MERCY HOUSE·Santa Ana, California
The Case Manager provides ongoing needs assessments, housing plans, and advocacy for individuals in the Permanent Supportive Housing Program. They are responsible for maintaining a caseload of 17-25 clients, facilitating community resources, and ensuring housing stability through trauma-informed strategies.
Client/Service Delivery Maintain a minimum caseload of 17-25 individuals and meet at least twice a month with residents in the shelters, out in the community, and in their homes to develop emergency plans and individual housing supporting plans based upon the housing assessment that identified barriers, including short- and long-term measurable goals Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client-centered services to keep them in housing Utilize skills regarding crisis prevention and intervention Practice Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing techniques Assist residents to build upon their strengths and recognize their needs in a respectful manner Conduct health, safety visits and inspect resident apartments to ensure that they are properly maintained by completing habitability inspections with Leasing Agents Be knowledgeable of community resources and refer clients as needed Organize and facilitate social and recreational activities designed to promote community involvement and peer support Work with volunteers and community resources to assure that residents are linked with services such as employment, education, tutoring and/or mentoring as appropriate Attend trainings that increase knowledge of effectively meeting clients’ needs (including co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence) Facilitate relationship building between landlords/caretakers and clients To participate in the emergency on call schedule to ensure clients’ needs are met and must be available Work collaboratively with other community support providers, outreach teams, Housing Authorities (Housing Specialists), Social Workers, Leasing Team, Landlords Team/Staff Relations Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers in order to implement the mission and core values of the agency Attend regular internal and external agency meetings Work as part of team to plan and develop resident programs Work in team environment, fast passed environment, be flexible, be able to adapt to sudden changes, be trustworthy, be reliable, be empathetic Communicate effectively with diverse population Administration Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, emergency plans, case notes, case file, assessments, call logs, Housing Authority (application and recertifications) Complete all paperwork in a timely and accurate manner that ensures payment to the agency from various sources Assist with all data collection systems Assure deadlines are met Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments Utilize computers and appropriate software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point) and/or specific systems applicable to position Responding to calls and emails in a timely manner Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload Knowledge of: Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management Effective documentation and guidelines QualificationsRequirements: Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree, Social Work (or related field) with experience working in chemical health, mental health, co-occurring disorders is preferred Persons with less than a BA/BS degree but with at least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low income, and diverse populations and have a working knowledge of mental health and additions issues are welcome to apply General A valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a reliable vehicle are required. Must be comfortable utilizing your own vehicle to conduct home visits, visit clients at shelters, meet clients out in the community, etc. Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize and prioritize duties; speak effectively before small groups; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others Dependability, responsibility and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully are required skills Desired skills include organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, strong creative thinking skills, attentiveness to details and being customer oriented Fluency in Spanish is of significant value Physical Requirements Ability to lift up to 50 pounds Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
A Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field is preferred, though 2 years of direct experience with homeless and diverse populations is accepted. Candidates must possess a valid CA driver's license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle for community visits.
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.