Temporary COVID-19 Housing Case Manager

The Housing and Community Development Department has an opening for a temporary Housing Case Manager. This temporary position works with persons who have experienced a housing crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are living unsheltered in temporary shelters or other group facilities, and are seeking alternative permanent housing.  Work involves providing counseling, case management, support and preventive services to at-risk individuals, including homeless persons, and families with children and teens, and making appropriate referrals to departments, individuals and agencies.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Homeless Programs Coordinator with some leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions regarding client needs and requests. Does related work as required.

* This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. Background check required.

Direct link to the position

Examples of Essential Functions
Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities.  The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.  A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

• Conducts assessments and develops alternative permanent housing solutions for persons who have been displaced because of COVID-19, and are living unsheltered in temporary shelters or other group facilities.
• Interviews clients and/or collateral contacts to gather information needed to determine the need and eligibility for benefits; verifies information and investigates discrepancies.
• Evaluates the need for other services to adults, families or children based on knowledge of all community resources and social services programs.
• Works with the Housing Access Coordinator to provide clients with information about housing availability and makes referrals to obtain permanent housing alternatives.
• Works closely with Department staff and service providers to determine what housing programs are available and appropriate for clients.
• Works with the Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist to connect people referred through the Housing Helpline to appropriate state, federal, and/or local resources.
• When needed, answer calls on the Housing Helpline and provide appropriate coordinated assessment and resource connection procedures to include accurately recording information in the Homeless Management Information System and local OCHCD databases for analysis and reporting purposes.
• Utilizes OC Connect to identify appropriate and available resources for clients and OC Opportunity Finder to locate available affordable housing.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and policies concerning the provision of public assistance programs and their eligibility requirements, especially as they relate to housing and supportive services needed for housing stability.
• Thorough knowledge of interviewing procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing.
• Knowledge of best practices in housing and homeless services provision.
• Thorough knowledge of HIPAA guidelines and ability to apply guidelines to client records.
• Good knowledge of current social, economic and health trends and services, and the ability to adapt trends to practical program applications and link clients with services needed.
• Skill in being customer-focused, adept at problem solving and working collaboratively with others.
• Skill in gathering and documenting information.
• Skill at prioritizing work activities and multi-task while under pressure.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard of care.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality when working with various records and reports containing personal and financial information.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and deal with culturally diverse populations.