Case Manager - CalAIM & Housing Navigation (6631)

Mercy House, Inc.; Bakersfield, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy House, Inc. in Bakersfield, CA is seeking a Housing Tenancy and Sustainability Navigator under the CalAIM program.

This full-time role conducts needs assessments, develops housing plans, implements program goals, and provides supportive services to individuals transitioning from chronic homelessness to stable housing. You will coordinate with community resources, maintain caseloads, document in HMIS, assist with budgeting, and advocate for clients with landlords and agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field; homeless services experience preferred.
• 2+ years direct life experience with homeless populations, or BA/BS with relevant experience.
• Valid California driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of up to 30 individuals and provide at least 3 services per month.
• Develop individualized housing plans addressing barriers and measurable goals.
• Meet clients in shelters, in the community, and at their living environments.
• Provide housing retention support using harm-reduction and client-centered approaches.
• Assist clients with budgeting, rent/utilities, healthcare access, and other services.
• Maintain accurate case notes, housing plans, and documentation for HMIS and reports.

Skills

Case management

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Confidentiality

Client advocacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Sprite Health

Kern Provider Portal

Job description

Job Location: Bakersfield, CA 93304
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $22.50 - $23.00 Hourly
Pay: $22.50-$23.00/hour
Schedule: 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Client / Service Delivery

• Maintain 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 needed
• Prevent homeless recidivism by developing individualized housing support plans based on housing assessments that address identified barriers, including short- and long-term measurable goals
• Meet with clients in shelters, within the community, and in their living environments
• Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client-centered services that support housing retention
• Apply crisis prevention and intervention skills to promote self-sustainability
• Practice evidence-based counseling and motivational interviewing techniques when interacting with clients
• Assist clients in building upon their strengths and recognizing their needs, including:
  • Creating budgets
  • Paying rent and utilities on time
  • Accessing healthcare, mental health care, substance abuse programs, vocational and educational programs, childcare, and other supportive services
• Conduct health and safety visits, including habitability inspections
• Assist clients in developing financial budgets to maintain housing and save 10% of their income
• Coach clients on life skills that promote hygiene and personal dignity
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and provide referrals as needed
• Organize and facilitate social and recreational activities designed to promote community involvement and peer support
• Collaborate with community support providers, outreach teams, healthcare networks, housing programs, landlords, social workers, healthcare providers, mental health providers, government agencies, and enhanced care management teams
• Assist with applications for relocation and reasonable accommodations as needed, ensuring living environments remain safe and maintainable
• Provide early identification and intervention for behaviors that may jeopardize housing stability
• Coach clients on developing and maintaining positive relationships with landlords, property managers, and neighbors
• Identify and respond to crisis situations promptly by prioritizing and implementing appropriate interventions
• Assist clients in obtaining required documents to maintain housing, including:
  • Rent receipts
  • Money orders
  • Valid identification cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Income verification
  • Social Security benefits
  • DHS benefit letters
  • Other required documentation

Team / Staff Relations

• Work collaboratively as a Mercy House team member with staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency
• Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
• Participate as part of a team in planning and developing resident programs

Administration

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for all clients, including:
  • Individual housing plans
  • Emergency plans
  • Case notes
  • Case files
  • Assessments
  • Call logs
  • Housing Authority applications and recertifications
• Assist with data collection for statistical reports.
• Ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Demonstrate willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of:
  • HMIS
  • Homeless Collaborative systems
  • HUD housing programs and vouchers
• Utilize computers and appropriate software, including:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Outlook
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Sprite Health
  • Kern Provider Portal
  • Other systems applicable to the position
• Respond to calls and emails in a timely manner.
• Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload effectively.
• Complete other duties or special projects as assigned.

Knowledge Of

• Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues related to case management
• Effective documentation practices and guidelines

QualificationsRequirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field, with experience working within homeless communities, mental health, healthcare, and government agencies providing community services
• Candidates 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 apply

General Requirements

• Valid 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 community
• Work effectively with diverse populations
• Plan, organize, and prioritize duties
• Perform crisis intervention when needed
• Communicate clearly in verbal and written formats
• Maintain a positive, professional, and safe environment
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Dependability, responsibility, and respectful communication are required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods while working at a desk and using a computer