Prevention Case Worker Job Locations US-WA-Seattle Posted Date 2 months ago (11/3/2018 5:27 AM) Job ID 2018-3414 # of Openings 1 Category Homeless Adult Services Min USD $18.37/Hr. Overview PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Housing and Essential Needs is a statewide program and Catholic Community Services has contracted with King County to deliver the prevention services locally. HEN provides rental assistance, housing search assistance, transportation assistance, and other needed services to disabled adults who are homeless or at-risk of losing their housing. Approximately 1,700 people receive assistance through the HEN program in King County each month. POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Prevention Case Workers are responsible for all aspects of client services through the HEN program. This includes: client intakes, assessments, setting goals and developing action plans, referrals and coordination with needed services, ensuring client eligibility, data collection and entry, and maintaining client records including funds distributed to landlords. This is a full time position and includes benefits and generous paid time off. Hourly rate is $18.37-$20.44/hour DOQ. Responsibilities MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES: Case Work Responsibilities The Prevention Case Workers are located in the community in various DSHS offices. They work independently with off-site supervision. They are responsible for screening potential HEN clients, verifying eligibility, developing an action plan, and approving payments to landlords and utility companies. Each Prevention Case Worker carries a case load of approximately 220 clients at and time and helps distribute $1 million in state funding to clients each month. Meet with clients to conduct an intake and assessment. Based on the assessment, develop an action plan for housing stability that covers the following life domains: income/employment, health, and housing. Refer to Housing Stability Specialist and/or Employment Specialist as needed. Update action plans and goals with clients every 90 days. Gather supporting documentation and input data entry into the local HMIS and other data entry systems. Routinely verify client enrollment in the DSHS HEN Program through the Benefit Verification System. Determine the availability of prevention funding. Prepare check requests. Distribute Essential Need items (hygiene and cleaning) and Transportation (Orca cards and gas cards) to clients. Ensure client records are kept in accordance with agency standards. Schedule follow up client contact as necessary. Communicate with clients if they do not or no longer qualify for assistance. Inform clients of the programs grievance process. Develop relationships with community partners and refer clients to other community services . Provide outreach and education to community providers. Assist with the set up and distribution of a weekly essential needs bank for HEN clients. Team Responsibilities: The Prevention Coordinators work with a diverse team of staff who work out of six locations throughout King County. The ability to work independently and communicate with team members remotely is essential. In addition, HEN clients are all disabled adults with challenges related to physical, mental health and substance use. Observe/follow guidelines on confidentiality rights of clients and respect their privacy. Work with clients who have emotional and behavioral challenges related to their disabilities. Attend trainings required of employees as scheduled. Participate as a team member in staff and supervisory meetings as required. Contribute to and support a positive, team-oriented, culturally-diverse work environment. Participate in advocacy on behalf of the program and other programs assisting disabled and low income community members. Maintain accurate record of hours worked and turn in timesheets on schedule. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. JOB CONDITIONS: This position requires the employee to work in an office environment where there is noise from telephones and conversations among employees and clients. Working conditions may include interruptions, and interactions with individuals who are angry and/or dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. Extensive use of telephones, computers and related office equipment is typical of this position. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ACUITY REQUIREMENTS: The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Able to prioritize multiple tasks, and to work independently and as a team member. Able to understand and observe safety rules. Able to hear telephone rings, face-to-face and phone conversation, door bells, and emergency alarms. Able to speak clearly in person and on the telephone. Able to hand write legibly. Able to read normal size print and handwritten notes. Able to sit for sustained periods of time. Mobility/dexterity of hands/arms to enable keying into locked areas as well as using office equipment. Ability to move boxes weighing around 20 lbs. and move boxes of hygiene/cleaning items. Regularly able to perform duties as assigned. Able to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment in performing job duties. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Qualifications applicant must possess to be considered for the position.) Associates degree in social services or a related field, or commensurate experience in social services. At least one year of experience in direct provision of social services, preferably with homeless people. Understanding of problems homeless people often face, including alcohol and drug abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, and long-term homelessness. Excellent written and oral communication. Good office computer skills, with ability to maintain complex client records. Commitment to working within the mission, goals and objective of Catholic Community Services. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS : Bachelors degree or higher in Social Work or a related field. Fluency in second language that is spoken by a substantial number of HEN recipients. Reliable vehicle and willingness to commute between offices.