Case Manager - ILS - San Diego Youth Services : Job Details

San Diego Youth Services seeks a Case Manager in the ILS (Independent Living Skills) Program to be based in San Diego and Spring Valley. This is a full-time & non-exempt position reporting to supervisory position.

San Diego Youth Services has helped improve the lives of more than 780,000 homeless, runaway and vulnerable youth since its beginning in 1970. We provide safe places to live and long-term solutions through shelter, foster homes, community centers and housing to more than 28,000 youth every year at 100+ community and school locations. Through prevention, early intervention and treatment, we also help youth before they need higher levels of care or become homeless. We aim to:

SDYS has a staff of approximately 250 employees and 80 volunteers working across San Diego County and an annual budget of approximately $24 million. You can learn more about us at www.sdyouthservices.org.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION: Responsible for providing case management services to current and former foster youth, ages 16 to 21, to achieve self-sufficiency while transitioning out of the foster care system. This includes assistance with education, employment, financial literacy, self-care, daily living skills, housing, transportation, accessing community resources, and any additional skill-building needed to successfully transition into independent adulthood. In addition to individual case management services, ILS Case Manager provides facilitated groups on a variety of topics. Responsible for coordination of care with community partners and agencies. Responsible for maintaining complete file documentation to meet all contract requirements and timelines to track youth's progress. This position requires the ability to work independently in the field.

Essential functions include:

• Assessment and case planning with assigned service partners during monthly/weekly/daily visits and communication.
• Refer and link youth to appropriate community resources with an emphasis on educational, employment, housing, financial, and permanency connection support.
• Coordinate care regularly with members of each youth's relational team, as well as with county and regional contract partners.
• Assess family via a common screening tool, with input from as many of the following as possible: School, health, law enforcement and faith community.
• In partnership with the family, develop a comprehensive written youth/family service plan from assessment follow-ups.
• Maintain as necessary contact with the family and their supportive service for plan assessment/refinement. Evaluate services via contractual direction. If a family is not eligible for this project, provide information/referral.
• Mobilize/link family with any necessary supportive or wrap-around services to carry out service plans; ensure that any referral made is aggressively followed up on.
• Maintain all case documentation and files in a timely, accurate and complete manner.
• Monitor participant progress and maintain accurate records including data entry into approved database.
• Maintain well-written, concise case notes to include date, time, and place of meetings for each participant and any contacts made with other service providers and family members.
• Promote and assist with programming workshops and special events.
• Participate in field trips which sometimes take place on weekends.
• Provide crisis intervention assistance and emergency outreach.
• Identify eligible families and children residing and working within the region through outreach to community-based organizations, government agencies, schools, street outreach including door-to-door surveying, and other outreach methods as identified during the program period.
• Provide health care outreach, enrollment and retention activities to pregnant women and children ages 0-5 in the east region of San Diego County.
• Provide public insurance eligibility screening, application assistance and retention/case management services for those women and families who are uninsured and may be eligible for coverage.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in social work or social-service related field is preferred, with a minimum of three years' experience. Home-based services and knowledge of East Region of San Diego resources is a plus. Must be willing to develop or possess working knowledge of trauma-informed care and dual diagnosis treatment; experience working in trauma-informed and dual diagnosis programs preferred. Familiarity with probation, Extended Foster Care and social service systems preferred. Must possess excellent oral and written skills and work well autonomously with multiple people from various disciplines. Bilingual (Span/Eng) is preferred. Must be computer literate in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel plus learning HMIS ETO. Ability to obtain and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid. Must be available to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends. Must have reliable vehicle, relevant auto insurance, a clean driving record, and willing to drive throughout San Diego County, specifically the East region of San Diego (mileage reimbursement available). Employment offer will be subject to clearances which include fingerprinting, background checks, TB testing and drug testing.

SDYS EXPECTATIONS: Adhere to and uphold the rigorous standards of SDYS as mandated by its mission, purpose, guiding principles and standards of quality. Maintain confidentiality and privacy standards of service partner protected health information and other applicable information and material in accordance to agency and center policies, and applicable regulations and laws including HIPAA. Welcome and support SDYS volunteers and assist them in accomplishing their services whenever applicable. Effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Recognize, nurture, and learn from strengths in co-workers. Maintain warm, welcoming and safe work environments. Possess flexibility to accomplish job responsibilities in several work environments, whether it be from home, on the road, or in an office.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand, to exchange accurate information and make presentations. The ability to lift and carry 20 pounds-lifting furnishing items, materials, and equipment to execute lessons and presentations. Able to observe details at a close range and interpret the information (such as reading), prepare, and review a variety of documents related to activities of the youth and to be able to monitor youth activities. Sitting or standing (stationary position) for extended periods of time. Traversing extended lengths to move around campuses. Potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior.

Salary Range: $21-23/hour

To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on SDYS website. SDYS offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes generous PTO, personal holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, parental leave and a 403(b)-retirement plan with matching contribution. SDYS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer. Read more about the PSLF program here. All are welcome at San Diego Youth Services. As an organization working to meet the basic needs of youth, create positive connections, help youth develop life skills, and promote overall health and well-being, SDYS believes its practices and actions must reflect the highest level of commitment to access, equity, and social justice. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our members invest in their work represents not only part of the SDYS' culture, but the SDYS' reputation and achievements as well. SDYS remains open to feedback from all communities it touches and knows that input from those with direct experience of issues will make the SDYS more effective in achieving its goals. SDYS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. In compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act as amended, all new employees must verify their eligibility to work in the United States. SDYS is proud to be a kindness certified company.