The LIFE Project Case Manager

Position Function:

The LIFE Project Case Manager works with homeless youth and young adults in Extended Foster Care to assist them in meeting their goals leading toward independent living. The position requires sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. 

Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university preferred

Experience: Three years’ experience and skill in social service programs with preference given to those who have worked with young adults aging out of foster care or working with young adults in community programs. Experience addressing problems and issues young adults may experience in The LIFE Project; knowledge, skills or experience assisting young adults in accessing and using governmental and community resources.

Functional: The LIFE Project Case Manager provides expedient, ongoing case management, life skills and transition planning to young adults in the program. Case managers must have an understanding of Trauma Informed Care and deliver services using this model. An ability to see and highlight strengths of the client population is required. Case Manager must be able to handle a high degree of mental stress related to working with this population. Travel and a valid driver’s license is required.   

Working Conditions:

Exposure to clients with behavior problems, including possible physical aggression, verbal aggression, and substance use; exposure to illness and blood.

Exposure to Confidential Information:

Maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel and client records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

Values:

• Maintain high ethical standards which are outlined in the ACH Child and Family Services Code of Ethics
• Support and uphold the policies and procedures of ACH at all times
• Maintain a positive morale
• Ensure that quality services are provided and professional standards are maintained
• Maintain an attitude of client advocacy
• Work harmoniously with co-workers to generate a productive and constructive environment
• Ensure that work time is utilized fully and effectively to maximize productivity
• Adapt to changing assignments/priorities as needed to support young adults and the agency
• Have a conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change
• Have the ability to establish a respectful relationship with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence
• Have the ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals
• Have the capacity to maintain a helping role and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals

Implementation:

• Assist with locating and negotiating The LIFE Project settings
• Available by phone to young adults on their caseload
• Contact police, medical, and other agencies as needed
• Conduct assessments, intakes and discharges
• Provide life skills education
• Provide case planning
• Provide solution-focused services
• Initiate and assist with transition planning for young adults to successfully move into permanent housing
• Preparation and execution of case transition plans to include:
• Assessment of young adults’ strengths and successes
• Understanding young adults’ perception of problems
• Assist in young adults’ goal planning to achieve change
• Provide case management services and coordination with community and mainstream support resources
• Document and assess perception of quality of services with young adults
• Provide aftercare and follow-up referrals
• Help young adult maintain familial relationships
• Implement group programming to address the social and emotional needs of the young adults relating to changes necessary for achievement of individual goals
• Responsible for completion of trainings and certifications as required by licensing board
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Community Relations: 

• Coordinate the collaborative relationships and services to referral agencies
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with local community service agencies
• Represent ACH in a professional and positive manner
• Attend designated agency or community meetings and/or trainings
• Collaborate with ACH programs to provide referrals to current clients and to accept referrals into The LIFE Project 

Documentation and Reporting:

• Complete all case management documentation within timeframes required by the program, including admission paperwork, service plans, and discharge paperwork  
• Review of documentation for quality assurance standards
• Attend team staffing meetings

Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university preferred

Experience: Three years’ experience and skill in social service programs, with preference given to those who have worked with young adults aging out of foster care or working with young adults in community programs. Experience addressing problems and issues young adults may experience in The LIFE Project; knowledge, skills, or expertise assisting young adults in accessing and using governmental and community resources.