, disabilities or mental illness, substance abuse and recovery, low income, and the general homeless population. This position requires CPR and First Aid training within ninety (90) days of employment, recertification as necessary and T.B. testing annually.  A valid California driver’s license and the ability to meet the organization's insurance carrier guidelines are required.  Must undergo a criminal background check.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to assist and motivate other people
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability
Statistical and mathematical skills
Computer Skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Lift and move up to 40 pounds
Stand, walk, and sit frequently 
Climb stairs regularly
Bend, stoop, and kneel occasionally