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Special Service for Groups, Inc- HOPICS

Problem-Solving Specialist

Special Service for Groups, Inc- HOPICS, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079


Special for Service Groups Inc

Job Announcement

Title:

Problem-Solving Specialist

Division:

HOPICS

FLSA:

Non-Exempt/ Full-time

Supervisor:

Problem Solving Supervisor

Pay Range:

$25.00 - $27.00 per hour

Revised:

09.17.2024

SummaryProblem-Solving is a humanist approach that works to reduce system in-flow by creatively assisting households and individuals in maintaining their current housing or identifying an immediate and safe housing alternative. Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Problem-Solving Specialist engages with clients receiving Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) temporary homeless assistance, regardless of perceived needs or barriers. Responsibilities of the Problem-Solving Specialist include:

Essential FunctionsMeet with participants to understand family dynamics and cultural factors that may help in finding housing within their network or family. Assist participants in identifying alternative supports to resolve their current or pending episode of homelessness. If necessary, the program's resources can be used to obtain housing and help participants establish a plan for sustaining permanent housing.Provide a combination of office and/or field-based case management services, including housing stabilization, money management, community integration, employment linkage, benefits establishment, and linkage to community providers for substance use and primary and mental health care.Offer crisis intervention services focused on enhancing clients' ability to independently problem-solve, utilize practical coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate care.Assist clients with meeting immediate needs through linkage to temporary housing.Communicate with and visit families, outside service providers, and landlords to familiarize them with the program and the unique needs of participants.Determine eligibility for problem-solving candidates who meet eligibility criteria for problem-solving assistance funds. Coordinate the collection of required documents to receive financial assistance and submit the necessary documentation to process financial assistance requests.Use guidance LAHSA provides to track conversations, outcomes, and services provided to ensure program goals are met.Promptly respond to Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District office referrals submitted to the SPA6 HOPICS Family Solution Center (FSC).Serve as a liaison between community partners seeking problem-solving intervention and the participant.Monitor and manage critical client problem-solving outcomes through targeted case management and housing stability plans.Obtain and maintain a working knowledge of all HOPICS and SPA 6 CES programs and their eligibility criteria.Identify and report all hindrances to client success.Attending all division-wide training.Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.Understand and accurately articulate the HUD definition of homelessness and chronically homeless.Maintain updated program logs and tracking mechanisms.Provide weekly reports to the Senior Manager and Associate Director for Homeless Systems Integration.Contribute to all contractual performance targets.Be the primary contact for housing providers.Develop and maintain relationships with community service providers.Facilitate necessary program-related training HOPICS wide and to community partners in SPA6.Facilitate internal referrals and/or appointments within HOPICS and coordinate services with other division-wide programs.Participate in program and division-specific events.Perform any other appropriate responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Manager for Homeless Systems Integration & Division Director.Maintain accurate files/records on activities and client services in compliance with HIPAA, CFR 42, and other funding requirements for auditing purposes.Maintain appropriate boundaries with staff, clients, and community partners.Adhere to SSG's Code of Ethics and HOPICS' Core Values.Professionally represent the Agency at meetings and community events.Attend all related training(s) and meetings.Maintain appropriate boundaries and adhere to SSG's Code of Ethics and HOPICS' Core Values.

Minimum Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university OR Three (3) years of experience working in social service.If in recovery, a minimum of three (3) years of being drug and alcohol-free are MANDATORY.Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.Excellent interpersonal and mediation skills.Ability to understand and carry out oral and written direction.Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background ClearanceValid driver's license and reliable transportation.Current proof of Auto Insurance required.TB test required. Not more than (3) months before or (7) days after hire date and renewal annually after that.CPR and First Aid Certification required within thirty (30) days of employment with the company.Basic computer word processing skills required.Demonstrate ability to interface with community agencies and DPSS staff.Knowledge of DPSS services preferred.Significant experience working with persons experiencing homelessness and having complex needs, conducting assessments of general patient information, developing short-term care plans, and providing necessary interventions identified during assessment.Previous experience working with persons experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Excellent charting/documentation skills and data collection.Passion for and commitment to working with underserved and indigent populations.Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, socio-economic backgrounds, includingLGBTQ individuals and those living with disabilities, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders.

Skilled in non-violent crisis intervention.Ability to self-motivate, multi-task and be flexible in a fast-paced environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

The environment for this position is office, field-based, and remote.Must be able to work in an environment with many priorities, busy, and fast-paced.Must be able to problem-solve and adapt to unpredictable changes.Must be able to work in various shelters environments.Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals with urgent and multiple case management and health needs

Physical RequirementsWhile performing this job, the incumbent typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, speaking, thinking, listening, and carrying (20lbs). Must sit at a computer for data entry and reports: sometimes spend time driving and walking and carrying equipment/files/charts. When appropriate, assist clients with moving their personal belongings. Speak to staff and outside agencies in public meetings and Provider Meetings.

Mental Requirements

The incumbent in this position must be able to accommodate any/all the following:Uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules.Relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions; and must be able to handle any/all of the following: interruptions, changes in priorities/work schedules; be able to process information, think, and conceptualize.Perform simple, repetitive, complex, or varied tasks.Comprehend and follow instructions.Work just as well independently as they do on a team.Exercise mature judgment and are highly motivated, self-starting, and proactive.Are excellent at communicating, whether in writing or verballyHave a strong sense of prioritization and can coordinate multiple demands in a high-pressure environmentMaintain workplace appropriate to a given workloadRelate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructionsAbility to generalize, evaluations, or decisions without immediate supervisionAccept and carry out responsibility for the direction, control, and planning.Communicate information to clients; Research material to answer clients' questions; Respond cheerfully to clients.

Special Service for Groups is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer