Homeless Services Case Manager

Upward Transitions; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Upward Transitions is seeking a compassionate case manager to work with individuals and families facing homelessness or housing instability. You will conduct trauma-informed, participant-driven case management, assess housing and income needs, and help clients access essential services.

You will document activities, coordinate with partner agencies, and support clients toward self-sufficiency, under supervision of the Community Outreach Program Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field from an accredited college or university.
• 2–3 years experience in the social service field preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation; pass background check and pre-employment drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients to identify needs and prioritize first steps.
• Provide information on options within social service and resource systems.
• Refer clients to services meeting their needs as appropriate.
• Advocate for clients to secure needed services and resources.
• Screen clients seeking assistance by phone, email or in person and provide problem solving in crises.
• Determine eligibility for Upward Transitions services (birth certificates, IDs, rent/utility/help).
• Conduct in-depth assessments to build housing, income, health, and history profiles.
• Help clients develop and track a goal plan toward self-sufficiency (employment, housing, etc.).
• Maintain accurate documentation using Upward Transitions procedures.

Skills

Interviewing

Poverty awareness

Community resources

Client behaviors handling

Cultural sensitivity

Record keeping

Case management software

Program policies

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Upward Transitions is a 100-year Oklahoma City based nonprofit whose mission is to prevent generational poverty through community collaboration, emergency relief, and empowerment, therefore inspiring hope with our neighbors experiencing housing instability.

Upward Transitions’ work is guided by four core values: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, and Respect.

We are seeking team members who share these values and want their work to make a lasting impact. At Upward Transitions, you will take part in meaningful mission-driven work that creates pathways to stability, strengthens our community, and inspires hope.

Basic Function:

Work with individuals and families who are homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless to promote self-sufficiency through trauma-informed, participant-driven case management. Reports to Community Outreach Program Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist clients to identify needs and prioritize the first steps in addressing those needs.
• Provide information to clients regarding options available to them within the social service and community resource systems.
• Assist clients by referring, as appropriate, to services which will meet their needs.
• Advocate for clients to secure needed services and resources for which they are eligible.
• Conduct screening with clients who are seeking assistance over the phone, via email, and in person. Explain agency services, service eligibility, services available, or lack of available services. Provide problem solving assistance when a client is in crisis, including when the services being requested are not available.
• Determine eligibility for Upward Transitions services through the Community Outreach Program including assistance with obtaining birth certificates and state IDs, rent and utility assistance, travel assistance, job search assistance, etc.
• When appropriate, conduct an in-depth assessment with clients to identify a client history and profile to assess the following: housing history, income and work history, physical/emotional health treatment, criminal history, debt, social support, and available resources, etc.
• Assist clients to develop and track implementation of a goal plan that systematically addresses the actions steps needed to achieve self-sufficiency including but not limited to goals on development of personal and work skills, employment, increased income, housing, transportation, etc.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of current service activities using Upward Transitions procedures, forms, and reporting systems.

Requirements

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree in social work or related field of study from an accredited college or university. 2 - 3 years experience in the social service field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Working knowledge of principles and methods of interviewing.
• Knowledge of social and economic issues creating poverty, working successfully with practices and techniques related to people with low income to achieve greater self-sufficiency.
• Knowledge of available community resources.
• Skill in handling such client behaviors as fear, hostility, aggression, etc.
• Ability to be culturally sensitive to diverse client populations.
• Ability to work harmoniously with applicants, the general public, and other employees.
• Ability to maintain accurate and systematic records, and to manage workload to meet deadlines.
• Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records.
• Ability to explain and apply program policies and procedures.
• Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation and pass background check and pre-employment drug screening.

This position works in a typical office setting at the Upward Transitions office and at partner agencies. There may be extended periods of sitting, standing and/or bending; listening, talking, and/or visual concentration; and writing and/or computer use. Lifting should not normally exceed 50 pounds.

Upward Transitions prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, age, religion, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic with regard to any terms and conditions of employment.