Rapid Rehousing Caseworker

POSITION SUMMARY The RRH Caseworker for the MyHOME, KYF, and Yellow Door RRH projects provides comprehensive, person-centered supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness who are housed in scattered-site living arrangements. Using a strengths-based and individualized approach to service delivery, the RRH Caseworker conducts assessments, collaborates with participants to develop and implement housing stability plans, and provides tailored interventions to support participants in achieving their self-defined goals. The RRH Caseworker works to promote long-term housing stability, increase self-sufficiency, and connect participants with community resources that support successful housing outcomes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in the program admission process and established goals, which includes: a. Reviewing the Coordinated Entry and Barriers Assessment in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) b. Providing clients with a program orientation at intake meeting c. Acquiring necessary releases of information to gather background information and share information for the required collaboration of services and mainstream resources d. Obtaining third party verification of homelessness that determines eligibility for the program and may include documentation of a disability from a qualified licensed professional e. Understanding and assisting with the management of program and system performance measures f. Collaborating with Emergency Shelters, Homeless Outreach Workers and other service providers working with homeless individuals and families
• Provide case management services to program participants on a regular and consistent basis as determined by the individual’s case plan. Case management includes the following: a. Assess, plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate the overall service delivered to the participant b. Assist clients obtain safe secure living arrangements by teaching apartment searching skills c. Assist clients move in and out of apartments/houses d. Help participants learn to live in housing, maintain their housing in a safe manner, get along with fellow tenants and the landlord e. Create a comprehensive Housing and Employment Stability Plan with the participant and provide appropriate interventions to assist with goal achievement f. Help participants create support systems and participate in the community, as they desire. g. Provide individualized budgeting and money management services to program participants as needed h. Teach basic, intermediate and advanced social skills based on need i. Collaborate with Landlords and Other Community Service Providers j. Coordinate opportunities for educational advancement, such as GED preparation and attainment, post-secondary training, and vocational education k. Assist with job preparation and attainment, such as career counseling, job preparation training, dress and grooming, job placement and job maintenance l. Provide assistance in accessing mainstream benefits, including food stamps, childcare assistance, and health insurance, may be provided m. Assist participant access Mental Health, AODA and Medical services as needed n. Provide assistance with ensuring participants have access to food and clothing o. Provide transportation and assist in developing transportation skills. p. Work with the client to establish a discharge plan six months prior to program exit and work with that client intensively to ensure exit to self-sufficiency and housing stability
• Ensure documentation is complete and accurate a. Use Client Tracking System to document client contacts and progress b. Complete data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) as required c. Complete check requests on a monthly basis and submit on time d. Complete and maintain client files and ensure the information matches the data entered in HMIS e. Complete and file discharge plans appropriately
• Meet with supervisors to review program, paperwork and case management issues
• Understand cultural diversity and show respect/sensitivity for others’ values and culture
• Promote a harassment-free environment
• Complete other tasks as assigned by supervisors RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT
• Is responsible for creating a positive, relaxed and supportive environment a. Actively engages clients in amicable conversation, shares in activities and responds to needs/requests in a timely fashion b. Accepts and respects the client’s circumstances, asks about feelings and interests; validates feelings with empathy, offers encouragement; celebrates accomplishments EFFECTIVE TEACHING
• Promotes a strength-based approach to teaching functional skills a. Teaching interactions include positive, supportive quality components (i.e. voice tone, enthusiasm, appropriate physical proximity, and eye contact) b. Skills, routines, and program expectations are preventively taught, specific praise is given to reinforce positive behavior, constructive feedback teaches a replacement skill; safe, planned de-escalation techniques are used in response to aggressive/challenging behavior c. Perceives and responds directly to teaching and problem-solving opportunities d. Teaching components include praise, empathy, specific skills and behavioral descriptions, and goal-centered rationales TREATMENT PLANNING 1. Identifies the treatment needs of the client and collaborates on an agreed upon plan to achieve their goals a. Assesses the client’s strengths and challenges, develops a realistic plan along with the client b. Provides services and collaborates with community resources c. Identifies and teaches treatment-specific skills that support the client’s success PROFESSIONALISM
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner a. Maintain the confidentiality and other rights of participants, families and staff and follow HIPPA Guidelines for all verbal and written communication b. Problem-solve difficult situations in a timely manner c. Manage difficult or emotional consumer situations by responding promptly to needs, requests for assistance and services d. Give, receive and act upon feedback from supervisors and co-workers in an appropriate manner e. Maintain professional boundaries with consumers and co-workers at all times f. Attend training as requested by supervisors g. Other tasks as assigned by supervisors QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree in a human service-related field and/or experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness and/or other issues that put individuals at risk of housing instability.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally, in the English language
• Must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license with good driving record
• Must carry own auto insurance with at least 100,000/300,000/100,000 coverage
• Ability to maintain records and document case notes daily
• Ability to give and accept feedback as a part of a team
• Ability to traverse within the workspace and community frequently
• Be willing to learn and work with the treatment philosophies
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus Kenosha Human Development Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or any other status protected under federal, state, and local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.