Summary:

The LAHSA TLS SCI Generalist is a field based position that provides problem solving support, outreach and engagement, housing application assistance and rapid placement, comprehensive case management services, referrals to mainstream benefits, employment support, and housing supportive services for homeless members participating in Project Roomkey Hotel Rooms, and other populations funded by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). These members have been identified by the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and referred to Step Up for short term financial assistance and housing supportive services. The LAHSA TLS SCI Generalist will work with a case load of up to 25 members. 

Case Management Activities:

· Provide Outreach to referred homeless individuals to screen for COVID LAHSA TLS Program. This includes ensuring eligibility and verifying the individuals desire to be housed and falls into the following components of COVID LAHSA TLS Program: ESG TLS and EHV SSO

· Establish and continually build upon a broad base of knowledge of community services and communicate appropriate referrals to members.

· Provide ongoing life skills development and encourage greater self-determination via regular case management meetings with program participants once a week and no less than twice monthly when housed.

· Advocate for client’s needs. Connect clients with supportive services within the community including but not limited to mental health services, medical care, food pantries, energy assistance, Job placement, life skills training, and substance abuse counseling in addition to any financial assistance such as security deposit, utility deposit, utility assistance, rental arrears, utility arrears, essential furnishings, move-in expenses, etc.

Housing Search, Location, and Placement (if applicable):

· Search for housing options aligned to the capacity and choices of the members and communicate program efforts to property managers to match potential program participants to appropriate housing options.

· Conduct HQS inspections to ensure unit meet HUD quality standards.

· Coordinate lease signings with property managers and members and assist members with process.

· Process requests for associated moving expenses

· Coordinate move ins to include furniture and appliances, as well as member transport.

· Communicate changes or issues regarding rent with rental assistance.

· Provide rental assistance with necessary documentation to process rent subsidy requests.

· Support members who face major maintenance issues within the unit.

· Act as liaison between client and landlord for compliance with lease, eviction prevention, good neighbor behaviors, etc.

Documentation, Contract Compliance, Program Participation, CLARITY/HMIS:

· Ensure client files meet set audit standards with required documentation.

· Document every client contact with case notes (GIRP Format) and other documents utilizing in prescribed record system. (CLARITY/HMIS, and/or hard copy files.)

· Verify and document client’s income. Complete rent payment schedule with client and provide utility allowance calculations to client. Complete rent calculations based on rent payment schedule.

· Develop and update individual service plans (ISP) with the client’s input.

· Track and report client outcomes in file and in HMIS. Ensure timely entry of data in HMIS.

· Ensure HMIS data is complete and accurate.

General Requirement:

· Maintain professional boundaries and quality customer service.

· Participate in on site and off site training and meetings as directed. Attend internal and external case staffing meetings as necessary to coordinate services. This includes but it not limited to meeting with partner agencies, monthly housing team meetings, and outreach family team meetings.

· Work collaboratively with other members of the Step Up team as needed to support and effectively perform their assigned job duties and contribute to the achievement of the program's goals and objectives of housing and income stability.

· Work collaboratively with CoC member organizations to ensure joint efforts are being taken to stabilize members.

· Respond to all calls in a timely manner. Address emergency situations immediately and divert non-emergency calls to appropriate times.

· Other job duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

· Knowledge of or experience with mainstream benefits and services, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, Harm Reduction, etc.

· Knowledge in case management services.

· Ability to work collaboratively with others and on a team.

· Initiative and solution focused practice. Uses good time management skills and resources to balance case load direct service and paperwork.

· Works within skills and scope of practice asking for support and training to improve abilities when needed.

· Ability to work as a team member on the streets, in homeless facilities or with other homeless community providers such as police, churches and hospital ER’s.

· Ability to engage individuals on the streets in a meaningful manner which imbues trust.

· Understands and promotes safety first to self and team members.

· Demonstrates good judgement and ability to work independently. Ability to problem solve and use time management skills. Organizational skills are key.

Skills/Abilities:

Experience working with people who experience homelessness and or are diagnosed with a mental-illness, crisis intervention, understanding and commitment to psychosocial/Recovery-Oriented philosophy, strong computer skills, ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team. Familiarity with and dedication to the Housing First and Harm Reduction models.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with people who experience homelessness and or are diagnosed with a mental-illness or Social Work/Mental Health related Bachelor's degree and minimum of 1 years' experience working with people wo experience homelessness and or are diagnosed with or mental-illness in a community or housed setting necessary. Ability to work as a part of a team is crucial. Knowledge of issues facing program members, (e.g. health, substance abuse, mental health, physical health, domestic abuse, child welfare, resources for undocumented person), excellent written and verbal communication skills, must be able to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry and documentation. Microsoft 365 Office is essential. Must have own transportation and current California driver's license and insurance with good driving record at all times during employment. Must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Work with people experiencing homelessness whether on the streets, in shelters or other places of habitation or services, may present inherent challenges and difficulties such as: exposure to bed bugs or other infestations, unpleasant smells or odors, individuals who may have poor hygiene or unclean homes due to homelessness, mental health symptoms, or poverty. Additionally, in working with our members, employees may encounter instances of profanity, sexually explicit or derogatory language, or verbal or physical expressions of anger and trauma. Very rarely do these situations ever escalate to physical contact, and negative or derogatory communication patterns can often be negotiated successfully. All direct care staff are provided adequate training to develop skills to deescalate crisis situations that may arise and Step Up has established procedural safeguards for all employees to mitigate (but not eliminate) these inherent risks of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Keyboard data entry required.

Step Up utilizes the principles of trauma-informed care and mental health recovery. These principles inform our Core Values of Hope, Wellness, Voice and Choice, Respect, and Collaborative Relationships. As representatives of Step Up, employees agree to adhere to these values in their interactions with members, colleagues, supervisors, and associated community members.

STEP UP CORE VALUES

HOPE – We believe all people have the capacity for positive growth and change. We use hope to inspire and motivate ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

WELLNESS – We believe in promoting a culture that supports healthy and fulfilling lives. We use a supportive environment to foster well-being for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

VOICE AND CHOICE – We believe in the right to choose and be heard. We use voice and choice to create meaningful outcomes and empowerment for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

RESPECT – We believe in promoting interactions that are non-judgmental, transparent. We use respect to guide all of our words and actions with ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS – We believe in forming partnerships to share resources, knowledge, and experiences. We use collaborative relationships to strengthen accomplishments for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 2 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Los Angeles, CA 90038