Case Manager - Emergency Shelter (Personal Services)

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Case Manager to join our Emergency Shelter team! A Case Manager provides community-based case management services to clients, draws upon clients' strengths to inform service planning, advocates on behalf of clients, collaborates with other service providers, provides resource referrals, monitors client progress, and manages crisis situations. This position also provides administrative support by maintaining client files, entering data, and completing required documentation in compliance with program and funder requirements. An Emergency Shelter Case Manager provides housing navigation and housing stabilization services to youth ranging from ages 16-22 living in a 24-hour residential facility. Services include facilitating meetings with providers or managing conservators, transporting, and meeting basic needs in a way that positively supports youth development as well as their individual goals.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive starting rate of $24.86-$27.17/hr depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide client-centered, healing-centered case management services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, systems involvement, mental health challenges, substance use challenges, a history of trauma, early pregnancy/parenthood, etc.
• Identify and leverage clients' strengths as part of service planning to help clients achieve their self-defined goals.
• Work with teammates and other support staff to ensure fidelity of the Strengths Model of Case Management is adhered to and considered in interaction with and documentation of client-case manager engagement.
• Assist clients with their day-to-day needs and development of life skills, which may include (but is not limited to) grocery shopping, meal preparation, cleaning activities, budgeting, navigating public transportation, and job search activities.
• Assess clients' mental and physical wellness, needs, preferences, and abilities, and utilize this information to develop tailored wraparound supports and referrals that are aligned with client preferences.
• Regularly and effectively assess and manage incidents and crisis situations, with calm, care, and positive regard for client, using de-escalation and safety planning techniques as appropriate.
• Analyze barriers and challenges as they arise and deliver safe, effective, and client-focused solutions.
• Actively engage in the community alongside clients to support the achievement of client's self-defined goals, including collaborating with internal and external partners to advocate for client needs, coordinate services, and provide referrals.
• Assist clients in building a network of support and (re)building relationships with family and friends.
• Comply with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency. These requirements may pertain to data, paperwork, philosophies, processes, and procedures, among other things.
• Maintain timely, complete, and accurate case records and documentation, including (but not limited to) service plans, assessments, progress notes, intake reports, and incident reports.
• Perform heavy data entry into agency/funder databases and ensure timeliness and accuracy of data entry.
• Discern how and when to provide approved financial assistance to support the client in meeting their basic needs and ensure proper utilization of the funds.
• Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents to secure employment or housing (e.g., State ID, birth certificate, Social Security card).
• Assist clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) and how they will be affected by employment in order for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities, referring clients to benefits counseling, as needed.
• Ensure required client consents are collected and documented and that clients have a thorough understanding of the program prior to consenting to participate.
• Provide timely interventions and outreach services to clients when they appear to disengage from services.
• Transport clients to agencies and services.
• Prepare for and actively participate in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings.

Additional Responsibilities for Emergency Shelter Case Managers:

•  Manage emotional, physical, and verbally escalated situations by applying an emergency behavior intervention to de-escalate youth back to normalcy, as well as   physical restraints utilizing “Handle with Care” techniques when necessary.
•  Follow DFPS Minimum Standards for incident reporting, implementation of safety plans and action plans in coordination with Youth Care Workers and Program   Director of Emergency Shelter.
•  Coordinate intake and discharge of client services, including consent for services and risk assessment for supervision guidelines.
•  Follow health and safety guidelines per DFPS minimum standards and LifeWorks safety planning.
•  Rotate in the on-call duties which includes being available to on-duty staff and may involve taking calls, responding to emails, covering shifts or providing on-site   support in an emergency.
•  Maintains required program training including 40 hours within the first month of employment and 20 hours of ongoing annual training.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree in social or behavior sciences or administrative field;
• Requires a minimum 2 years related experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Lived experience of homelessness is a plus and may count towards related qualifications.
• Proficient in HMIS, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and agency database.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, we are a fearless advocate for youth and families seeking their path to self-sufficiency. LifeWorks goal is to be able to provide clients with the resources they need a place to call home, the chance to heal, and the opportunity to learn and to work. We have one of the most comprehensive continuums of housing and support options for vulnerable youth in the country. We are committed to innovative problem solving, shared accountability and a relentless focus on achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve. A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow and develop your professional skills while making an immediate difference in the lives of youth and families in our community.

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