Case Manager Specialist (Special Program Manager I)

Anne Arundel County – Social Services Department; Maryland; On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Anne Arundel County Government is hiring a full-time Case Manager Specialist (Special Program Manager I) in the Department of Social Services. The role covers outreach, assessment, planning, referrals for housing, and services targeting chronically homeless individuals and families.

You will work with the Coordinated Entry System, engage in field and office work, and supervise 2-4 housing case managers within the Community Programs Division, contributing to HMIS data and program outcomes.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in health, human and social services, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience in the management of human services-related programs, including six months of supervisory experience, and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.
• May be substituted on a year-for-year basis with up to four additional years of relevant experience for total six years or more, including supervisory experience.
• Preference given to applicants with experience working with individuals experiencing untreated mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders; homelessness experience; and government environment exposure.

Responsibilities

• Actively manage an assigned caseload of formally homeless individuals and families receiving housing subsidies to maintain housing and prevent returns to homelessness.
• Provide intensive, culturally sensitive, client-centered housing and life-safety focused case management using evidence-based practices.
• Coordinate housing case management within Anne Arundel County and in-office settings.
• Maintain case management notes, client charts, daily statistics, HMIS records, and detailed daily summaries.
• Assess clients on vulnerability, substance use, mental health, legal, health care, employment, and living skills to guide interventions.
• Advocate with community agencies to secure housing and external services for clients.

Skills

Program development

Policy knowledge

Client needs assessment

Problem solving

Computer skills

Relationship building

Communication

Supervision

Tact

Field work adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in health, human and social services

Job description

Anne Arundel County Government is hiring for a full-time, permanent Case Manager Specialist (Special Program Manager I) position within the Department of Social Services.

This is administrative and managerial work involving duties coordinating or assisting in the management of specialized agency programs such as housing, nutrition, transportation services, community-based in-home care, substance abuse services, community services to guardianship clients, advocacy programs, and other specialized services to senior citizens, disabled adults, and other client populations.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

The Case Manager Specialist will provide outreach and engagement case management services to include identification of chronically homeless individuals, assessment, service planning, referrals for substance use/health/mental health care, and Housing placement for targeted clients living in a defined area of the streets of Anne Arundel County as part of a team. The Case Manager Specialist will utilize a triage assessment tool for persons on the streets, assisting with identifying the appropriate level of service need, diverting individuals from homelessness whenever possible.

The Case Manager Specialist will work closely with the Coordinated Entry System to match chronically homeless individuals with both needed services and a housing pathway. This position has contact with employees in the same or other departments and agencies of County government, State and Federal agencies, non-profit and private sector organizations, and private citizens.

50% Field Work: Conduct community outreach in diverse settings (residences, streets, encampments), requiring extended walking, standing, and bending.

50% Office Work: Perform sedentary administrative duties in a standard office environment.

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of the class.)

• Actively manage an assigned caseload of formally homeless individuals and families receiving a housing subsidy, with the goal of maintaining housing and preventing returns to homelessness. This includes assisting with annual recertifications and applying for related benefits and services needed to retain housing and empower clients towards greater self–sufficiency.
• Provide high-quality, culturally sensitive, client–centered, intensive housing-and life-safety- focused case management utilizing evidence-based practices of motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction.
• Provide housing case management through Anne Arundel County and case management work in the office.
• Create and maintain, according to policy and department goals, case management notes, client charts, daily statistics, HMIS daily work, and detailed daily summaries.
• Assess clients on their vulnerability, substance use issues, mental health symptoms, legal issues, health care, employment and income, independent living skills, and community engagement to guide frequency and type of case management intervention.
• Provide advocacy services with community agencies and other available and appropriate resources, with the goal of supporting each client’s personal growth, enhanced independence, and access to housing and external services. Demonstrate initiative in exploring existing and potential resources through the development of positive working relationships with service providers in the Anne Arundel County community.
• Supervise 2-4 housing case managers working in the Community Programs Division. Maintain accurate written records and documentation in accordance with program standards, including, but not limited to, individualized plans, guest charts, incident reports, detailed case notes, and referrals. Maintain HMIS records in a timely and accurate fashion and contribute to Annual Progress Reporting when needed.
• Participate in Outreach team events and activities, contributing positively to daily huddles, case conferences, and collaborations with third parties when appropriate.
• Lead or participate in team meetings and by-name list meetings with providers and third parties when appropriate.
• Perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the methods and procedures of program development, implementation, and promotion.
• Knowledge of the program areas related to the department/agency to which the position is assigned.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the specialized program area.
• Knowledge of the client population’s psychological, physical, social, emotional, and health needs.
• Skill in assessing client and program needs.
• Skill in problem-solving.
• Skill in the use of computers and automated office technology, as needed.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate the work of others, as needed.
• Ability to deal tactfully, effectively, and equitably with people.
• Ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office, if needed.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in health, human and social services, or a related field.

Experience:

Two (2) or more years of experience in the management of human services-related programs, including six (6) months of supervisory experience, and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Note:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in health, human and social services, or a related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis with up to four (4) years of experience in the management of human services-related programs, for a total of six (6) or more years of experience including six (6) months of supervisory experience, and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Note:

For a University or College outside the United States, the applicant must provide documentation of accreditation and educational equivalency, which can be accomplished through a credential evaluation service. Applicants with a foreign degree must provide this documentation upon the close of the announcement. An Accredited University or College is recognition from an accrediting agency that an institution maintains a certain level of educational standards. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accrediting agencies it recognizes for schools within the United States.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

1. Experience working with individuals experiencing untreated mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders.
2. Experience engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness across diverse settings and environmental conditions.
3. Do you possess work experience in a government environment?