Career Center

Job DescriptionThe Case Manager will assist individuals who transition from institutional settings into permanent housing and provide supportive housing services. Individuals served by this program have experienced homelessness or are at risk for homelessness due to substantial mental, physical or behavioral health barriers that challenge their ability to maintain housing or live independently. They will help clients identify goals that promote recovery and assist them in identifying services and activities to reach these goals. Assist Program participants to achieve successful independent living, obtaining/maintaining housing, and pursuing vocational/educational goals. Assist Program participants in developing effective natural supports and in obtaining, maintaining, and/or using appropriate mental health, medical and community resources. Provide outreach, housing search and acquisition assistance, independent living skills training, and assist clinical staff with crisis intervention and stabilization. Facilitates the use of various evidence-based practices, such as Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, and strategies to assist success in a Permanent Supported Housing model. All services are provided under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional Responsibilities 1.Assists with the development of Independent Supported Housing options for participantsAssists participants in securing housing, funding, food stamps, and other basic necessities and services, as needed. Works with local landlords to develop support for and trust in the model of Independent Supported Housing. Assists program participants with applying for housing subsidies. If "program vouchers" become available through the Housing Authorities, assists with the application process. 2.Assists participants in developing successful independent living skillsTeaches independent living skills to individuals being served in the HARPS/FCS program, such as cooking, cleaning and shopping for food. Models and teaches skills and behaviors that lead to successful community living. Models and teaches effective interpersonal skills so that individuals are able to more effectively advocate for their needs. Assists participants in setting wellness goals, making medical/dental appointments, and providing transportation and support as needed. Assists other staff in monitoring health and safety of participants and their living environments. 3. Assists participants in meeting recovery goalsUses motivational interviewing skills to provide opportunities for consumers to consider accessing needed social services, mental health and chemical dependency services. Assists clinical staff in providing crisis and stabilization services to participants, jointly outreach with clinical staff as needed. Maintains professional clinical boundaries with participants. Maintains competency and resource knowledge required to meet changing consumer, community, and industry trends. 4. Assists participants in identifying and developing vocational and/or educational goalsHelps participants connect with community vocational resources. Assists participants in identifying and obtaining volunteer and/or educational opportunities. Accompanies participants to appointments with vocational service providers such as DVR, WorkSource, etc. Develops familiarity with the SOAR program in order to increase access to the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration for eligible adults who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness. Assures that all clinical and administrative documentation, written and online, is completed in a thorough, accurate, timely and appropriate manner. Completes required clinical paperwork within established timelines Obtains participant signatures on documents as required. Completes Progress notes in a clinically-appropriate manner for both individual and group services. Assures documentation is current per review of the technical and clinical chart audits, with infrequent rewrites required. Provides all required annual documentation to Human Resources, such as registrations and/or licenses, training logs, etc. Completes administrative documentation in a timely and accurate manner, such as Time Sheets, Mileage Reimbursement forms, etc Job ScopeThe Case Manager 1 works fairly independently, often out in the community with HARPS/FCS participants, under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional with whom they consult on all non-routine issues. Work involves a variety of routine tasks of low to moderate complexity which is guided by formal policies and general procedures. Communication/Customer Contacts This position involves a high frequency of communication, in various forms, verbal and written, with participants, other staff, and community partners. Must also abide by all confidentiality laws and pertinent codes of conduct. Knowledge and SkillsA knowledge and understanding of mental disorders and basic familiarity with the DSM-V; a basic awareness of substance abuse/dependence issues; knowledge of community resources, with the ability to develop appropriate links for participants; a sensitive perception of the needs of individuals with disabilities; a keen understanding of the importance of clear, professional boundaries, and maintenance of such; possession of proven teamwork skills; competency in written and oral communication skills; and demonstration of good, common sense.Education and/or ExperienceRequires a high school diploma/GED and two years' relevant experience. Prefer an AA in a social services related field. Other combinations of education and experience that provide the required familiarity and skills may be considered. Must be eligible for a Washington State Department of Health Agency Affiliated Counselor. Job ConditionsMust be able to work both in and out of the office and go into participants' residences and other facilities, which may require climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain. Must have a WA State Driver's License, a good driving record, a personal automobile and personal auto insurance.. Driving & working in the community constitutes over 90% of the work day. Must be able to speak and hear at normal conversational levels.