Care Support Specialist

At Salt Light, our commitment to fostering belonging and community is at the core of everything we do, and case management plays a pivotal role in this mission. We are seeking a dedicated Care Support Specialist to provide comprehensive case management services to our neighbors residing in Tulare County. This role is integral to embodying our core values of dignity, compassion, and love. The Care Support Specialist is deeply committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward stability and healing, serving as a beacon of hope and assistance in their lives. Working in close partnership with our neighbors and the Neighbor Care Department team, the Care Support Specialist is responsible for assessing individual needs, crafting personalized service plans, and facilitating access to vital resources and support systems. As a key member of the Neighbor Care Department, the Care Support Specialist embraces collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that neighbors receive holistic care and support as they transition from the streets to their new homes. This role requires a profound dedication to our mission and a compassionate approach to empowering those we serve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

In addition to the listed duties and responsibilities, others may be assigned.

• Mission Leadership
  • Represent Salt Light and its mission externally to donors, community leaders, partnering organizations, local businesses, affiliated boards, and committees.
  • Develop and maintain positive and dependable relationships with our neighbors experiencing homelessness, homelessness advocates and organizations, donors, volunteers, and the media.
  • Promote a culture of compassion and love and ensure interactions are kind, inclusive, and empathetic.
• Case Management
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of neighbors' needs, including engaging in empathetic and thorough assessments of neighbors' needs, prioritizing housing, healthcare, employment, and social support while fostering trusting relationships.
  • Collaborate closely with neighbors to co-create individualized service plans, nurturing a sense of community and establishing realistic goals for housing stability and self-sufficiency.
  • Foster a supportive and caring environment through ongoing case management support, ensuring consistent check-ins, compassionate referrals to community resources, and steadfast advocacy on behalf of neighbors.
  • Engage neighbors to access vital services, such as housing assistance, healthcare, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and employment opportunities, promoting autonomy and dignity.
  • Forge strong partnerships with external service providers, including housing agencies, healthcare providers, and social service organizations, fostering a sense of community and collaboration in delivering holistic care and support.
  • Maintain meticulous records of neighbors' progress and interactions, demonstrating accountability and respect for privacy while upholding organizational and funding requirements.
  • Actively participate in team meetings, case conferences, and training sessions, contributing to a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and mutual support within the Neighbor Care Department.
  • Advocate passionately for neighbors' rights and needs within the broader community, addressing systemic barriers to housing and social services and championing inclusivity and equity.
  • Stay abreast of local housing resources, community programs, and social service initiatives, serving as a knowledgeable and reliable source of information to effectively support neighbors and promote community integration.

• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s or Business Associate from an accredited college with a major in social work, social welfare, human services, or related field.
  • Experience collaborating with partner agencies to arrange services and resources for clients.
  • Knowledgeable on the various County resources to help with housing, benefits, transportation, health, and work.
  • Lived experience is desired.
  • Minimum of two years of experience in a community-based human service agency as an advocate, navigator or related work experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Commitment
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
  • Knowledge of CalAIM, any and all Department of Health Care Services programs, Medi-Cal, etc.
  • Commitment to serving those who have experienced homelessness and personal alignment with Salt Light's vision, mission, core values, and goals.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Demonstrated ability to work as a team player and coordinate various projects
  • Ability to take on and complete complex projects with little or no supervision
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Data collection and reporting skills
  • Ability to maintain a calm and sensitive demeanor in stressful situations
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Prior experience utilizing the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
  • Crisis de-escalation skills
  • Knowledge of social issues related to homelessness and poverty
• Technology Skills
  • Advanced computer skills required
  • Google Suite software familiarity is required
  • Familiarity with CRM systems and technology is preferred
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Must possess reliable, insured transportation with minimal auto insurance coverage as required by law. Must possess a valid California driver’s license and be able to use a personal vehicle in the course of routine job duties