Senior Case Manager (52041)

Position Summary:

Person in this position will be primarily responsible for managing a caseload of low-income veteran participants. This person is responsible for case management activities including linking veterans with services inside the Veterans Administration and in the community, with the focus on the Housing First model and philosophy. The Senior Case Manager will assist Veteran Households in quickly maintaining or obtaining permanent housing, with a goal of achieving housing stability, always utilize best practices and participant-centeredness. Essential job functions include those listed below and other duties may be assigned as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as an active part of the San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) case management team and carry out all required responsibilities as needed.
• Support a larger active caseload of homeless veterans and/or veterans that are currently in danger of becoming homeless
• Create individual plans, monitor and update plans weekly, and have exit plans.
• Conduct assessments and coordinate referrals and placements of eligible veterans to appropriate programs and facilities.
• Educate and refer individuals to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address needs for food, clothing, employment, transportation, etc.
• Assist veterans with establishing or re-establishing support systems within their community.
• Participate in outreach efforts, including street outreach.
• Act as advocate on behalf of the veterans to improve access to needed community services.
• Practice, conduct curriculum including, Life Skills groups, money management, parenting classes and communication improvement classes.
• Coordinates case conferences with residents, consults with service team, monitors progress of clients on case plan, assists clients to meet the agreed upon goals.
• Participate in case staffing decisions regarding current strengths and resources and the need for additional resources.
• Provides consulting support to Entry Veteran Advocate on complex cases.
• Mentor, train, and support Entry Veteran Advocate in mastering the essential job functions of the veteran advocate position.
• Provides support to Program Leads/Coordinators with QA of files.
• Acts as advocate for client before judicial, community, social service, and administrative bodies as needed; facilitates educational workshops and client participation as appropriate.
• Demonstrate empathy and flexibility in responding to participants' needs and requests.
• Assist participants in locating or maintaining permanent housing.
• Completion of home visits and housing inspections as needed. Maintains contact with landlords to provide ongoing support.
• Complete documentation of services on appropriate, county specific forms per policy and procedure guidelines.
• Maintain client files according to company policy and contract requirements.
• Will receive referrals from community partner case managers, outreach workers, and concerned family and friends.
• Coordinate and partner with community resources to promote the wellbeing of the veterans (i.e. WestCare, assigned county, VA, Vet Center, county specific CoC). Develop and maintain working knowledge of available community resources, attend community meetings and act as liaison.
• Coordination of various services throughout several agencies.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with employers, industry organizations, and public agencies to source job openings and secure employment and vocational training opportunities for clients.
• Work with Educator to refer clients to specialized services, such as, job seeking skills training, job placement, vocational schools, welfare-to-work services, Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program, work rehabilitation programs, etc.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and regular supervision.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to work collaboratively with others in a manner that is pleasant and professional.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to operate and document in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook program formats. 
• Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner.
• Ability to complete work tasks within scheduled work hours.
• Veteran and/or military experience preferred
• Willing to seek out new work projects and contribute ideas and efforts to the constant improvement of WestCare services.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Military/Veteran preferred.
• Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background clearance
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required; and
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year experience in case management.
• Graduation from an accredited two-year college with a degree in Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling or a related field is preferred; and
• High School Diploma or its equivalent is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Transportation of clients in company vehicle.