Caseworker, Social Work

Position: Caseworker 2 - 1437
Minimum Starting Hourly Rate: $22.33/hr

Maximum Starting Hourly Rate - Dependent on Qualifications

Benefits

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off - 9.23 hrs per pay period
• 10 Observed Company Paid Holidays
• 8 Hours Annual Volunteer Time Off
• Retirement Plan w/6% Employer Contribution
• Employee Assistance Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs complex (journey-level) casework. Provides a variety of office and field activities to manage and monitor a behavioral health supportive housing rental assistance program for individuals and their families experiencing homelessness or at-risk of experiencing homelessness, performs direct client services, and compiles and maintains related documentation.

Work involves orienting all eligible participants to the program and providing housing search and supportive services to promote participants self-sufficiency, integration into the community, and permanency in housing; performing administrative tasks involved in the review and maintenance of a caseload of program participants. The principal duties are performed both in a general office environment and in the field and community where program participants' reside.

The position also serves as consultant to Center staff throughout the five-county catchment area in establishing and providing Supportive Housing services for Center consumers. Works under the administrative direction of the Housing and Employment Manager.

This position provides a majority of services in the community, such as homes, jail settings, shelters, hospitals, and other environments in which the client lives and thrives. Due to this, this position is required to travel frequently within the service area and may interact frequently with clients, families, law enforcement/justice system officials, hospital staff, and other community stakeholders involved in the recovery of the individual they are serving.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Position will be primarily trained in Supported Housing and will be cross-trained in Supported Employment.
• Conduct intake interviews and assessments to determine client eligibility to participate in housing services, identify barriers to obtaining/maintaining housing, identify participant strengths and assist participants to reducing barriers and linking to resources and services.
• Assist participants in the development of a strength-based/solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, timely referral network in order to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed.
• Provide weekly appointments with clients to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to assist with integration of clients in the community.
• Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts and Texas Renter's Rights to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities and Landlord responsibilities.
• Frequent daily driving within the catchment area is required. Transporting clients should be limited to housing and job searches and occasional visit to relevant social service agencies.
• Builds relationships with local homeless coalition, local Public Housing Authorities and apartment associations, Initiate contacts with Housing Authorities in the catchment area and establish ongoing relationships.
• May utilize the HMIS/Coordinated Entry database for consumer experiencing homelessness.
• May conduct housing assessment for all individuals in the target population milestone and provides services to identified clients through assessment results.
• Assist clients in development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through pro-active housing and budget counseling sessions; provide budget counseling and education to assist clients in establishing payments plans for bills and past debts and to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining their housing.
• In partnership with Landlord Specialist, provide mediation and advocacy with Landlords on the client's behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing.
• Work alongside…