Case Manager, Flexible Financial Assistance (CSM) - Westside Administration

Role: Case Manager Reports to: Program Manager, Flexible Financial Assistance (CSM) Program: 1700-Coordinated Entry System Department: Coordinated Entry Location: Westside Administration Office 1453 16th Street, 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90404 Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management  Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc. Openings: 3     Job Description Summary: The City of Santa Monica Flexible Financial Assistance Case Manager will assist households who are at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship and/or being in the early stages of the eviction process by assisting to retain permanent housing. This program is designed to divert participants from entering the homeless system by providing flexible financial assistance and/or case management services which often includes linkage to legal services and other community-based referrals. This position will assist in resolving clients' housing crises that would otherwise lead to a loss of housing, including but not limited to one-time or short term financial assistance, housing-related support services, legal assistance and individualized care plans that lead to housing stabilization.   Job Description Essential: Initiate outreach efforts within the community, targeting areas and organizations where the highest risk participants may be located. Conduct Outreach efforts that involve program education, education surrounding local resources, and support with completion of the FFA online application. Assess housing barriers of households who are unstably housed and at-risk of homelessness to determine housing and service needs. Completing a prioritization tool with each participant/household to determine vulnerability and risk level. Work with household to rapidly collect documentation needed to verify program eligibility and utilize a progressive-assistance approach to determine appropriate type and level of assistance needed. Collaborate with Central Fiscal Agent and City Right to Counsel program to submit both financial assistance requests and legal referrals in a timely manner to prevent further jeopardization of housing status. Develop individualized housing stabilization goal plan with participants. This will include potential linkages to employment, legal, mental health, medical, and other community services. Provide advocacy with landlords on the household’s behalf to develop a workable plan to maintain housing. Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e., household participants, fiscal administrator, legal Provide participant-centered housing stabilization case management to all participants demonstrating a need and eligibility for temporary stabilization support. Works in conjunction with legal service entities to facilitate the workflow between case management and legal service support. Linkage to credit counseling and other services necessary to assist program participants with critical skills related to budgeting, managing money, accessing a free personal credit report, and resolving personal credit problems. Document all services identified and provided, referrals made, and participant feedback. Advocates for and actively assists individuals in obtaining services (e.g., benefits, mental health, substance abuse, housing referrals, financial assistance, home-based services, training, medical services, mentoring and socialization). Provide reunification or relocation support when necessary. Other duties as assigned.   Job Description Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED/Equivalent Minimum of one year case management or customer service experience Able to communicate and interact with subcontractors, service providers and community partners in a culturally competent manner Valid CA Drivers License and use of reliable personal vehicle   Job Description Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual Spanish Bachelor's Degree Knowledge of Santa Monica social safety net and community-based resources   Job Description Work Environment:  Combination of field and office environment. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs. On occasion walk or drive to different local sites. Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments. Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor. May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day.