Case Manager III - Housing Now

Housing Now Case Manager III 

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Housing Now is a scattered-site permanent supportive housing program that is part of the Rehousing Wave, a collaborative effort of Housing Matters, Abode Services, and Santa Cruz County's Housing for Health division to help our most vulnerable community members enter permanent housing. Housing Now serves individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and provides housing navigation and stabilization services.

The Housing Now program is hiring for a Case Manager III, the advanced level class. Incumbents spend much of their time on the most difficult, sensitive, and specialized services. Advanced casework skills, a high degree of program knowledge, judgment, and creativity are required. 

Hours and Benefits:

• Case Manager III is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, eligible for medical, dental, vision, 403b, and our generous PTO plan.

• Regular hours are Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for some positions.  
•  Benefits Summary:
  • 6 Medical plans - 100% employee coverage
  • Dental - 100% employee coverage
  • Vision - 100% employee coverage
  • Life insurance (UNUM) - 100% employee coverage
  • Chiropractic and Acupuncture (for those who elect medical insurance) - 100% employee coverage
  • 403b Retirement Savings matched up to 3% dollar-for-dollar with no vesting period
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Travel Assistance
  • PTO: accrues to 20 days annually, 1 paid floating holiday, 9 paid holidays 

Starting Wages (Offer is Dependent on Experience):

$32.00  $32.96  $33.95  $34.97  $36.02  $37.10

Preferred Experience and Education Requirements: 

• A minimum of four years of experience performing social service casework services equivalent to a Case Manager II at Housing Matters in an exceptional manner exceeding all standards and abilities,

          OR

• A Master's Degree in social work, social welfare, human services, or one of the social or behavioral sciences plus two years of social service casework experience. 
• Spanish speaking preferred 

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required for certain positions when driving a personal or company vehicle is considered a necessary function and duty of the job. 

Thorough knowledge of:

• Social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.
• Social and economic factors which influence individuals and/or households experiencing homelessness.
• Principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms and reactions to stress.
• Community health, welfare, social, and legal support systems, and other resources available to clients.
• Interviewing and record-keeping techniques, including the documentation of all actions and contacts in case files. 

Typical Job Duties:

• Perform intake interviews, and assessments, and assist participants in developing individual case plans.
• Facilitate participants’ pathway to permanent housing in coordination with other programs, agencies, and organizations.
• Provide ongoing case management including assessment, referrals, budget assistance, housing placement, and promoting housing stability with individuals as assigned.
• Develop and maintain accurate written case records including intake, assessment, ongoing case plan, and progress notes.
• Meet all administrative requirements including recordkeeping, HMIS, staff meetings, etc.
• Maintain confidentiality and treat participants with dignity and respect at all times.
• Assist in the overall administration of the program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform the most complex and specialized casework services with considerable independence.
• Manage crisis situations.
• Provide leadership and consultation to other case managers in casework concepts and methodology.
• Communicate and relate effectively with clients, who may be emotionally or mentally disabled, medically disabled, elderly, substance abusers, victims of domestic violence or fiduciary abuse.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including clients, family members, and others who may be under distress or duress.
• Locate, develop, and use community and agency resources for the benefit of clients and advocate for services on behalf of clients.
• Facilitate maximum client participation in service plans.
• Manage assigned caseload and establish caseload priorities to meet client needs and agency expectations;
• Prioritize and respond to demands of caseload in a prompt and efficient manner.
• Recognize and analyze problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, respond to case details promptly, and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Maintain current and accurate records.
• Learn complex regulations, policies, and procedures and apply them appropriately in management of assigned caseloads.
• Transport program participants in Housing Matters vehicles to meetings and appointments in accordance with program requirements.
• Work effectively under pressure and deadlines.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Housing Matters without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer-related and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 18), veteran status, gender, pregnancy, or any other non-merit factor unrelated to job duties. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment; advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training (including apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer.