Community-Based Case Manager

Who we are

VelNonArt Transformative Health (VTH) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organization.

Our mission is to provide low barrier, holistic, community health services through a trauma informed, harm reduction, and intersectional approach to care. We strive to achieve our goals of transformative change through compassion and creativity, while simultaneously working to educate others and eradicate racial disparities and health inequities. We work to provide services to and advocate for underserved communities and marginalized populations.

VelNonArt Transformative Health is a contracted provider for Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR) to provide LEAD – an intensive case management program. LEAD stands for Let Everyone Advance with Dignity. LEAD is centered at the intersection of public health, public safety and racial justice. LEAD builds a non-punitive, community-based system of response and care to better address root causes of frequent contact with law enforcement that is related to substance use, unmet mental health needs, and/or extreme poverty. A a Los Angeles County LEAD provider, we prioritize referrals for individuals who: Have multiple contacts with the criminal legal system and are at high risk for recidivism; Are typically excluded or underserved by existing programs (including people who are transgender, people experiencing homelessness, immigrants, people living with HIV); Are disproportionally impacted by racial disparities in policing, arrests, and sentencing.

Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Case Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in supporting individuals as they navigate complex social systems.

Location: Los Angeles County, primarily Antelope Valley

The case manager reports to the Referral Coordinator and the Clinical supervisor. Case Managers will provide field based and some in-office case management services to 1 of 4 clients receiving services from VelNonArt Transformative Health. The case manager will identify and provide direct services to clients with a maximum caseload of 20.

The case manager will coordinate care by engaging with clients on a weekly basis, assess needs and facilitate access to appropriate resources. The Case Manager, in collaboration with the participant, will develop a treatment plan and will facilitate the execution of the treatment plan. The Case Manager will provide structured case management services consistent with harm reduction principles, including “meeting people where they are at” through a whole person approach to care. Case Managers will support participants with a variety of goals that include increasing access to overall healthcare needs, assisting participants with legal matters, housing readiness and placement, job placement, etc. Case managers will work with participants on a 1:1 basis and will provide support for participants as needed, including transporting participants to/from appointments. The case manager will develop and maintain positive collaborative relationships with community partners, and other service providers to best serve the clients.

Responsibilities

• Work with existing staff and community partners (i.e. law enforcement, court officials, store owners, etc.) to identify potential candidates seeking case management support and linkages into supportive services.
• Be present on site to offer participants support and information about local resources and their processes.
• Recruit and meet with clients to establish a working relationship and explain offered services.
• Provide dependable and structured Intensive Case Management Services consistent with harm reduction principles utilizing a whole person approach.
• Conduct intake assessments (within 2 days of enrollment), identify, and address immediate needs of client including need for medical care, shelter, food and clothing, harm reduction services/supplies, etc.
• Initiate and complete a biopsychosocial assessment (within 30 days of enrollment) to determine basic health, mental health, family history, risk factors, protective factors, and overall basic needs.
• In collaboration with the participant, develop and implement an Individual Service Plan (ISP) using a whole person approach and information gathered in the biopsychosocial. ISP shall address client needs/risk factors/ barriers, goals, and interventions in meeting goals. ISP’s shall assist the client in developing their own autonomy.
• Assist clients in scheduling and keeping appointments and provide transportation to/from appointments, as needed.
• Provide ongoing advocacy for the client with a wide variety of other service providers, as well as other community resource entities, and justice related agencies (i.e. law enforcement/court).
• Educate clients on services of interest and need, treatment courses, risks, and health outcomes of certain behaviors.
• Engage with clients weekly to establish and maintain a successful working relationship.
• Assist clients with enrollments and retention with other service programs.
• Identify appropriate housing/shelter resources and assist the client in gaining access to appropriate housing, and maintaining occupancy, when necessary.
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate community resources that represent the client needs based on assessment or clients’ input.
• Assess client for health insurance and identification documentation.
• ISP will be updated every 3 months to reflect client’s progress towards or attainment of articulated goals and the emergence of client needs.
• Develop and maintain client charts with appropriate and up to date documentation based on VTH policies/guidelines, and/or contract requirements, including but not limited to, intake sheet, biopsychosocial, ISP, progress notes, and client personal records (ID, birth certificate, etc.).
• Enter notes and eligible data into client files within 24-48 hours of client contact.
• Become well versed in Syringe Service activities and participate in outreach efforts and stationery sites, when necessary.
• Distribute safe drug use supplies and overdose prevention kits.
• Attend Case Management staff meeting, all staff meetings and other required meetings.
• Attend care coordination meetings with partnered providers, as needed.
• Advocate to providers about caring for patients experiencing homelessness (i.e. low barrier access to health care needs).
• Attend all training courses as required.
• Participate in regular upkeep, cleaning, stocking and supervision of the office area one time weekly, or as needed.
• Participate in workflow of office operations and field work preparations.
• Research and develop a network of appropriate resources necessary for participants’ growth, health and safety.
• Assist with program development and implementation of case management support services
• Assist with contract oversight, management, and reporting, as needed
• Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with community partners and other service providers.
• Maintain data tracking of materials provided in the field (i.e harm reduction supplies, snacks, tents, etc.).
• Maintain accurate and up to date financial records of money spent on participant incentives and basic essential items purchased specifically for participant use.
• Develop and maintain other necessary reporting for assigned caseload according to contract requirements and any additional duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Qualifications

• Must be willing to use your own vehicle to transport clients, mileage is provided.
• Computer literate, with basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suit.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize workload and complete tasks timely and efficiently.
• Dependable, receptive to change, willingness to learn and engage in effective problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work effectively with clients, staff and VTH partners to collaboratively solve problems.
• Ability to maintain HIPPA guidelines.
• Demonstrate sensitivity addressing the needs of underserved community members from diverse communities.
• Ability to engage in clear and concise communication.
• Commitment to overall mission of VTH and program goals.
• Comfortable providing quality and compassionate care with the people we serve.
• Ability to recognize personal biases and willingness to learn about the various interventions that one may not fully understand.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Understanding of substance use and harm reduction strategies along with a demonstrated passion and understanding for serving chronically homeless populations with co-occurring disorders.
• Knowledge of low threshold medications for addicition treatment. Basic knowledge of HIV and HCV, overdose prevention, and use of Naloxone preferred.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Preferred Skills

• Experience or field work serving people who use drugs, people at-risk for overdose, and/or vulnerable populations.
• Bilingual. English and Spanish

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 - $33.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• intensive case management : 5 years (Required)
• harm reduction: 3 years (Required)
• working with LA County housing navigation: 3 years (Required)
• CHAMP and HMIS: 2 years (Required)
• working with justice involved individuals/court systems: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• CA driver's license and current, valid auto insurance (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Lancaster, CA 93535 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lancaster, CA 93535: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person