Job Overview
Location: Hartford, CT 06114 · Position Type: Full Time · Shift: Day · FLSA Status: Non-Exempt ← Reports To: Program Manager
Position Title
Case Manager – Certified Community Health Worker
Department
Veterans and Shelters – McKinney
General Description of Duties
The purpose of this position is to support the Agency’s needs by providing a wide range of services; including, but not limited to, outreach, engagement, education, coaching, informal counseling, social support, advocacy, care coordination, and basic screening and assessments of any risks associated with social determinants of Health. Daily monitoring of guest contacts and activities within the Community is a primary responsibility. The Case Manager – Certified CHW conducts assessments of guest needs and coordinates referrals to Community Renewal Team programs and initiatives, Funder services, entitlement programs, as well as other Community resources that conduct Case Management services.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide engagement functions to guests in the Shelter.
- Identify guests in need of Case Management and/or other Outreach Engagement services, linking them with available services.
- Interview guests on and/or off site as required.
- Complete Homeless Verification form.
- Attend weekly Housing and Coordinated Access Network Meetings.
- Available to work a weekend day a month.
- Provide Assistant Program Manager with a list of guests that work and their schedule.
- Adhere to STEPS policies and procedures.
- Enroll new guests into STEPS.
- Complete STEPS Universal Intake.
- Establish positive and supportive relationships with the guests.
- Complete an initial interview and assessment of individual needs within 2 weeks after guests’ arrival.
- Assess and evaluate guest needs based on the Outcome Scale Matrix (OSM).
- Develop Individualized Service Plans (ISP) for each guest and incorporate all special needs.
- Facilitate referrals to clinics, housing, behavioral health, detox/treatment, and community support services.
- Facilitate communication/coordinate services between providers and guests.
- If appropriate for guest extended length of stay, approve program extension.
- Coordinate/monitor services to include comprehensive tracking of guest’s compliance in relation to ISP goals and objectives.
- Provide support, advocacy, and mediation services to assure guests overall needs and referrals are being conveyed.
- Follow-up with both guest and provider regarding ISPs.
- Document all encounters/interactions made with and/or on behalf of the guest; including all activities, ISPs, and outcomes achieved by the guests in a detailed and timely manner.
- Conduct weekly conversations with the guests either by phone or in-person, documenting all conversations in the guest’s file.
- Maintain guest records in accordance with documentation requirements and standards.
- Assist guests in utilizing Community Services, including scheduling appointments with Social Services agencies, and assisting with the completion of applications for programs based on eligibility.
- Participate in Case Management team meetings.
- Provide Program Manager with monthly Client Activity Dashboard.
- Ensure all Intake information is obtained based on program guidelines, and accurately entered into STEPS and/or HMIS systems.
- Facilitate information and referral services, and document outcomes resulting from such referrals.
- Facilitate guests access to Community resources, including but not limited to food, housing, clothing, school programs, vocational opportunities or services, life skills training, and relevant mental health services.
- Educate guests on the proper use of the Emergency Room and provide information for alternatives.
- Maintain a caseload of guests in need of intensive Case Management or multiple service needs.
- Continuously expand knowledge and understanding of Community resources and services.
- Regular attendance.
- Attend and complete all mandatory trainings.
Additional Job Functions
- Participate in, retain, and incorporate training as required.
- Provide individual counseling.
- Provide effective customer service, including but not limited to, always greeting and receiving/addressing guests with respect and dignity.
- Represent Agency/Program at appropriate Community groups and coalitions.
- Provide input and make recommendations regarding Program/Departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
- Report to and conduct additional duties by various Funder guidelines and requirements as required.
- File, copy, schedule appointments, and answer/return phone calls.
- Perform all duties relative to special program/projects as required, and all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Training, Experience, and Certification
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; education may be substituted with experience on a year‑by‑year basis.
Minimum Years of Experience: Two (2) years providing direct client services to populations experiencing substance abuse, homelessness, and/or mental illness.
Certification: Active CT Community Health Worker certificate in good standing or ability to obtain the certificate within six months of taking the position.
Skills and Knowledge
- Ability to work with individuals from diverse racial/ethnic and economic backgrounds.
- Solid understanding of the dynamics of homelessness and being at risk of homelessness.
- Offer strength‑based case management.
- Effective communication with guests, funders, and vendors.
- Function independently in a community setting.
- Build trusting relationships with the homeless.
- Set therapeutic boundaries with guests.
- Establish good working relationships with staff and community agencies.
- Work with a multidisciplinary team.
- Prioritize presenting conditions.
- Plan and organize assigned duties.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
- Financial literacy skills.
- Knowledge of veteran populations preferred; Housing First and Harm Reduction Intervention strategies, and Motivational Interviewing techniques required.
Driving and Vehicle Requirements
Driving: Yes; Agency vehicle: Yes; Employee’s own vehicle: Yes. Active driver’s license in good standing required upon hire and throughout employment.
ADA Compliance
Physical ability: Tasks involve sedentary to light work, involving some reaching, handling, fingering and/or feel of objects and materials.Sensory requirements: Some tasks require visual perception.Environmental factors: Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.