PDX Care Coordination Practitioner

Job Details Job Location:
Portland Ops Office - Portland, OR Position Type:
Full Time Salary Range: $26.00 Hourly

Position: Care Coordination Practitioner
Term: Full-time, hourly
Pay: $26/hour + health insurance, paid time off, and other benefits
Location: Portland, OR
Reports To: Care Coordination Manager

Organization Description:

Urban Alchemy is a nonprofit organization with the mission of transforming people and places through respect, compassion, and love to heal communities challenged by the intersection of extreme poverty, mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. Since our founding in 2018, Urban Alchemy has grown into a thriving social enterprise with over 1,100 employees. We provide community outreach and engagement, temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness, mobile bathrooms and showers, and street cleaning services.

Urban Alchemy currently operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles County, Austin, Texas, and Portland, Oregon.

Position Summary:

The Care Coordination Practitioner uses the housing first model and trauma-informed care approach to help adults experiencing homelessness. They conduct assessments and help guests establish and achieve their short and long-term goals. The Practitioner works with guests to address immediate needs such as shelter, healthcare, education, employment, benefits, and counseling. They also help guests find long-term housing and connect them to resources to help maintain their housing and achieve self-sufficiency.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

Position Specific:

• Ensure that interactions with guests are people-centered, solution-focused, and strengths-based
• Use the principles of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and housing first when working with guests
• Practice self-awareness and cultural humility as a member of a diverse team
• Build positive relationships and trust with housed and unhoused community members
• Engage with individuals in distress, assess the cause, and use strategies to de-escalate the situation
• Perform wellness checks for guests who require close attention
• Maintain a caseload of 15-30 guests based on current needs and resources
• Work with guests to complete assessments, identify strengths and resources, and set goals
• Coordinate and monitor referrals to benefits, entitlements, health care, immigration services, employment opportunities, and other community services
• Manage contacts with outside agencies, acting as a guest liaison and support self-advocacy
• Coordinate with medical professionals and connect guests with crisis support services as needed
• Engage with guests to build a housing service plan and help them set attainable goals
• Assist guests with attaining correct documentation in preparation for permanent housing
• Set up individual files for new guests and ensure documents are secure and HIPAA guidelines followed
• Document all guest interactions, maintaining accurate notes and reports

Project Specific:

• Provide transportation for guests to get to appointments and make home visits as needed
• Plan and lead groups and activities for guests based on their needs and interests
• Work flexible hours and/or shifts, weekends, and on-call shifts

General:

• Treat all Urban Alchemy guests, staff, and stakeholders with compassion and respect
• Use emotional intelligence to effectively engage and connect with others
• Adhere to established procedures to provide a safe working environment
• Attend orientation and any additional training required by Urban Alchemy or our funders
• Must wear an Urban Alchemy uniform and
• Follow all Urban Alchemy’s policies and procedures
• Complete other duties as assigned in service to our guests and stakeholders

Qualifications

Position Requirements:

• Sensitivity to individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues
• Working knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Strong knowledge of social services, benefits, and entitlements
• Understanding of housing first, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and coordinate with other agencies
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Excellent customer service skills
• 1+ year of professional experience providing case…