Housing Locator - Case Manager

at  Catholic Charities of San Francisco

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

Catholic Charities is one of the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive nonprofit human services organizations in Northern California, annually reaching more than 60,000 vulnerable individuals of all faiths in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. With a staff of approximately 450, reaching peaks of nearly 600 with seasonal hires, a budget of $54.3 million, and a current governing board of 27, this venerable, fully-accredited, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit addresses some of the most pressing community needs – homelessness, generational poverty, immigration, inequality, hunger, aging in isolation, and communicable disease - to name a few – with compassion and services of highest quality.

PROGRAM & POSITION SUMMARY:

Catholic Charities Family Housing Assistance FHA provides homeless and low-income families with ongoing monthly rental subsidies accompanied by intensive services to rapidly transition homeless families into housing and to prevent low-income families from becoming homeless.
In collaboration with the Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo Housing Authority, the FHA Case Manager/Housing Locator provides supportive case management services for a caseload of 18 to 25 homeless and low-income families to help them obtain and maintain permanent housing and stability. These services include outreach, housing search services, housing location, case management, collaboration with community services, and referrals as needed regarding housing stability and social services needs.
The FHA Case Manager/Housing Locator conducts home visits and field visits in the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:::

• BA degree and one year of experience preferred or AA degree and three years related experience. (Equivalent education and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the job may be considered
• Previous experience locating and maintaining affordable family housing preferred.
• Experience working with homeless families and families in crisis preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:::

• Strong coordination skills.
• A clear understanding of and the ability to demonstrate professional ethics boundaries and judgment.
• Knowledge of community resources in San Mateo for families transitioning from homelessness.
• Strong knowledge of substance abuse and mental health issues and treatment models.
• Ability to assess emergencies and react accordingly by accessing appropriate medical/social systems.
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Products.
• Ability to speak Spanish, Tagalog or Cantonese required.:
• Knowledge of mandatory reporting requirements for people working with children.
• Education in trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health challenges, sexual and human trafficking.
• Knowledge of issues facing homeless families.
• Must be able to read and write English
• Must have a driver’s license to be able to drive and have access to a reliable vehicle (preferred) to be used for outreach and home visits (mileage and cell phone stipend paid by agency).
• Ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to prioritize tasks with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to design systems and processes to track data and monitor progress.
• Achievement oriented
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Client-centered
• Organizational awareness
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.

Clearances Required Before the First Day of Employment::
Fingerprints: Required:
TB Screening –
Negative Tuberculosis Test: N/A:
First Aid
Certificate: N/A:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Frequent :bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequent repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
• Driving is required for this position.:

If driving a car is required for the position, the incumbent must have a valid California driver’s license and be able to provide proof of DMV record and personal insurance (if required.)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Caseload portfolio assignments for up to 20 to 25 clients
• Conducts community street outreach for homeless families in San Mateo County once a week or as needed for minimal recruitment of five families a month
• House a minimum of 3 families a month
• Conduct comprehensive housing searches and landlord recruitment to establish a portfolio of housing units that meet the needs of the served population. Units shall be reasonable in size, near transportation and other amenities, consistent with tenant preferences to the greatest degree possible, and accessible to tenants with disabilities.
• Maintain communication and coordination with The San Mateo Housing Authority management partners to remove any barriers to the housing referral process;
• Collaborate with partners to identify and act upon opportunities to secure units. This may include presentations, planning, and other activities needed to engage new partners, secure real estate, or otherwise expand the housing inventory supported with resources.
• Engage with all tenants referred for housing placement to determine preferred housing options, required services, and obtain needed documentation
• Housing Navigation services to assist successful transition into housing, including unit viewings and selection, accompaniment during the move-in process, and orientation to the neighborhood and surrounding services;
• Provide case management services to families enrolled in the Catholic Charities Family Housing Assistance program that includes a minimum of two contacts per month; one being a home-based service provided include but are not limited to, housing search assistance, crisis intervention, community and support services, information and referral, family budget assistance, job enhancement and support, and landlord advocacy.
• Provide ongoing support services by developing and monitoring an individualized case plan for each family with appropriate goals, objectives, and timelines.
• Provide practical support, education, and assistance to tenants in addressing immediate needs related to achieving stability and life management skills, with a minimum of monthly client contact.
• Act as a positive support liaison between landlords and program participants to ensure housing stability.
• Maintain continuity of services by coordinating new and existing outside service providers.
• Assist families to access appropriate resources and take appropriate actions relative to vocational training, job development/placement, housing maintenance, income improvement, and childcare.
• Maintain an open relationship with relevant family service providers involved with aftercare families.
• Participate in related programs, organizations, and community meetings as assigned.
• Maintain accurate, current, and complete client files and complete all required data collection forms and reports. Maintain appropriate records for monthly reports.
• Computer data entry as required into the Catholic Charities data system.
• Participate in staff meetings, client peer reviews, in-services, and other training as required.
• Work in collaboration with other team members and the Program Director to design and implement program operations, documents, and policies.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Frequent :bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequent repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
• Driving is required for this position.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May need to enter private residences during the course of client home finding/housing search.
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May include contact with clients with mental health issues who demonstrate behaviors such as the use of profanity, shouting, running away, self-harm, and violence.
• The worker is occasionally exposed to perfume or scents in personal care products used by employees, clients, and visitors.
• The worker is subject to outside environmental conditions: No effective protection from the weather.
• The worker is subject to noise: Noise level in the work environment can be moderate to excessive.
• Occasional need to interact with clients that may be expressing anger both appropriately and inappropriately, and to manage the client environment in a way that will avoid further escalation of any inappropriate behavio