Case Manager - CalAIM & Housing Navigation

Mercy House; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 64,472,000 - 65,904,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy House is seeking a Housing Tenancy and Sustainability Navigator to support CalAIM goals in Bakersfield, CA. You will conduct needs assessments, develop housing plans, and provide supportive services to help clients maintain stable housing and self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities include maintaining files, collaborating with community providers, facilitating referrals, and coaching clients on budgeting, rent payments, and life skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field, with homeless services experience.
• 2+ years life experience in helping long-term homeless, low-income populations preferred.
• Valid California driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle.
• Ability to document case notes and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong communication and crisis intervention abilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of up to 30 individuals and deliver ≥3 services monthly.
• Develop individualized housing plans based on assessments.
• Meet clients in shelters, community settings, or homes.
• Coordinate referrals to healthcare, housing programs, and agencies.
• Document case notes, plans, and forms accurately.
• Collaborate with providers, landlords, and care teams.

Skills

Case management

Crisis intervention

Motivational interviewing

Documentation practices

Communication skills

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field

2+ years life experience in homeless services

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Sprite Health Kern Provider Portal

Job description

Status: Full-Time, Non-ExemptPay: $22.50-$23.00/hourSchedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Job Summary: The Housing Tenancy and Sustainability Navigator, CalAIM, under the direction of the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Program Manager, is responsible for conducting ongoing needs assessments, developing Housing Tenancy and Sustainability Plans, implementing program goals, and providing supportive services. Responsibilities also include maintaining and providing information on local CBOs and government agencies, offering referral services, and advocating for individuals who have transitioned from chronic homelessness into stable housing.This position requires building successful working relationships with housed individuals to support increased self-reliance. The Navigator will encourage and recognize positive behavioral changes while identifying problems and obstacles that may threaten housing stability and self-sufficiency. Maintaining clear and accurate files and records is essential. The position also ensures the team practices professional behavior, client-focused strategies, compassion, and understanding.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Client / Service DeliveryMaintain a caseload of up to 30 individuals and provide at least 3 services per month using 2 methods:Electronic communication (phone, text, email)Face-to-face visits, or more frequently as neededPrevent homeless recidivism by developing individualized housing support plans based on housing assessments that address identified barriers, including short- and long-term measurable goalsMeet with clients in shelters, within the community, and in their living environmentsUtilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client-centered services that support housing retentionApply crisis prevention and intervention skills to promote self-sustainabilityPractice evidence-based counseling and motivational interviewing techniques when interacting with clientsAssist clients in building upon their strengths and recognizing their needs, including:Creating budgetsPaying rent and utilities on timeAccessing healthcare, mental health care, substance abuse programs, vocational and educational programs, childcare, and other supportive servicesConduct health and safety visits, including habitability inspectionsAssist clients in developing financial budgets to maintain housing and save 10% of their incomeCoach clients on life skills that promote hygiene and personal dignityMaintain knowledge of community resources and provide referrals as neededOrganize and facilitate social and recreational activities designed to promote community involvement and peer supportCollaborate with community support providers, outreach teams, healthcare networks, housing programs, landlords, social workers, healthcare providers, mental health providers, government agencies, and enhanced care management teamsAssist with applications for relocation and reasonable accommodations as needed, ensuring living environments remain safe and maintainableProvide early identification and intervention for behaviors that may jeopardize housing stabilityCoach clients on developing and maintaining positive relationships with landlords, property managers, and neighborsIdentify and respond to crisis situations promptly by prioritizing and implementing appropriate interventionsAssist clients in obtaining required documents to maintain housing, including:Rent receiptsMoney ordersValid identification cardsBirth certificatesIncome verificationSocial Security benefitsDHS benefit lettersOther required documentationTeam / Staff RelationsWork collaboratively as a Mercy House team member with staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agencyAttend regular internal and external agency meetingsParticipate as part of a team in planning and developing resident programsAdministrationMaintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for all clients, including:Individual housing plansEmergency plansCase notesCase filesAssessmentsCall logsHousing Authority applications and recertificationsAssist with data collection for statistical reports.Ensure deadlines are consistently met.Demonstrate willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of:HMISHomeless Collaborative systemsHUD housing programs and vouchersUtilize computers and appropriate software, including:Microsoft WordOutlookExcelPowerPointSprite HealthKern Provider PortalOther systems applicable to the positionRespond to calls and emails in a timely manner.Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload effectively.Complete other duties or special projects as assigned.Knowledge OfConfidentiality and the legal and ethical issues related to case managementEffective documentation practices and guidelinesRequirements:Education and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field, with experience working within homeless communities, mental health, healthcare, and government agencies providing community servicesCandidates without a BA/BS degree but with at least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low-income, and diverse populations, along with working knowledge of mental health and addiction issues, are encouraged to applyGeneral RequirementsValid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable vehicle required. Candidates must be comfortable using their own vehicle to conduct home visits, visit clients in shelters, and meet clients throughout the communityWork effectively with diverse populationsPlan, organize, and prioritize dutiesPerform crisis intervention when neededCommunicate clearly in verbal and written formatsMaintain a positive, professional, and safe environmentEstablish and maintain effective working relationshipsDependability, responsibility, and respectful communication are requiredPhysical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 50 poundsAbility to sit for prolonged periods while working at a desk and using a computer