Primary Purpose:

Assists clients who are documented as unsheltered, most vulnerable, and chronically homeless to move into sustainable, permanent housing. Ensures that clients meet the level of care for the Housing First program as determined by the VI-SPDAT assessment. Responds comprehensively to the needs of clients through ongoing case management.

Essential Duties:

• Carries an average caseload of 25-30 assigned Housing First clients.

• Provides guidance and direction to Level I Case Managers by partnering with them as needed, on direct service client activities. May continue to require assistance from Level III Case Managers on more complex cases.

• Provides services to clients with both high and low acuity levels.

• Documents all face-to-face, collateral, and telephonic services provided in Centricity.

• Provides face-to-face direct service contact for clients based on acuity, but not less than every 30 days.

• Assists clients with finding, securing, and maintaining permanent housing, and helps clients to reintegrate into the community. Works with Housing Specialists to assist clients with housing needs.

• Actively participates with the Coordinated Entry process, including case conferencing, coordination of outreach services, and other ad hoc meetings as required.

• Provides crisis and emergency services, either by telephone or face-to-face, 24 hours per day for assigned clients.

• Ensures that all individuals who accept, and are eligible for Housing First services are referred by the Coordinated Entry System. Provides services in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures for Housing First clients.

• Conducts intensive outreach in the community and at the homeless shelters as needed.

• Assists clients in acquiring emergency supplies, including food, clothing, bedding, medicine and hygiene items.

• Assists clients in applying for entitlements and obtaining identification. Where needed, takes clients through entitlement, medical, and mental health systems to connect them with services and benefits.

• Assists clients with legal entanglements.

• Makes appointments for clients and escorts them to such appointments as needed.

• Provides counseling, consultation, and crisis intervention as needed. Encourages medication adherence as appropriate.

• Assists with family and social relationships as appropriate. Where needed, teaches communication and social skills development.

• Advocates on behalf of clients to ensure equity of treatment.

• Works with other KPHC staff in providing a coordinated system of care to the clients.

Regular and reliable on-site attendance is required.

Other Duties:

• Adheres to Department-Wide and Program-Specific Job Expectations.

• Performs other related duties as assigned

• Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate actions beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Skills/Knowledge:

• Good crisis intervention / de-escalation skills.

• Training in substance abuse / dual diagnosis.

• Ability to relate effectively to difficult clients, including mentally ill, chemically dependent, and other homeless individuals.

• Ability to operate a vehicle with valid State of Hawaii driver's license.

• Must provide proof of automobile insurance and clean drivers abstract.

• Ability to work independently in an effective manner.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Must be able to work flexible hours to ensure responsibilities are met.

• Ability to work as a team player.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Currently enrolled in, and has completed one year of college credits towards a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or human services and one or more years providing direct services to homeless persons with mental illness preferred.
• OR three or more years providing direct services to homeless persons with mental illness required, and shall demonstrate all of the skills of a Level I and Level II Housing First Case Manager within 90 days of hire.

Experience:

• See above under "Education".
• Knowledge of community resources and the Oahu service systems preferred.

Kalihi-Palama Health Center is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.