Case Manager (VA) - 11-037 - SC/ Bell Shelter

The Salvation Army Southern California; Bell (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Southern California is seeking a Case Manager to provide professional, individualized case management and referrals for participants addressing homelessness. This role emphasizes trauma-informed care and Housing First approaches to support independence.

Responsibilities include developing service plans, coordinating with VA resources and social services, maintaining HMIS records, and guiding clients toward stable housing with weekly meetings and ongoing support.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in social work or related area with 1 year of experience with special needs, low-income and/or homeless populations.
• Knowledge of homeless populations and available supportive resources.
• CPR and First Aid certification prior to employment; TB-cleared before hire.

Responsibilities

• Meet with each participant weekly to assess, support, motivate and encourage toward goals and housing.
• Develop ISP and monthly action plan; track client goals and housing progress.
• Strengthen job readiness through coaching on job search, resumes, interviewing and follow-up.
• Assist clients with personal budgeting and income/savings planning; maintain records.
• Maintain HMIS/Clarity and paper files; document activities within 72 hours of meetings.
• Submit program reports timely and collaborate with external agencies for housing resources.
• Deescalate and investigate incidents; file mandated reports if needed.
• Provide life skills training and attend trainings/meetings as required.
• Participate in audits and maintain accurate client data.
• Work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Housing First

Case management

Communication

Time management

Collaboration

Education

BA/BS in social work or related area

Tools

HMIS/Clarity

Microsoft Office

Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Case Manager’s primary duty is to provide professional and individualized participant case management services, information, and referrals designed to assist participants in addressing the underlying causes of their homeless condition and removing barriers to independence.

Pay Range

$26.45/hr. - $31.05/hr.

Essential Functions

• Meet with each participant at least once a week or as needed to: assess, support, motivate and encourage participant to work towards their goals and/or needs and provide ongoing support by practicing a “whatever it takes” approach and Trauma Informed care, Harm Reduction and Housing First Models.
• Complete initial psychosocial/mental health assessment; develop an individual service plan (ISP) and monthly action plan with each assigned participant, to establish and track client goals, including action steps and timeframe for completion of each step leading to securing permanent housing.
• Strengthen job readiness skills through coaching in job search, applications, resume writing, interviewing and follow-up skills.
• Assist each client in developing a personal budget, including establishing or increasing their income and/or creating a savings plan. If applicable to program, maintain accurate records of client income and/or savings.
• Complete the LA HAT Assessment, the revised Coordinated Entry System (CES), with all eligible clients to ensure they are connected with the CES system and collaborate with SSVF and HUD VASH to link Veterans to potential housing resources.
• Regularly and accurately maintain client data in HMIS/Clarity and paper file, including complete documentation/case notes of all activities, services, and outcomes achieved. Update case notes and general client information within 72 hours of meeting with client.
• Responsible for submitting all required program reports and/or documents in a timely manner.
• Collaborate, Develop and foster linkages with other social service agencies to provide clients with access to a broad range of supportive services, including but not limited to: VA Liaisons, VASH, SSFV, HVRP, CBEST, legal services, transportation services, health/mental health services, employment preparation/placement services, substance abuse services, vocational services, access to mainstream benefits, and identification of and access to permanent housing.
• Responsible for deescalating, investigating, and/or problem-solving participant incident reports and/or grievances. If necessary, file appropriate mandated incident report.
• Attend trainings and meeting as deemed necessary by funders and/or management, both on and off site.
• Provide life skills training and other classes/meetings/support groups as directed by Program manager.
• Assist with audit preparation and assigned file auditing to maintain all elements of client data both digital and paper format with emphasis on accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness.
• Other duties include random locker searches, U/A testing, property roll-ups/return, downsizing of participant property, monitoring medication and chore/meal/snack time, regularly monitoring client bed and common areas for potential health or fire hazards.
• Communicates effectively and collaborates with all staff, department personnel and other department staff.
• Works beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions. Residents, personnel, visitors, agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents and visitors.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Programs Manager, Director of Shelter Programs, and Site Director.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree required in social work or related area of study with 1-year work experience with special needs, low-income and/or homeless populations.
• Current knowledge of and interest in homeless populations and available supportive resources.
• If in recovery, must have 2 years of sobriety.
• Understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification prior to employment.
• TB-cleared prior to hire.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test, clean MVR check (if applies).
• Knowledge of HMIS preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and ability to type 45 wpm. Basic math skills.
• Ability to actively listen and take genuine interest in helping homeless individuals to address and reduce barriers to independence.
• Excellent time management and communication skills, both verbal and written. Professional telephone etiquette.
• Meet deadlines, work with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills with both clients and staff in a professional, respectful manner.