PSH Case Manager (South County)

New Beginnings Counseling Center Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

New Beginnings Counseling Center Santa Barbara is seeking a PSH Case Manager to provide case management and supportive services across South County. Based in the Santa Barbara office, you will serve clients in the community and in homes, coordinating with housing providers and community partners to promote housing stability and wellness.

You will document progress, engage in field-based work, and participate in client review meetings, with opportunities for professional growth and contributions

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Human Services or related field required; 1 year of case management experience preferred.
• Experience serving homeless or marginalized populations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of HMIS and Housing First model preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate enrollment of clients into community programs and resources.
• Support clients in maintaining housing in collaboration with housing providers.
• Build relationships with clients using motivational interviewing and strength-based approaches.
• Engage clients in their new community, assess needs, and document progress in HMIS.
• Provide home- and field-based services and transport clients to appointments as needed.
• Coordinate with partners to promote wellness activities and services.

Skills

Case management

Community outreach

Motivational interviewing

Client advocacy

Crisis intervention

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Human Services or related field

Tools

HMIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

The PSH Case Manager will provide case management and supportive services to clients participating in the PSH program who are housed in permanent supportive housing and/or other housing locations throughout South County. The position will be based out of New Beginnings’ Santa Barbara office. Because PSH clients may be housed at different properties and locations throughout the community, the Case Manager will provide services both in the community and in clients’ homes, as appropriate.

The Case Manager will report to New Beginnings and will meet with client participants to provide supportive services and promote housing retention, community integration, life skills, coordination with housing and community providers, and improved mental health and wellness. The position will work collaboratively with clients, property managers and housing providers, community partners, healthcare providers, and other service providers to help clients maintain stable housing and achieve their individual goals.

Position Duties

• Facilitate the connection and enrollment of clients into eligible and applicable community programs and resources;
• Support clients in maintaining and succeeding in their housing, working collaboratively with property managers, housing providers, neighbors, and existing case management providers as needed;
• Strive to recognize the best in each client and support them through building relationships and utilizing motivational interviewing and strength-based case management techniques;
• Provide client engagement by welcoming clients to their new community, addressing basic needs, establishing trust, and assisting clients with understanding the services and resources available to them;
• Meet with clients on a regularly scheduled basis at their housing location, in the community, or at other appropriate locations, and document progress, strengths, and services provided in progress notes and HMIS;
• Provide home- and field-based services as appropriate and transport clients as needed to essential appointments that support their well-being, when able and in accordance with agency policies;
• Assist clients with understanding and abiding by their lease obligations and maintaining positive relationships with their housing provider;
• Support clients with learning and practicing fiscal responsibilities, including budgeting and managing household expenses;
• Work with community partners, housing providers, volunteers, and other organizations to provide and coordinate wellness activities, instructional and skills-building opportunities, and social activities for clients;
• Assist clients with their physical and mental health needs by providing Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports, including support and linkage to appropriate healthcare, behavioral health, and other community services;
• Provide ongoing case management and coordination of services across multiple housing locations and community settings;
• Monitor client needs and housing stability and respond appropriately when concerns arise that may affect a client’s ability to remain housed;
• Triage emergent situations and coordinate with appropriate emergencies, crisis, healthcare, housing, or other community resources as needed; and
• Participate in client review meetings and provide input to housing providers, the Housing Authority, community partners, and other involved service providers as appropriate.

Expected Competencies

• Previous experience working with people experiencing homelessness, chronic homelessness, low-income and marginalized populations, the aging population, and/or individuals living in permanent supportive housing is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree or higher in Human Services or a related field preferred; a minimum of one year of case management experience required. Licensed or pre-licensed mental health professionals are a plus (e.g., LCSW, MFT, LPCC, Psychologist, Psych Assistant, etc.).
• Knowledge of HMIS and the Housing First model preferred but not required;
• Experience working with homeless, vulnerable, and/or diverse populations and knowledge of the social and economic factors associated with poverty and homelessness;
• Ability to understand the needs of formerly homeless individuals, including those living with disabilities, and to develop collaborative goals that support greater self-sufficiency, stability, and independence in the community;
• Ability to work effectively with clients across multiple housing locations and community settings and to manage a caseload with varying levels of need;
• Ability to work independently in the field while maintaining regular communication and coordination with supervisors, team members, housing providers, and community partners;
• Respond to all people in a calm, supportive, respectful, and professional manner;
• Knowledge of the dynamics of chemical dependency, mental disorders, and the effects of homelessness;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, computer literacy, and willingness to learn other applications.

Additional Information

This position is based out of New Beginnings’ Santa Barbara office and serves clients throughout South County. Work hours are generally Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., although occasional evening or weekend hours may be needed to support client or community activities, attend or table at community events, participate in meetings, or respond to client needs or crises. Because clients may be housed in multiple locations throughout South County, this field-based position requires regular travel between the Santa Barbara office, client homes, housing locations, community agencies, appointments, and other service locations.

• Must have a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, required liability insurance, and pass a background check.
• Salary is $31 - $32 per hour, non-exempt, 40 hours per week.

New Beginnings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.