Emergency Housing Case Manager (Shelter Case Manager)

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Emergency Housing Case Manager is responsible for engaging and supporting youth residing at the PodShare Emergency Housing site, and enrolling youth in need of immediate shelter. The Emergency Housing Case Manager will provide onsite support with basic needs, connecting youth to health, mental health, employment and housing resources, and coordinating with youth housing and service providers to ensure that youth are working towards a permanent housing plan. The Emergency Housing Case Manager will provide intensive case management services including, but not limited to the following: screening/assessments, intakes, crisis intervention, developing and promoting housing readiness, accessing opportunities for housing assistance and rental subsidy programs, and securing permanent housing placement. The position is also responsible for the development and implementation of a housing plan and budget for each program member. This position requires extensive coordination within multiple internal SPY Programs and external systems that include developing relationships with the Housing Authority, DCFS, DMH, community partners and resources, landlords, and property owners and managers.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Process incoming referrals and screen for eligibility and manage referrals waitlist

Coordinate and assist with youth move-ins, and exit and sustainability planning

Complete intake and other program documentation requirements, ensuring that charts meet quality assurance standards

Utilize culturally-relevant active listening and motivational interviewing skills with participants to identify possible supports in their network

Ensure that youth receive a Next Step Tool assessment

Work with youth on creating a housing and service plan and provide intensive case management services to support youth

Meet with youth on a weekly basis to ensure they are progressing towards their plan goals

Connect youth resources to address their basic, physical, economic and psychosocial needs and follow-up to ensure the participant successfully accesses and initially retains housing

Provide housing navigation, as needed, to connect youth to housing resources

Ensure health and safety of youth including crisis intervention, risk assessment and safety planning

Ensure services are documented (e.g. face to face, phone and collateral contacts) in all relevant databases in a timely and thorough manner

Work with participants on budgeting, connecting to benefits, employment and determining what level of assistance is necessary to be stably housed

Participate in trainings, meetings, and technical assistance such as learning collaboratives

Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization

Requirements

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field preferred is preferred.

Related work or lived experience will be strongly considered in place of or in addition to a Bachelor’s degree.

1-2 years of experience providing direct services to high-risk transitional age youth is required.

1-2 years of experience providing case management services to high-risk transitional age youth is required.

Working knowledge of child and adolescent social, emotional, and cognitive development, trauma informed care, and harm reduction service models

Work within legal and ethical guidelines

Flexibility with schedule based on program needs

Commitment and passion for the mission, vision, values and culture of SPY

A self-starter who is prepared to drive innovative solutions

Excellent communication and organizational skills

An ability to work in a fast paced environment that requires effective collaboration

A valid California driver’s license, auto insurance, and the ability to transport youth

Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive

Cultural humility