Case Manager/Housing Navigator

About us

Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) is a nonsectarian provider of social services to residents of the Coachella Valley, currently offering in-person and telecare mental health counseling, case management, and community outreach services designed to reduce isolation and provide interaction. Additionally, we coordinate the local Cafe Europa program for Holocaust survivors and Cafe Europa 2.0 for local children of Holocaust survivors. We are a staff of 24 that provided about 15,000 services to nearly 2000 unduplicated persons last year. We collaborate with several local agencies and are a Platinum Guidestar agency and a 4-Star Charity Navigator-rated agency.

Position Overview

JFS case managers/Housing Navigators respond to requests for assistance from Coachella Valley residents (Navigation support Inland Empire). Callers often ask for financial assistance, housing, transportation, food support, assistance with public benefits applications, advocacy, referrals and resources, and other essentials. JFS case managers work with clients to offer stability and hope in an effort to meet all requested needs. Successful case managers empathize with clients while establishing and maintaining boundaries, understand available services and connections to them, and utilize colleagues and partners frequently. Housing Navigation involves assisting individuals and families in finding and securing stable, affordable housing, often working with homeless or at-risk populations. This includes housing assessments, application assistance, referral to resources, and advocacy with landlords and housing providers.

JFS case managers/Housing Navigators:

• Identify and secure appropriate housing options (e.g., affordable apartments, subsidized housing, emergency shelters).
• Assist clients with completing housing applications and paperwork, securing documents to be "doc ready."
• Conducting housing assessments to determine client needs and eligibility.
• Providing information and referrals to relevant resources (e.g., homeless service providers and social service agencies.)
• Advocating for clients with landlords and other organizations.
• Survey the rental market and identify suitable properties.
• Negotiate with landlords and real estate agents.
• Assess clients and discuss care coordination that may include advocacy on behalf of the client.
• As needed, offer clients connections to all JFS services as well as those of collaborating agencies or other area providers.
• Assist with IEHP Housing Navigation referrals.
• When appropriate, work with local agencies to offer clients a more robust solution.
• As needed, consult with JFS mental health clinicians to receive any behavioral health consultation.
• Perform ad hoc projects as requested by the Director and other program duties as needs arise.

Essential Job Functions

Assessment:

• Interview clients (and their family members when appropriate); obtain and document assessment information utilizing approved procedures and forms.
• Gather appropriate information related to the client from a variety of sources, which include but are not limited to insurance companies, other case management support team(s), attornies or sources significant to the client, landlord, utility companies, etc.
• Identify high-risk factors, barriers to goals, and strengths that will assist the client in achieving goals.
• Create reports and/or assessments that are clear, accurate, and based on comprehensive data collection.

Planning:

• Develops a comprehensive care management plan that addresses all pertinent areas of the assessment. Goals are measurable, time-specific, attainable, and are agreed to by the client.
• As appropriate, develop an accurate, written analysis, which identifies a variety of ways to meet client needs (within the JFS electronic health record platform).
• Identify both private and community resources and incorporate them into the plan, providing the client with appropriate supplementary information.
• Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the company's discretion.

Documentation:

• Author client notes and save all pertinent information on the agency's electronic health record (EHR).
• Communicate case updates and status with supervisor.

Implementation:

• Arrange, direct, and monitor resources as they provide service to the client;
• Request emergency financial assistance on behalf of the client, providing a written request to the JFS Director of Case Management;
• Act as a client advocate in all areas (i.e., with caregivers, family, or agencies providing care, as well as advocating for other client needs in the realm of their well-being, care, and/or safety).

Monitoring:

• Provide regular, frequent, and timely support to the client, review of the plan with the client, and re-evaluate and modify the plan based on client outcome.
• Assure quality of services by gathering information from direct observation, telephone, or in writing as resources involved in the client's plan of care.

Evaluation:

• Participate in quality management studies as needed.
• Document progress and pertinent information in the client record each billable service (IEHP clients) and as necessary provide complete information to other case managers/staff who may be involved in the client's care.

Communication/Interface:

• Attend case management meetings as scheduled.
• Act as a positive role model for the agency when dealing with clients and the public.
• Accept clients as assigned; communicate to the supervisor any conflicts or difficulties with clients.
• Answer telephone calls or communications promptly and courteously.
• Appropriately communicate and document any changes in the plan of care.

Applicants may be asked to complete skill assessment(s).

Job Requirements and Qualifications

Education:

• High School diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred (in social work, health/human services, psychology, public health preferred).

Language:

• Bilingual Spanish/English

Knowledge Requirements:

• Working knowledge of housing navigation supports, referrals, resources, community partners, and the provision of health and other care in a variety of settings. Knowledge of community resources, insurance, and care delivery systems. Knowledge of the Jewish Community and cultures preferred.
• Knowledge of local (inland empire) housing resources and programs.
• Familiarity with Section 8 and other housing assistance programs (rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, sober living, etc.).
• Understanding of Housing First and Harm Reduction models.
• Knowledge of social work principles and practice.

Skills:

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to build rapport and trust with clients
• Proficiency in Google and other relevant software
• Experience with motivational interviewing, active listening, client-centered service delivery, and trauma-informed services

Experience:

• At least two years of case management and housing navigation experience or equivalent, with all populations including the mature adult demographic.

Special Information:

• Reliable transportation

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46, $61,089.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person