Life Skills Case Manager

SERVICE AREA: Housing & Justice Related Services (HJRS)

DIVISION: Housing Services

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Life Skills Case Manager position will be responsible for the provision of case management services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing support and resources to secure and maintain stable housing. This role will support the families enrolled at the Stenton Family Manor Emergency Housing Program. This role involves developing life skills, connecting clients with community resources, and advocating for their needs. Adhering to the Office of Homeless Services Case Management Standards.

The Life Skills Case Manager will focus on developing practical skills and resources to improve participants’ well-being and independence, including communication, problem-solving, and navigating systems. The CM will also work to ensure that the following goals are met: Provide stable housing and ensure that eligible families can obtain and maintain stable housing. Reduce homelessness: Reduce the risk of homelessness for eligible individuals and families. Improve health: Improve health and other quality of life outcomes for eligible individuals and families.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work flexibly with housing participants, internal and external stakeholders, and service providers to assist households in maintaining housing stability and increased self-sufficiency. Adopting solutions-oriented and non-judgmental models, the Life Skills Case Manager will serve as an advocate and coach, establishing clear boundaries and meeting customer service benchmarks.

The Life Skills Case Manager position works to support PHMC’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values which are as follows:

Mission and Vision

PHMC works to create and sustain healthier communities through partnerships with government, foundations, businesses, and community-based organizations. We envision a healthier community for all.

• Integrity: We are committed to building and sustaining trust across our teams, partners, and funders.
• Impact: Our work is purposeful and rooted in a data-driven approach.
• Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other responsible for getting things done, effectively managing resources, and achieving sustainable results.
• Inclusion and Collaboration: We value and respect the inherent differences of all individuals, strive to amplify those voices and experiences, and are committed to working together to convene diverse perspectives, talents, and approaches to public health.
• Credibility: We are a trusted resource that delivers innovative approaches and reliable services to the communities that depend on us.

REPORTS to the Emergency Housing Case Management Supervisor

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Counseling, Case Management, and Resource Coordination

• Utilizes best-practice approaches (i.e., Client-Centered, Trauma-Focused, etc.) to provide case management services that promote both housing stability.
• Has a caseload of 25 families.
• Be available to address crises that may threaten housing stability, such as employment loss or family conflict.
• Maintains confidentiality of client information and data.
• Attends bi-weekly supervision with the EH CM Supervisor.
• Refers and links participants to supportive services available provided by trusted partners/resources in the general community.
• Assists participants with employment and vocational search or other benefit source (i.e., supplemental income or social security benefits, etc.).
• Conducts employment and training outreach activities by phone, in-person and/or email to build relationships, answer questions, and create partnerships.
• Collaborates with the EH CM Supervisor for potential community resources, employment and training placement opportunities, and recruitment of new stakeholders.
• Other duties needed to help drive the organization’s vision, fulfill the mission, and abide by the organization’s values.

Life Skills

• Coordinates and/or conducts quarterly workshops on various topics (i.e., health, preventative medicine, physical exercise, healthy eating, healthy living, budgeting/ financial identity protection, utility assistance, nutrition, behavioral health issues including anxiety and depression, interpersonal violence, etc.) that contribute to housing stability.
• Provides support and guidance as individuals practice new skills that promote housing stability.

Assessment and Evaluation

• Completes initial assessments of participants’ needs to ensure both strength-based and client-centered services.
• Assesses the housing barriers and needs of program participants.
• Coordinates with social and medical agencies, healthcare providers, and community outreach programs to provide participants with services needed to meet their housing plan goals.
• Evaluates participants’ needs and develops individualized, strength-based, and client-centered housing plans that include SMART objectives.
• Conducts regular reassessments of housing goals and plans.

Administrative

• Ensures timely case note documentation using SOAP note format for biweekly individual meetings with program participants
• Maintains accurate participant records in accordance with program guidelines

SKILLS:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of the health system, community-based organizations, and partners in designated service area(s)
• Experience successfully managing competing timelines
• Ability to establish priorities
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment to meet objectives with minimal supervision
• Excellent problem-solving, conflict resolution, and time management skills
• Excellent people skills and ability to effectively interface with partner organizations and community residents
• Knowledge of local community resources
• Advocacy, counseling, and/or coaching skills
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds
• Best practice approaches to working with families
• Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

QUALITIES:

• Hardworking and dependable
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and creativity regarding programmatic requirements and changes based on special population needs
• Ability to show resilience amidst loss, grief, and upset
• Ability to step back and analyze things objectively

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Counseling and psychosocial experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in public health or social service-related work.
• A minimum of 2 years of related social work experience, experience working with groups, couples, and families, and crisis intervention skills.
• At least three years of experience working with diverse populations, low-income individuals, and individuals from different religious backgrounds.
• A minimum of 2 years of advocacy skills and experience in demonstrated in advocating for clients to help them identify risk reduction strategies.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in social work preferred.

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.