SSVF Case Manager - Oakland
Oakland, CA, United States
Description
About Swords to Plowshares
Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares is a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides counseling and case management, employment and training, housing, and legal assistance to veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. We promote and protect the rights of veterans through advocacy, public education, and partnerships with local, state, and national entities. Believing that war causes wounds and suffering that last beyond the battlefield, our mission is to heal the wounds of war and to restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all veterans in need, and to end homelessness and poverty among those we serve. To learn more about Swords to Plowshares, please visit our website at www.swords-to-plowshares.org.
Job Title
SSVF Case Manager
Summary
The Case Manager will work in collaboration with the SSVF Program team and Drop-In Program staff in finding appropriate permanent housing and/or eviction prevention interventions for veterans enrolled in the program. The Case Manager will provide case management to veteran households making the transition into permanent housing as well as those at risk of losing their permanent housing. Utilizing evidence-based best practices, the Case Manager will assess, enroll and refer veterans to permanent housing and transitional placement services or assist the veteran family with homeless prevention services.
The Case Manager will utilize community-based partnerships with Supportive Housing Programs, VA VASH Voucher Program, and market-rate rental landlords to establish and expand housing resources and eviction prevention remedies. They will work to ensure the smooth transition into permanent housing and maintain a supportive relationship with the veteran to sustain permanent housing within the community. This function includes being a resource for staff regarding housing placements and applications. This position reports to the SSVF Program Managers and/or SSVF Program Coordinators.
Responsibilities
Perform intakes, assessments to determine program eligibility and place program participants into permanent housing; coordinate eviction prevention services, review and create individualized housing stability plan as needed
Monitor and track participants' progress in achieving their goals and objectives while maintaining timely and appropriate documentation, including progress notes, housing stability plans, aftercare plans, and discharge summaries
Maintain case management functions, e.g., record keeping, client services
Refer and connect veteran clients with related supportive services
Utilize our case management system to enroll and maintain data and records
Approximately once a week will conduct both in-person and remote housing inspections throughout the San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Marin counties.
Maintain a working understanding of the readjustment problems of veterans, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, alcohol and drug dependency, and other mental health issues
Adhere to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements; maintain a knowledge of current HIPAA policies and procedures
Assist veteran households with money management and budgeting as needed
Participate in all mandatory meetings
Perform other related duties as required by the SSVF management staff
Maintain an ability to carry out the essential duties of the position within what can be considered reasonable accommodation
Desired Qualifications Three (3) years experience working with "hard to serve" individuals, including homeless, substance abusers and those with mental health issues in areas of housing stabilization, placement and retention preferred
Bachelor's in behavioral sciences; relevant experience may be substituted
CA Driver's License Required for outreach to community partners/resources and housing inspections as needed
Translatable military experience and skills may be alternatively substituted
Understanding and basic knowledge of mental health symptoms and diagnoses, psychosocial stressors, and chemical dependency issues
Crisis intervention, de-escalation and conflict resolution skills
Good written, communication skills, Listening skills
Ability to work both independently as well as a team member
Basic computer proficiency to include Microsoft Office applications and email
Ability to travel for outreach to community partners/resources
Ability to perform all functions of this position within what would be deemed reasonable accommodations
Treat all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect
Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of personalities and be comfortable working with an at-risk client population, including embracing the agency's Cultural Humility Initiative
Attention to detail in all facets of written, administrative and case management work.
Strong organizational skills required
Required Skills Ability to multi-task
Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and deadlines
Ability to be flexible in a dynamic and diverse working environment
Ability to work as a team player
Good listening and interpersonal skills
Physical requirements include the ability to sit for long periods and manage transportation to community meetings, client visits and housing inspections.
Ability to manage a caseload of 50+ clients.
Equipment used Personal computer, phone, fax
Salary & Benefits
Compensation is based on a competitive public interest salary scale. Swords to Plowshares offers a generous benefits package including the following benefits: Employer paid medical, dental, and vision for employees
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
17 vacation days in the first year
12 holidays every year
Wellness program
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of Intent:
Swords to Plowshares is fully committed to the ongoing work of creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. For us, this is a process and not a destination. We embrace the principles of cultural humility to create spaces where all people feel welcome, heard, and valued.
We stand against injustice and discrimination of all kinds. This includes mistreatment based on race, age, color, veteran/military status, language, ethnic background, national origin, ancestry, ability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, other status protected by law, and the other qualities/traits that make you unique. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.