Job Description

SUMMARY: The Outreach Specialist “Case Manager” Service Coordinator I is a member of the Sacramento Homeless Services Program located in City of Sacramento. Primary tasks include street outreach and engagement, housing linkage and ongoing case management services with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Once all members are enrolled into program this position will transition into Case Manager SCI ad provide housing retention services and ongoing case management.

DUTIES: The following reflects essential functions for this job but does not restrict other tasks, which may be assigned.

Homeless Coordination Services and Supports:

· Conduct street outreach and engagement to all individuals referred into Step Up Homeless Services Program.

· Develop rapport, and assess individuals for mental illness, co-occurring substance use and other health care needs in the community until linkage and services are accepted.

· Complete the homeless survey tool, VI-SPDAT on all homeless individuals encountered to determine severity of need. Submit tool results to local CES for entry and housing match.

· Evaluate for immediate needs such as crisis intervention, medical attention, showers, clothing, food, emergency shelter, etc. Evaluate for appropriate triage or linkage to housing, health and financial resources to help resolve homelessness and refer to community partners.

· Engage assigned clients to achieve their goals and objectives and report to the team and clinically qualified staff regarding changes clients of level of functioning, support networks, adequacy of living arrangements, financial status, physical health, level of self-care.

· Communicate regularly with other treatment providers.

· Complete all program required paperwork and maintain documentation according to those program standards of practice in Electronic Health Record – Welligent or HMIS within proscribed timeframes as outlined in SUOS documentation policy.

· Maintain member files in compliance with funder requirements.

· Assist with the collection of data, and submission of quarterly/annual reports.

· Attend Step Up staff meetings and trainings as requested.

· Coordinate with City Departments such as Library, Police, Fire, Public Defender, Parks and Recreation to support, assist with homeless population education to staff and linkage to services.

On-going Case Management and Support

· Work with a diverse and marginalized group of about 33-50 participants, experiencing many barriers including homelessness, complex trauma, medical, mental health needs and substance use.

· Evaluate members to identify social, emotional, and economic factors which may interfere with attaining stability and optimum health. Obtain consents and authorizations for participants in the Supportive Services Program, as needed.

· Assist members with recertification and collaborate with Housing Coordination/Navigation team to access temporary housing, obtain permanent housing, and facilitate the move in process before and after move in.

· Meet face to face with members between one and three times a week prior to obtaining housing, once per month or as needed after member has lived successfully in their housing for at least one year.

· Develop and maintain complete, accurate, and current files with all required documents and data in agency records and electronic databases, such as CHAMP and HMIS. Includes updates to changes in income and any demographic domain. Maintain confidentiality of participant files per HIPAA and all applicable guidelines.

· Document services provided within 48 hours using G.I.R.P. format (Goal, Intervention, Response, Plan).

· Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS: Knowledge of or experience with mainstream benefits and services, mental health diagnoses and level of functioning, EBP’s such as Critical Time Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, Harm Reduction, etc. Ability to work collaboratively with others and on a team. Initiative and solution focused practice. Uses good time management skills and resources to balance case load direct service and paperwork. Works within skills and scope of practice asking for support and training to improve abilities when needed. Ability to work as a team member on the streets, in homeless facilities or with other homeless community providers such as police, churches and hospital ER’s. Ability to engage individuals on the streets in a meaningful manner which imbues trust enough to accept services offered. Understands and promotes safety first to self and team members.

QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience): B.A. in psychology or social work or 3 years of related work experience with a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with homeless population. Case management experience is essential, including the ability to chart patient progress to meet documentation requirements. Interview will involve a review of this ability. Candidate must have own transportation and current California driver’s license and insurance. Position requires occasional driving and transporting.