Housing Case Manager - Upward Bound House : Job Details

Organizational OverviewUpward Bound House (UBH) is dedicated to ending the cycle of intergenerational family homelessness. We compassionately provide a continuum of services ranging from crisis housing to permanent housing and homelessness prevention. With over 30 years of experience in family homelessness, UBH is a leading services provider, contributing to and advocating for lasting solutions to end family homelessness. Our diverse team is passionate about our mission. UBH provides a fast-paced environment that values empowerment, collaboration, diversity, relationships, efficiency and communication. UBH provides a supportive, caring and merit-based environment for team members and is vested in their growth and development. We seek employees who are passionate about serving and making a difference in the lives of others.SummaryThe Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) Time Limited Subsidy Rapid Rehousing Program provides housing-focused case management services and rental assistance to Transition Age Youth (TAY) and young adults experiencing homelessness. YHDP aims to reduce the number of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness by assisting them to rapidly access permanent housing and supportive services to achieve long-term housing stability.The YHDP Case Manager will provide field-based, housing-focused case management and supportive services to Transition Age Youth (TAY) and young adults experiencing homelessness. This includes unit identification, landlord engagement and mediation, time-limited rental assistance and housing stability assistance. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Outreaching to Transition Age Youth (TAY) and young adults experiencing homelessness to screen for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. This includes ensuring eligibility and assessing the individuals housing needs and preferences. This will also include collaborating with UBH's TAY Transitional Housing Shelters.
• Conduct comprehensive intake and assessment of participant and develop a Housing Service Plan in collaboration with program participant.
• Assist participants in all aspects of locating and securing permanent housing (identifying housing resources, communicating and negotiating with landlords, processing and submitting application, advocating for participants, coordinating the enrollment/leasing process, providing tenant counseling, supporting with move in arrangements, etc.).
• Conduct a minimum of one home visit each month to ensure housing stability standards are maintained and to support housing retention.
• Educate participants and apply the Progressive Assistance approach by reassessing the participants housing needs regularly and adjusting assistance as needed to foster self-sufficiency and long-term housing stability.
• Perform rent calculations for rental assistance programs and counsel participants regarding rent, security deposit and lease provisions.
• Assist participants with budgeting and money management for housing expenses to help maintain housing.
• Educate participants on tenant rights and responsibilities to mitigate any potential tenant-related matters, including deterrence of evictions.
• Network with new owners, landlords and property managers to discuss UBH's rental assistance and programs.
• Educate landlords on how the short/medium-term and long-term rental subsidy programs work including timeframe and potential payment breakdown and encourage their participation.
• Perform inspections, post participant acceptance, of unit for habitability standards, including safety and security wellbeing. Ensure the FMR are within contractual obligations. Negotiate rent when necessary.
• Provide advocacy as needed to help address issues and barriers between landlord and participant.
• Assist participants achieve wellness and autonomy through case management services which include but are not limited to providing appropriate resources, tools, and counseling; making referrals for services and following up to ensure that the referrals were completed; tracking and documenting participant progress. This includes facilitating linkages to legal services, employment, educational support, vocational training, financial literacy training, mental health, substance use treatment, mainstream benefits assistance, transportation, credit counseling, etc.
• Coordinate and provide care and services that are safe, timely, efficient, equitable, and client-centered.
• Track and report client outcomes in file and in Ensure timely entry of data in HMIS. Ensure HMIS data is complete and accurate. Provide monthly reports of programs overall progress to Housing Program Manager. Provide monthly narrative success story to the Director of Housing and as directed. Update client's file throughout program stay, ensure that client files are complete and accurate.
• Maintain electronic and hard copy case records.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree, from an accredited College or University, in Human Services (e.g., psychology, social work, sociology or related field) required
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with unhoused populations; Transition Age Youth (TAY) preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fair housing laws and practices.
• Exhibit high level of professionalism.
• Understanding of best practice approaches including: Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries.
• Highly motivated self- starter with the ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
• Experience working with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental illness.
• Ability to respond responsibly in emergency and crisis situations.
• Intermediate proficiency in Windows Office Suite programs and a data management system (HMIS preferred).
• Position requires travel primarily in Los Angeles County.
• Knowledge of community resources.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

• Employment Eligibility Verification
• Reliable transportation
• Updated tuberculosis test
• Successful completion of background screening.
• CPR/First Aid training
• Must have Valid CA Driver's License and proof of auto insurance.
• Must provide proof of insurance coverage
• Must be able to qualify for UBH drivers' insurance coverage

RESPONSIBILITIES COMMON TO ALL AGENCY EMPLOYEES

• Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times.
• Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues.
• Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines.
• Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency.
• Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others.
• Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.
• Respond in a timely manner in all aspects of communication.
• Work with average supervision.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee tosuccessfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client's use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations Employee is required to: Walk and climb stairs; Handle, finger, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; Communicate, receive and exchange ideas, information by means of the spoken and written word; Be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; Repeat various motions with the wrists, hands and fingers; Be able to have visual activity for (including, but not limited to) administrative and clerical tasks; Drive personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and periodically transport clients; Be able to enter various buildings that may require climbing stairs. Be subjected to outside environmental conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require an accommodation, please make sure to inform the Human Resources Department by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform the Human Resources Department of the need for accommodation at the time it is needed.