Job Information
St. Catherine's Center for Children Case Manager, Housing Specialist in Menands, New York
About Our Organization:
St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a leading non-profit organization in New York’s Greater Capital District. Our comprehensive range of human services reach more than 1,000 children, 600 families, and hundreds of adults across Upstate New York each year. We offer residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more.
Our spectrum of services for children, families and individuals suffering from the lasting effects of abuse and neglect, family instability, mental illness, homelessness and other ongoing traumas, is continuing to grow. St. Catherine’s employs more than 300 full and part-time staff, and is committed to cultivating a culture where all employees can bring their authentic and best selves to the workplace. Our DEI-B initiatives are designed to support and build a more equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace, one which exemplifies true respect and dignity.
Our Mission:
St. Catherine's Center for Children provides a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families and adults we serve.
Job Summary:
The Case Manager, Housing Specialist assists families and individuals with all facets of the intake process for our Homeless Services Program at our supportive housing complex, Michael’s House. This includes performing assessments, service plan development and coordinating housing activities with families. The Case Manager, Housing Specialist will also coordinate service provisions with the Family Care Coordination Program.
Candidates with relatable life experience are encouraged to apply!
This is a full-time position; schedule will vary; May require working weekends to meet program needs.
Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Conduct and complete documentation for intake/assessment process, initial services plan, quarterly/biweekly service plan reviews, coordination of service plan delivery through a large network of area service providers.
Support and facilitate the individual’s ability to participate in mental health services, in particular, trauma services.
Meet independently with families and individuals to assess needs and strengths.
Develop service plan goals for families and individuals. Empower residents to identify choices in their daily life by providing necessary information. Ensure they participate in necessary services.
Establish and maintain professional working relationships with families and agency staff.
Advocate for families and individuals; assist in obtaining necessary services to retain permanent housing and assist in identifying and resolving barriers to housing retention.
Act as liaison for families and individuals when communicating with public assistance and other resource providers.
Provide intensive case management services in the following areas to settle families in permanent housing and stabilize conditions that led to homelessness:
self sufficiency
home maintenance
budgeting
meal preparation and nutrition
time management
parenting skills
utilization of community services
tenant responsibilities/rights
Document interactions with families through critical incident reports, assessment forms, progress notes, logs and service plans.
Complete outcome measures for Quality Improvement; Perform and maintain record keeping statistics as required.
Intervene in crisis situations and assist with conflict resolution as needed by providing mediation and facilitating communication, especially between landlord and tenant.
Participate in professional development programming on a regular basis.
Respect the rights of others and protect all confidential information.
Will have full and complete access to client Protected Health Information (PHI) in order to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position.
Additional position-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor/ director.
Essential Functions:
Ability to write and understand the written word with special emphasis on required documentation including client progress notes and treatment plans; and to carry out written and electronic documentation as required by St. Catherine’s policy and as required by regulating agencies that have oversight responsibility for St. Catherine’s programs.
Ability and willingness to maintain up to date information regarding standards and mandates set by St. Catherine’s Center for Children, the New York State Education Department, the New York State Office of Mental Health, the New York State Office of Child and Family Services, and other regulatory bodies.
Must be able to perform well under crisis conditions, with the capacity to carry out Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies.
Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle and meet the criteria outlined in the Revised Policy for Agency Drivers.
Flexibility to work hours outside of regularly scheduled work hours, including rotation of holidays, within reason.
Value a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person; and believe in the principle that people have the capacity to grow and change at their own pace and motivation.
Ability to interact with a wide range of people, including those who are culturally and socio-economically diverse, as well as people with various developmental and functional levels.
Ability and conceptualizations necessary to embrace and work effectively within a therapeutic-based program.
Ability to work collaboratively and in a family-focused approach with families, welcoming them as part of the Homeless Services Community.
This position requires the employee to frequently stand, walk and sit; with the ability to sit for long periods of time; must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The ability to establish a respectful relationship with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence, empowering them to solve their own problems.
Ability to work effectively in a shared decision-making model as a team member, and work collaboratively with other personnel and service providers or professionals.
The capacity to maintain a helping role and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals, while setting appropriate limits.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
This position will have full and complete access to client Protected Health Information (PHI) in order to carry out the duties and responsibilities for the position. Therefore, the ability to meet HIPAA requirements and maintain strict client confidentiality is essential.
Qualifications:
BSW or Bachelor's Degree in the Human Services field, with at least one year of relevant experience.
Associates degree in related field and at least two years relevant experience may be considered.
Clean and valid NYS driver’s license for at least one year, with reliable (fully insured) vehicle for transportation to client homes and community resources, meetings, etc.
Familiarity with public assistance and other local resources.
Previous experience working in a human services agency is a plus!
Excellent organization, planning and time management skills.
Professional record of integrity and strong advocacy for homeless families.
Proficiency in various computer applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace (Google Sheets, Docs, Meet, etc.), as well as the Internet.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships with regulatory bodies; capacity to exhibit empathy for those in need.
Demonstrated patience, flexibility and adaptability.
Must be willing and able to work in close proximity with the clients we serve.
Must have the ability to pass required pre-employment background checks.
What We Offer*:
Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package
Health Insurance options*: Medical, Dental and Vision
Generous Combined Leave Time and loads of PAID Holidays*! Calendar B = 10 Paid Holidays
$500 Employee Referral Bonus*
Professional Development & Career Growth Opportunities
We are a 501(c) (3) agency, which is a qualifying employer for eligible staff under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program*
Pension Plan with Aggressive Agency contribution*
Life Insurance – Automatic Benefit at no cost to employee!!
Paid Training* including TCI and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Update courses, if role appropriate
Tuition Reimbursement*
Travel/ Mileage Reimbursement*
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment.
*To qualify, certain conditions may apply
Background Checks: We run a thorough and complete pre-employment background check on all candidates being considered for a position, this includes fingerprinting. All candidates must successfully clear the pre-employment background check process, which follows NYS/DOJ requirements. We pay for all pre-employment background checks!
EEO Statement: St. Catherine’s Center for Children is committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, reproductive health and pregnancy, family history and genetics, disability, age, military status, veteran status, politics, or other beliefs, and any other characteristics protected by law.