Care Coordinator

The primary role of the Care Coordinator is to provide comprehensive strengths-based, trauma informed, case management services to homeless and recently housed adults.

The Care Coordinator uses harm reduction techniques to engage with individuals who are adults and have a history of experiencing homelessness and mental health illness and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder or other medical impairments. 

The Care Coordinator works collaboratively Coordinated Entry, and other community-based programs to retain housing, engage in services, and stabilize chronically homeless individuals. 

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date.

Hourly rate range : $30 to $34.62, hourly

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Support and build trust with participants in transitioning from the streets to permanent housing placement. Responsible for the comprehensive assessments that are inclusive of medical needs, psychosocial assessment, safety assessment, substance use disorder assessment, housing needs, and all other relevant areas of concern. Develops an individualized service plan in coordination with Contra Costa continuum of care as well as leverages relevant community resources as needed. Provide short-term, clinical case management services with the goal of linking individuals served to a healthy home and stable housing. Administer intake questionnaires, assessments and other forms of tracking documentation as needed; track data for reporting, maintain case notes, and appropriate records and files. Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to explore participants’ motivation towards behavioral change. Provide direct crisis counseling and problem identification. Accompany participants to appointments and other services. Support participants as they navigate the criminal justice and court systems. Advocate for participants by interacting with judges, court mental health staff, public defenders, etc. Identify if individuals are connected to relevant services; if not, collaborate with community partners such as: clinics, public health, public assistance, psychiatry, mental health, etc. to ensure individuals are connected to eligible services. Assist individuals with completing applications for services, transporting them to services, and other appointments as needed. Provide a “warm hand-off” when individuals are connected to long-term services and providers. Maintain and interact in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and professional demeanor. Attend and participate in weekly case conferences as part of the county-wide CORE outreach program. Attend community meetings with other service providers to share program information and coordinate services. Comply with all policies and procedures guiding the work of this position and the department overall.  Attend training and meetings as required. Travel between various locations. All other duties as assigned.

Care Coordinator (HUMS)

SEE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Establish and maintain a caseload and conduct Needs Assessment interviews (related to psychosocial, mental, and physical health, housing, income, AOD services, legal, etc.). Meet with clients weekly to assist in developing and monitoring a case/life/treatment plan Assist client in obtaining appropriate identification, as well as benefits such as MediCal, SSI, GA, Cal Fresh, and other benefits and services immediately upon program entry. Identify, support, and closely coordinate client’s access to resources and services related to Needs Assessment outcomes. Referrals to: Housing Specialists, Income Specialists, Mental Health Case Managers/Clinicians, Healthcare for the Homeless Community Health Workers and Nurse Practitioners, Alcohol and Other Drug Access Line/AOD Counselors, legal services, other referral sources as needed. Support client to access community resources by transporting, accompanying, and coaching client when navigating community resources. Agency vehicle provided. Maintain client files and associated case management documentation that include case notes, documentation, and electronic records on the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Completes HMIS standardized forms. Submit completed forms to the appropriate staff member within 24-hours of service. Educate clients on daily living skills to improve self-sufficiency, build authentic rapport to support clients’ goals on an ongoing basis. Facilitate relationship-building with clients and their family members, including family reunification meeting and conflict resolution as needed. Regularly report and coordinate client progress during multi-disciplinary team case conference. Attend all required meetings, trainings, and case conferences. Submit reports to the Program Manager as requested and required. Develop relationships with local housing agencies, property managers, and landlords to create and identify housing options and opportunities for clients Respond to community phone calls and email inquiries regarding housing resources and supportive services in Contra Costa County. Periodically evaluate each resident’s apartment for safety hazards, food and kitchen supplies. Support consumers in tenant/landlord conflict resolution as required. Support the H3 CalAIM team as needed. Other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Must have a working knowledge of Psychiatric Disorders as well as knowledge and ability to implement the following evidence-based models: Harm Reduction, Housing First, Strength-based Case Management and Motivational Interviewing.  Ability to build supportive and respectful working relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness that instills hope and promotes self-determination.  Understanding and practice of culturally sensitive components of direct service delivery through open dialogs and self-exploration with diverse group.  Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, immigration status, and physical abilities in an intersectional environment. Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to Cultural Humility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices and the development and implementation of materials through a lens of social justice. Must possess strong engagement skills.  Proven ability to work independently and as an effective and collaborative member of a team.  Strong community networking skills and ability to build resources and relationships that improve continuity of care.  Excellent verbal skills. Strong organizational and time management skills.  Possess an understanding of and practice cultural sensitivity through open dialogue and self-exploration with diverse groups, while providing direct services.  Ability to effectively intervene in crisis situations, with de-escalation techniques.  Professional level competency using Internet, email, and Microsoft Word computer applications. Ability to successfully and efficiently complete tasks in an environment where background noise is present, and interruptions may be constant. Must be able to access remote locations that may require traveling through rough terrain in excess of two miles in possible inclement weather conditions.

Education/Experience 

Education: Possession Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Counseling, Social Work, or a closely related field. Experience: Minimum 2 years of direct experience working with people with serious mental illness, individuals with a dual diagnosis and/or the homeless population. Substitution:  Education: Will consider candidates who have an Associate’s Degree from an accredited college in Public Health, Counseling, Social Work, or a closely related field OR an Alcohol or Other Drug Certificate from an accredited college.Experience: 3 years of full-time housing case management, or its equivalent, experience in a social services or mental health program providing services to homeless persons.

Desired Qualifications:

Bilingual, bicultural in Spanish. Lived experience of homelessness and/or accessing behavioral health services. Previous experience or training in street outreach and clinical case management. Knowledge of Contra Costa County and community resources. Knowledge of the Contra Costa emergency provider network. Prior experience with documentation and billing procedures.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire. A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, clean DMV record, and reliable transportation will be needed to carry out job-related essential functions as travel between various locations is a requirement.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand = Frequently

Walk = Constantly

Sit = Frequently

Handling / Fingering = Frequently

Reach Outward = Frequently

Reach Above Shoulder = Frequently

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend = Frequently

Lift / Carry = Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

Push/Pull = Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

See = Constantly

Taste/ Smell = Not Applicable

Not Applicable: Not required for essential functions

Occasionally: (0 - 2 hrs./day)

Frequently: (2 - 5 hrs./day)

Constantly: (5+ hrs./day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT
General Office Setting, Homeless Shelter

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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