The Salvation Army Southern California·Los Angeles, California
Provide individualized case management and referrals to help homeless participants remove barriers to independence and secure permanent housing. Responsibilities include developing service plans, providing job readiness coaching, and maintaining accurate client data in HMIS.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Case Manager’s primary duty is to provide professional and individualized participant case management services, information, and referrals designed to assist participants in addressing the underlying causes of their homeless condition and removing barriers to independence.
Essential Functions
Meet with each participant at least once a week or as needed to: assess, support, motivate and encourage participant to work towards their goals and/or needs and provide ongoing support by practicing a “whatever it takes” approach and Trauma Informed care, Harm Reduction and Housing First Models.
Complete initial psychosocial/mental health assessment; develop an individual service plan (ISP) and monthly action plan with each assigned participant, to establish and track client goals, including action steps and timeframe for completion of each step leading to securing permanent housing.
Strengthen job readiness skills through coaching in job search, applications, resume writing, interviewing and follow-up skills.
Assist each client in developing a personal budget, including establishing or increasing their income and/or creating a savings plan. If applicable to program, maintain accurate records of client income and/or savings.
Complete VISPDAT and/or Next Step Tool with all eligible clients to ensure they are connected with the CES system and collaborate with the SPA 7 Housing Navigator/Matcher to link clients to potential housing resources using the CES matching system.
Regularly and accurately maintain client data in HMIS/Clarity and paper file, including complete documentation/case notes of all activities, services, and outcomes achieved. Update case notes and general client information within 72 hours of meeting with client.
Responsible for submitting all required program reports and/or documents in a timely manner.
Collaborate, Develop and foster linkages with other social service agencies to provide clients with access to a broad range of supportive services, including but not limited to: VA Liaisons, VASH, SSFV, HVRP, CBEST, legal services, transportation services, health/mental health services, employment preparation/placement services, substance abuse services, vocational services, access to mainstream benefits, and identification of and access to permanent housing.
Responsible for deescalating, investigating, and/or problem-solving participant incident reports and/or grievances. If necessary, file appropriate mandated incident report.
Attend trainings and meeting as deemed necessary by funders and/or management, both on and off site.
Provide life skills training and other classes/meetings/support groups as directed by Program manager
Assist with audit preparation and assigned file auditing to maintain all elements of client data both digital and paper format with emphasis on accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness.
Other duties include random locker searches, U/A testing, property roll-ups/return, downsizing of participant property, monitoring medication and chore/meal/snack time, regularly monitoring client bed and common areas for potential health or fire hazards.
Communicates effectively and collaborates with all staff, department personnel and other department staff.
Works beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
Is subject to frequent interruptions. Residents, personnel, visitors, agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents and visitors.
Perform all other duties as assigned by Programs Manager, Associate Director, and Director.
Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
$26.45-$31.05/hr.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift to 25 lbs.
Requires a BA/BS degree in social work or a related field with at least one year of experience working with homeless or low-income populations. Candidates must obtain CPR/First Aid certification and be TB-cleared prior to hire.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.