Case Manager, Bringing Families Home

Organizational Overview Upward Bound House (UBH) is dedicated to ending the cycle of intergenerational family homelessness. We compassionately provide a continuum of services ranging from crisis housing to permanent housing and homelessness prevention. With over 30 years of experience in family homelessness, UBH is a leading services provider, contributing to and advocating for lasting solutions to end family homelessness. Our diverse team is passionate about our mission. UBH provides a fast-paced environment that values empowerment, collaboration, diversity, relationships, efficiency and communication. UBH provides a supportive, caring and merit-based environment for team members and is vested in their growth and development. We seek employees who are passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others. Summary The Bringing Families Home Subsidy program (BFH) provides rapid re-housing and case management services to families in the child welfare system, who service component may include, but are not limited to; Family Reunification, Family Maintenance, or families in receipt of voluntary supervision to prevent the need for the child or children’s removal. The goal is to significantly reduce the number of families in the child welfare system experiencing homelessness. The ideal BFH Housing Case Manager will work in collaboration with the Housing Locator/Matcher to network with owners, landlords and property managers to identify housing opportunities for homeless families, and to education them on UBH rental assistance programs. The BFH Housing Case Manager will also help educate on housing right laws and responsibilities, with the intention of mitigating any potential tenant-related matters, including deterrence of evictions. Additionally, this BFH Case Manager will provide support and guidance to participants and landlords when housing issues occurs i.e. late rents, neighbor issues, etc. Essential Functions Conduct comprehensive intake and assessments of participants to develop Housing Case Plan. Coordinate and provide care and services that are safe, timely, efficient, equitable, and client-centered. Assist participants achieve wellness and autonomy through case management services which include but are not limited to providing appropriate resources, tools, and counseling; making referrals for services and following up to ensure that the referrals were completed; tracking and documenting participant progress. Recertify participants every 3 months to determine progress and determine progress and need. Educate participants and apply the ‘step-down’ approach to decreased rental assistance over time, leading to self-sufficiency. Link participants to services and programs that provide specialized care (i.e. mental health, substance use, domestic violence, childcare, employment, etc). Assist participants in all aspects of locating and securing permanent housing (identifying housing resources, communicating and negotiating with landlords, processing and submitting application, advocating for participants, coordinating the enrollment/leasing process, etc). Document and maintain up-to-date information on services provided to participants in the and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) within 48 hours of interaction. Maintain electronic and hard copy case records. Perform rent calculations for rental assistance programs and counsel participants regarding rent, security deposit and lease provisions. Network with new owners, landlords and property managers to discuss UBH’s rental assistance and placement Educate landlords on how the short/medium-term and long-term rental subsidy programs works including timeframe and potential payment breakdown and encourage their participation. Perform inspections, post participant acceptance, of unit for habitability standards, including safety and security Ensure the FMR are within contractual obligations. Negotiate rent when necessary. Provide advocacy as needed to help address issues and barriers between landlord and Work in tandem with the stabilization team to address any participant-related issues. Participate in staff meetings, case reviews and other relevant Attend community meetings and other assigned meetings, events, workshops, Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree, from an accredited College or University, in Human Services (e.g., psychology, social work, sociology or related field) required. Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with unhoused populations; homeless families preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of fair housing laws and practices. Knowledge of the child welfare system preferred. Exhibit high level of professionalism. Understanding of best practice approaches including: Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries. Highly motivated self- starter with the ability to work in a high-pressure environment. Experience working with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental illness. Ability to respond responsibly in emergency and crisis situations. Intermediate proficiency in Windows Office Suite programs and a data management system (HMIS preferred). Position requires travel primarily in Los Angeles County. Knowledge of community resources. Valid California driver’s license and proof of auto insurance . Mandatory Requirements Employment Eligibility Verification Reliable transportation Updated tuberculosis test Successful completion of background screening. CPR/First Aid training Must have Valid CA Driver's License Must provide proof of insurance coverage Must be able to qualify for UBH drivers’ insurance coverage Responsibilities Common To All Agency Employees Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times. Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues. Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines. Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency. Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others. Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration. Respond in a timely manner in all aspects of communication. Work with average supervision. Perform other duties as assigned.