Case Manager - Day Shift, STAR Center

DESC•Seattle, WA

About The Position

DESC's STAR (Stability Through Access and Resources) Center is a time-limited, 24/7, behavioral health-focused non-congregate shelter program. Services at the Center are tailored for unsheltered adults facing significant untreated and under-treated challenges related to mental health and substance use disorders. The center is located at 619 3rd Avenue and Cherry St in Seattle. Part of a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week team of professionals providing emergency shelter and service navigation for unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness, STAR Center Case Managers work with clients one-on-one to create comprehensive plans to secure housing and services that will end their homelessness.

Requirements

Current Washington Department of Health minimum credential as an Agency Affiliated Counselor or ability to obtain the credential upon hire.
Experience working with homeless, mentally ill, or substance using adults.
Interest or experience in working with participants who are difficult to engage and refer to traditional programs.
Firm commitment to being part of innovative work in harm reduction and low barrier shelter provision.
Willingness to be flexible and work cooperatively with coworkers to accomplish all responsibilities of the team.
Ability to work flexible hours as required by program and staffing needs.
Ability to handle sensitive information with a high degree of professionalism.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds.
Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant and/or bizarre behavior.
Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients.
Relevant Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related behavioral science, OR A combination of 1 year of relevant paid work experience and demonstration of the ability to perform required job duties
Internal applicants in direct, client facing positions can substitute 6 months of experience in lieu of 1 year

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish/English.
Knowledge of harm reduction strategies, motivational interviewing, and de-escalation skills.
Ability to drive agency vehicle, valid Washington State Driver's license and insurable driving record.
Strong applicants are able to demonstrate the ability to be positive in their empathetic responses to all persons, and value a non-judgmental response to sensitive issues. Candidates should be able to accept feedback and work in a highly collaborative and potentially stressful environment.

Responsibilities

Engage clients and maintain working relationships through creative, resourceful strategies which build trust and confidence.
Complete housing assessments with selected clients.
Create and implement client-centered, detailed disposition plans focused on housing acquisition.
Provide intensive case management to facilitate client access to housing, physical and behavioral health care, financial assistance and vocational training or employment.
Coordinate with other DESC programs and community providers to assure continuity of client care and successful transition of clients to long-term providers as appropriate.
Collaborate with key partners and stakeholders, including the Navigation Team and the City of Seattle, to ensure smooth operations and communication.
Promote and maintain positive relationships with the surrounding neighborhood.
Outreach potential clients in the community, including encampment sites, as assigned.
Provide crisis intervention and counseling services for clients.
Provide strong harm reduction-oriented service interventions.
Maintain service notes and files in an orderly, up-to-date manner.
Become familiar with local housing, employment and other resources.
Provide transportation for clients as necessary.
Work shifts as assigned covering milieu to maintain order and communication and enforce agency rules.
Maintain a safe and clean environment.
Participate in staff meetings and training sessions.
Other duties as assigned.