TITLE: Patient Problem-Solving Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Programs
REPORTS TO: Manager, Outreach & Regional Coordination
Employment Status: Full Time
Reg. Hours Worked: 40 / Week, Exempt
Salary: $24.04/hr

JOB SUMMARY:

The Patient Problem-Solving Specialist aims to connect discharged patients who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness with resources that can end their housing crisis, including potential resources via CES. The Patient Problem-Solving Specialist must attempt the Problem-Solving Intervention with households prior to connecting to CES resources. The primary goal of the Patient Problem-Solving Specialist is to increase linkages between hospitals, clinics, and homeless services. Through this goal, the Patient Problem-Solving Specialist improves referral processes, increases communication across systems, and increases partnership opportunities to expand housing resources for patients experiencing homelessness.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment and occasionally exposed to outdoor weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• See, hear, and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions.
• Ability to interact with other employees, clients, customers, and members of the public.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information. Transcribe, enter, and post data.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Requires use of a computer keyboard.
• Able to travel with personal or company vehicle to off-site meetings and other activities throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.
• Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley is preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, and others.
• Current knowledge of social work practices and principles related to best practice standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in the use of laptop computers and Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, G-Mail).
• Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in HMIS, Homeless Management Information System.
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer, and scanner).
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and have access to a properly registered vehicle.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of experience working with homeless individuals AND have a social work/mental health-related bachelor’s degree or have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a related human services field.
• Experience working with participants with mental health illness, chronic health issues, and substance use disorders is strongly preferred.
• Have experience in the following areas strongly preferred: chronic homelessness, outreach, and engagement strategies, intensive case management services, best practice models, mental health and substance use disorder services, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, affordable housing and public benefits applications, housing and landlord/tenant rights, eviction prevention, etc.
• Successful demonstration of required skills through current or past USHS employment may be considered in lieu of the standard required years of experience.

• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with hospital partners including staff in the emergency rooms, social work, and discharge planning departments, and any onsite homeless navigators.
• Meet with medical social workers and ongoing staff for case conferencing, foster ongoing mutual learning, and remain up to date on mutual objectives, eligible referrals, and system awareness.
• Conducts Problem-Solving conversations and refers to CES resources when problem-solving is not possible.
• Uses rapport to identify supports that the participants may have outside of the homeless services system.
• Identifies homeless patients who require comprehensive assessment and connects to CES staff trained to administer the full SPDAT assessment tool
• Utilizes HMIS to input data and facilitate service reconnections
• Refers to CES Access Sites and Access Centers for assessment/service connection when appropriate
• Provide referrals to emergency services such as crisis housing, drop-in centers, and emergency services for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault
• Actively collaborates with hospital patient navigators/social workers/discharge planners to support the discharge planning process by providing information and helping to facilitate access.
• Facilitates warm hand-offs for patients from Patient Problem Solving Specialists to CES staff
• Other duties as assigned.