Organization Overview
Established in 1993, Operation Dignity is a nonprofit organization providing housing and supportive services for homeless veterans, veteran families and homeless populations in Alameda County. Operation Dignity operates emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing programs in Alameda, Berkeley and Oakland. We create pathways to housing for, and with, the most vulnerable members of our community. .
Position Summary
This is an onsite position, based at a permanent supportive housing community in San Leandro, and will carry a caseload of 31 households 28 of which will have a veteran as head-of-household, and 3 of which may or may not have a veteran as head-of-household. The Case Manager will work directly with clients to reach personal goals or meet specific challenges as outlined in an Individualized Services Plan (ISP), and will offer group workshops and activities to develop skills and help strengthen support networks as they build inclusive communities and stabilize in housing.
Duties will include planning and organizing community events; case managing a caseload of formerly homeless individuals, providing support with individual resident needs such as referrals, benefits application assistance; connection to transit resources, building resident engagement and leadership opportunities, and addressing resident needs.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Case Management
- Engage clients to develop an Individualized Services Plan, identifying action steps needed to achieve their goals and maintain housing stability. Monitor client progress towards their self-sufficiency and housing stability.
- Develop a trusting relationship with and create a safe foundation for clients to envision positive change, seek support and achieve their goals. Maintain respectful, caring, ethical and empowering relationships with all clients.
- Provide consistent and trauma-informed case management counseling with residents. Facilitate resident meetings and offer life skills training/education programs. Case manager will work with clients as needed to provide housing stability assistance to maintain housing.
- Coordinate with community-based partners to ensure residents receive comprehensive services, including: mental health, legal assistance, entitlement benefits, health care, substance abuse treatment, job training and serving as an advocate or liaison to other organizations on behalf of clients as needed.
- Connected residents to emergency rental assistance programs, including security deposit assistance when needed.
- Intervene in crisis situations to help deescalate clients, promote positive solutions and reestablish stability. Inform supervisors and service providers of crisis matters in a timely manner.
- Provide early intervention, intensive support and mediation to foster a successful stay and ensure community stability.
- Advocate on behalf of clients to promote compliance with property guidelines.
- Work with Property Management staff towards common goals of resident engagement, housing stability, and property and neighborhood safety.
- Work with Property Management on resident referrals, rental assistant needs, lease violations and host joint community meetings.
- Participate in meetings with site partners, as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
Staff Development and Organizational Culture
- Participate in regular supervision sessions to enhance skills and safeguard personal health and wellness.
- Participate in strategic planning and team-building sessions, as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
Work with Staff, Residents and Community Organizations
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of clients (conduct needs assessments, community meetings, etc.) to guide them towards appropriate services and resources, and offer them the opportunity to assist their community.
- Work collaboratively with clients to develop a plan towards developing and strengthening life and leadership skills.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of resources (employment, education, social service agencies etc.) available in the community for clients’ benefit.
- Develop effective working partnerships with religious, educational, and community groups and institutions to leverage resources and in order to provide clients access to services.
- Participate in and/or lead activities with partner agencies that build professional capacity and enhance working relationships.
- Recruit, manage and utilize volunteers to meet the program and service needs of clients.
- Work collaboratively with others in a team environment, respecting and valuing the perspectives and contributions of others.
- Motivate individuals and groups to actively participate and take leadership in efforts to improve the community and increase self-determination.
- Accurately identify/assess resident assets and needs in order to connect them effectively to resources and help them set personal goals.
- Effectively organize and facilitate meetings and community gatherings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Communications and Record-Keeping
- Maintain thorough, accurate and up-to-date files, including progress notes, case plans, audits and other pertinent documentation regarding services for each client. Input case notes and supportive services provided for each client in Salesforce and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Evaluate and report outcomes of programs and services on a monthly basis as required.
- Maintain professional relationships/boundaries with clients and co-workers, while maintaining a strict level of confidentiality. Discuss clients in a private setting only to support their goals.
- Provide support to Property Management in the orientation of new residents and recertification of existing residents.
· Engage in effective and respectful communications clients and community partners.
- Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum three years of case management experience, including providing direct services to individuals who are homeless, living with disabilities, or economically marginalized.
- Cultural competency, with ability to maintain effective professional relationships with a culturally and racially diverse group staff and clients.
- Strong verbal, written and communication skills.
- Strong ability to record client progress and fulfill documentation requirements.
- Ability to bring compassion, patience, tenacity and dedication to the homeless community.
- Ability to motivate and build resident involvement and participation.
- Self-starter and self-motivated, able to take initiative on behalf of clients.
- Team player, able to contribute to positive and harmonious relationships with other staff.
- Ability to work with people with mental health, disabilities, substance abuse, and sensitive personal issues.
- Maintain professional boundaries while building trusting relationships with residents and staff.
- Demonstrate exceptional customer service skills to all residents, staff and partner agencies.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage personal boundaries in a social service environment.
- Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet-based research and communication.
- Previous experience with HMIS, Salesforce, or other client databases a plus.
- Willingness to undertake a flexible work schedule as needed, attending occasional night/weekend activities.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to frequently go up and down stairs.
- Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods as required to perform essential job functions.
Reasonable accommodations may be available for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job
Operation Dignity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $29.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- We appreciate your interest in joining our team! Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates whose qualifications best match the requirements of the position. If you meet the qualifications, we will be in touch to discuss next steps. Thank you for your understanding.
- Employment Relationship Disclosure
To help ensure appropriate reporting relationships, please disclose if you have a relative, household member, or close personal relationship with anyone currently employed by the organization.
If yes, please provide the employee’s name and department: __________
- "Candidates with 3 to 5 years of Case management experience will be considered as an equivalent to a formal degree. A bachelor's degree would be regarded favorably.”
- Note:- This position requires to work one weekend day.
Education:
Experience:
- Case management: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
