Case Manager – Transitional Living Program

Job Summary:  Provides case management services to youth participating in the Maine Transitional Living Program (TLP).  Responsibilities include engaging with homeless youth, assessments, assisting with locating and maintaining permanent housing, group facilitation, and working collaboratively with youth to secure positive outcomes.  The Community Case Manager develops a network of community resources and support to meet the needs of this population and uses an experiential learning model to teach independent living skills and decision-making.

Essential Job Functions:

Case Management

1. Conducts outreach to identify youth in need of TLP services and establishes relationships with youth leading to engagement in the program.
2. Assesses youth needs and develops individual service plans for assigned youths, utilizing New Beginnings’ Model of Care
3. Works collaboratively with youth to achieve their goals and documents progress through accurate and timely case records.
4. Advocates for youth in the community and teaches self-advocacy skills to youth.
5. Transport and accompanies youth to community resources and meetings as appropriate.
6. Meets with all youth in New Beginnings’ TLP supported housing at least weekly, with more frequent meetings as necessary.
7. Maintains a caseload of up to 14 youth enrolled in the program.
8. Maintain weekly billable hours.
9. Conduct assessments for youth entering program to develop goals and care plan.
10. Collaborates with community partners and interns.
11. Participates in interviews and assessments for program enrollment of
12. Develops and maintains cooperative relations with private and public housing providers in the area who manage affordable housing.
13. Assists youth with housing search process, rental and voucher applications, and rental agreements.
14. Supports youth in maintaining stable housing through life skills instruction, tenant education, and landlord mediation as needed.

Youth work

2. Participates in intake interviews, assessments, and enrollment decisions for the program.
3. Assists youth with developing supportive relationships in the community and through participation in LGBTQ- focused activities.
4. Teaches independent living skills through instruction and experientially by active participation in chores, cooking, etc.
5. Assesses and manage crisis situations with all
6. Carries out program guidelines and expectations for youth; addresses behavioral and performance issues.
7. Performs random and scheduled apartment safety checks and inspections.
8. Encourages youth participation in planning and facilitating group activities
9. Provides substance use education, counseling, and referrals for youth. Supports youth throughout substance misuse treatment using harm reduction strategies.
10. Monitors and dispenses medication for

Other

1. Conduct and documents fire drills.
2. Monitors program supplies and equipment
3. Cleans and supports light maintenance of common areas.
4. Other
5. Participates in staff meetings.
6. Participates in publicity about the program to generate referrals.
7. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Residential Services

Specifications and Qualifications

Education and Training:

Bachelor’s degree required in a human-services related field or bachelor’s degree in a non-human service related field and 2 years Human services experience. A minimum of one year of experience working with homeless or high-risk youth is required; experience working with LGBTQ youth preferred.

Specialized Skills:

Valid driver’s license and driving record which meets insurance requirements; basic counseling and crisis intervention skills; knowledge of community resources and understanding of public assistance programs; ability to teach living skills experientially; basic knowledge of substance abuse, mental health, and sexual abuse.

Cognitive Requirements:

Good problem-solving skills; literacy and general knowledge on a Bachelors’ level.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to participate in daily life skills activities with youth.  Ability to climb stairs, teach and assist youth in routine household chores, accompany youth to community resources and participate in recreational activities.

Work Environment:

Community based apartment setting; work involving some evenings and weekends; much time spent in community environment; recreational activities. Transporting youth to appointments in worker’s own vehicle. (Staff will receive mileage reimbursement.)