Veteran Services - Case Manager - Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc.

WHO WE ARE: Established locally in 1911, Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region. Our professional staff operates more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services provided include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job training. Currently, VOA NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence, through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA Veteran Services is recruiting a full-time Case Manager for our SSVF team. Funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program provides supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. The program offers eligible Veterans and their families:

Case management
Transportation services
Child care services
Rental assistance
Resource & Referral

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for the development of a case management plan to assist SSVF participants in developing the skills necessary to stabilize in permanent housing.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Provide records and services in compliance with SSVF policies, regulatory, and funding source requirements.
2. Maintain positive relationships with program clients, Volunteers of America staff, the Veterans Administration, and all community service agencies.
3. Create and maintain case management files on each participant, including personal information, educational and job skills, short and long-term plans to become self-sufficient, outcomes of all referrals to outside agencies, and documentation of the participant’s progress and assistance in removing obstacles to set goals.
4. Complete a needs assessment with each applicant to assess housing barriers and means to mitigate the obstacles.  Assist with debt consolidation and money management in securing disability entitlement as needed and provide assistance in securing all viable income sources.
5. Provide crisis management as needed and mediate conflicts with landlords.
6. Complete SSVF recertification paperwork quarterly or when participant status changes.
7. Complete all discharge paperwork in a timely fashion.
8. Develop Housing Stabilization Plan that meets the client’s goals and assists in fulfilling the plan.
9. Provide resource information and appropriate case planning specific to any participant who has a physical or mental impairment.
10. Assist client in accessing and finding housing
11. Participate in Volunteers of America and outside training sessions.
12. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Case Manager Supervisor.

B. Responsible for assistance with client development.

1. Liaison between clients and community service agencies to meet client needs.
2. Maintain a list of all available community services and providers.
3. Assure a safe, non-judgmental environment for the clients.
4. Maintain positive, professional relationships with clients and staff.
5. Participate in agency and outside training sessions.

C. Record keeping and communication.

1. Maintain files on each participant, including all SSVF eligibility information and short- and long-term plans to maintain and improve self-sufficiency.  Document progress and assistance in removing obstacles to set goals.  Provide routine documentation of coordination and follow-up of all areas.
2. Provide records and services in compliance with agency policies, regulatory, and funding source requirements.
3. Maintain daily, clear, and thorough communication with the Case Manager Supervisor on all areas of responsibility listed in this job description.

D. Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all client concerns and/or infractions that can impact the program’s security.
2. Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
3. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards.
4. Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and accomplish program objectives.
5. Perform reasonably related duties as assigned by the Case Manager Supervisor.

E. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field is preferred. Three years of experience working with the homeless population or experience working in alcohol/drug recovery programs is highly preferred. Active or previous military service is highly preferred. This position requires demonstrated ability in record-keeping, good written and verbal communication skills, and knowledge of problems unique to women, minorities, persons with disabilities, substance abusers, low income, and the general homeless population. This position requires CPR and First Aid training within ninety (90) days of employment date and recertification as necessary, and T.B. testing annually. A valid California driver’s license and the ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to assist and motivate other people
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability
Statistical and mathematical skills
Computer Skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 20 pounds
Stand, walk and sit frequently
Able to climb stairs
Bend and stoop occasionally