Case Worker

Title: Case Worker

Reports to: Executive Director

FSLA: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Hours: 36 hours per week

Salary: $20-$24/per hour

Schedule: Mon-Thurs 8:00am – 5:00pm, Friday 9:00am-1:00pm

The Samaritan Center – Simi Valley is a resource for those experiencing housing and/or food insecurities. The Case Worker will assist the Case Worker Lead and have frequent client contact and should have experience with sensitive situations. The Case Worker will assist clients with resources, housing providers, rehab facilities, food services and more. Our caseload is growing and the candidate for this position must be organized, professional, responsible, and committed to helping us meet all our clients’ needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage with new clients by completing Intake Packet, Center’s Code of Conduct, and “No Tolerance” policies and securing their acceptance
• Develop and conducts client orientations
• Determine clients’ service needs and requirements through intake interviews, identifying specific client needs and forming a detailed action plan
• Build relationships with clients, coaching and guiding them to benefits and resources that will enrich their lives and end their homelessness
• Work with Case Worker Lead and staff to provide face to face services to homeless individuals (This may occasionally occur outside of the office with Executive Director approval)
• Assist clients in recognizing and defining their own service needs
• Inform clients of available services and help them access goods, services, financial benefits, ID’s, housing, and other needs available to them
• Collaborate with other service providers in the community, county, and beyond to provide effective, coordinated, services and plans that meet client’s immediate needs and future goals
• Advocate for individual clients, both in person and within the system, to support their needs and growth
• Monitor clients progress against their Personal Action Plan; adjust as needed, advocating for the services and resources needed for them to succeed
• Intervene with support in a crisis bringing the Case Worker Lead or Executive Director as needed (This may include Street Outreach)
• Input client notes and services into HMIS
• Maintain client’s files by reviewing case notes for progress and changes
• Communicate client’s progress to Case Worker Lead and Executive Director by participating in weekly team meeting to review client’s progress and identify program effectiveness
• Manage client referrals to and from other agencies
• Work collaboratively with Case Worker Lead and all agencies to provide high quality service
• Provide clients with assistance with computers, job searches and benefits

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• HMIS database experience (Ventura County or LA County)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Minimum of 2 years experience with Case Management of homeless population and addiction

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Other Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s license
• Driving record acceptable for coverage by insurance carrier
• Able to travel to off-site client locations in Ventura County using personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement
• First Aid Training Certification*
• CPR Certification*

* Note: If indicated certifications/licenses are lacking, they must be obtained within 180 days of hire.

Qualifications

• Approachable with good people skills
• Able to successfully resolve conflict
• Demonstrate clear written documentation skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Organizational Skills
• Act with proactive purpose
• Integrity in and outside of the workplace
• Agency networking
• Positive attitude
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred