Relief Case Manager

Bonita House, Inc.; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Bonita House, Inc. in Berkeley, California is seeking a Relief Case Manager to provide comprehensive mental health support. The role involves assessing clients' needs and developing individualized rehabilitation plans to facilitate recovery and community integration.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and a passion for supporting individuals with mental health challenges. This position includes ongoing interaction with clients and requires local travel within the Bay Area.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a mental health or behavioral healthcare setting.
• Criminal records clearance required by California law.
• Local travel required to fulfill job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' mental health needs.
• Develop individualized rehabilitation plans in collaboration with clients.
• Provide counseling sessions to address mental health symptoms.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of recovery principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling

Job description

About Us

Bonita House, Inc. (BHI) is a nonprofit mental health agency with multiple sites in Alameda County and an operating budget of $14.5 million. Founded in 1971, BHI provides social rehabilitation including a full range of Medi‑Cal services to adults with co‑occurring serious mental health and substance use disorders.

Our Mission

To empower people living with mental health and co‑occurring substance use challenges to achieve recovery, self‑sufficiency, and deeply connected, meaningful lives within their communities.

Our Values

• Compassion: Committed to caring, dignity and kindness.
• Respect: Honor each individual and provide highly ethical services.
• Progress: Leading the way in creating opportunities to change for the better.
• Resilience: Channeling hope, building strengths to successfully recover, adapt and grow.
• Embracing Differences: Honor and celebrate our diverse communities and individual uniqueness.

Position Summary

The Relief Case Manager will join our dedicated team in a licensed Transitional Residential Treatment program. This role will involve providing comprehensive mental health support services to individuals with behavioral health needs. The incumbent will play a crucial role in facilitating rehabilitation, recovery, and community integration for our clients.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' mental health needs, strengths, and goals.
• Develop individualized rehabilitation plans in collaboration with clients, incorporating person‑centered approaches and evidence‑based practices.
• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to address mental health symptoms, coping skills, and life skills development.
• Implement behavioral interventions and therapeutic techniques to support clients in achieving their recovery goals.
• Monitor and evaluate clients' progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as needed to ensure effectiveness.
• Coordinate with interdisciplinary team members, including psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, and community partners, to ensure holistic care delivery.
• Facilitate psychoeducational workshops on topics such as stress management, conflict resolution, and relapse prevention.
• Advocate for clients' rights and access to resources within the community, including housing, employment, and healthcare services.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions to enhance professional development and program effectiveness.
• Ensure safety and establish and follow rules for overnight safety and emergency procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a mental health or behavioral healthcare setting, preferably with individuals experiencing severe mental illness.
• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC 5405, federal contractor requirements and/or agency practices.
• Must pass post‑offer, pre‑employment physical and TB clearance as required by state community care licensing standards.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are essential job requirements.
• Local travel as required to fulfill primary job responsibilities and duties.
• Passion for the BHI mission.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of recovery‑oriented principles, harm reduction, trauma‑informed care, and evidence‑based therapeutic modalities.
• Ability to effectively intervene in crisis situations using de‑escalation techniques.
• Excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to present information effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications for documentation and record‑keeping.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Ability to build supportive and respectful working relationships with staff, participants, and stakeholders in the community.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, in accordance with applicable laws.

Physical Activity

The position requires periods of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday. Employees may be required to move between offices, program spaces, and meeting areas, including navigating stairs.

Lifting & Carrying

Must be able to lift, carry, or move items up to 15 pounds on an occasional basis.

Manual Dexterity & Communication

Requires the ability to operate a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment; to talk and hear in person and by telephone; and to read printed and digital materials.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office or community‑based setting with standard lighting, temperature, and noise levels. Some positions may require travel between locations as part of regular duties.

Travel Required

This position requires regular travel to multiple agency and partner locations within the Bay Area. Employees must have reliable transportation and the ability to reach designated sites within reasonable travel times.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

EEO Statement: Bonita House provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.