Full-Time Encampment Outreach Case Manager
Job Description
ABOUT MIRIAM’S KITCHEN
Miriam’s Kitchen works to end chronic homelessness in Washington, DC. We advocate for permanent supportive housing as a long-term solution, while meeting short-term needs by providing healthy meals and high-quality social services to individuals who are chronically homeless.
ABOUT THE POSITION
This position is part of an encampment pilot to work closely with people experiencing homelessness and living in encampments to obtain housing. The Encampment Outreach Case Manager will conduct outreach to a caseload of high-priority unsheltered people experiencing homelessness, administer VI-SPDAT assessments, help individuals collect identification documents in an effort to become ‘document ready’, facilitate the housing process by working with the individual to identify and apply an appropriate housing unit, and provide support to the individual to remain housed. Additionally, the Encampment Outreach Case Manager will conduct outreach with the aim of meeting basic needs of our clients, including wellness checks, provision of food and drinks, and provision of other basic needs as assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide outreach, case management, and housing navigation services in any setting necessary, including streets, parks, shelters, hospitals, jails, and encampments.
- Provide ‘intensive’ outreach and housing navigation services as appropriate.
- Provide referrals to medical, mental health, and substance abuse services as needed.
- Assist targeted people with applying for identification documents, entitlements, and other benefits.
- Collaborate with Miriam’s Kitchen’s SOAR Specialist to ensure that clients without income receive assistance applying for disability benefits as appropriate.
- Build rapport and utilize motivational interviewing strategies to support vulnerable people with moving through the stages of change and accepting an offer of housing.
- Access the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to input VI-SPDAT assessments and upload people’s identification documents.
- Utilize computerized databases to maintain written and computerized records, compile reports, and complete other program documentation (e.g. case notes), while maintaining appropriate confidentiality of client information.
- Provide housing match services to a primary caseload of high-priority people to facilitate the housing process and ensure successful housing placement.
- Conduct outreach during the evening in a pair (1-9PM or 3-11PM during Hypothermia Alerts) on a rotating basis. When not on evening outreach, hours of operation are 9-5.
- Attend trainings as assigned.
- All other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- An understanding of the structural and systemic causes of homelessness.
- Comfort working with a diverse population with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Familiarity with the homeless services and housing landscape in Washington, DC.
- Comfortable operating computers, inputting information into a database, and typing/documenting case notes.
- Strong communication skills and sense of boundaries.
- Able to work productively independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse, tight-knit team.
- Able to navigate DC via public transportation and on foot.
- Able to handle physically demanding work – to include but not limited to; standing and/or walking up to 8 hours per day conducting street outreach in all types of weather.
- Able to provide face-to-face case management services outdoors and in congregate settings in the context of COVID-19
- Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 20 lbs.
- Candidates with a Driver’s license and who own a car are encouraged to apply.
- Spanish proficiency preferred.
Experience
- High School Diploma or GED program with relevant work experience with homeless services.
- Bachelor’s degree, licensure in a role and/or equivalent experience/training (Certified Addictions Specialist, Peer Certification, etc.).
- Experience working in services for homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and/or case management for vulnerable populations preferred.
Benefits
Miriam’s Kitchen is proud to offer comprehensive benefits that support the continued health and wellbeing of our team including: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous medical coverage for dependents; 100% employer-paid short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance; employer retirement contributions; generous annual paid leave, and annual professional development funds for all full and part-time team members.
Salary- $45,000- $53,000
How to Apply
To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to Jobs4@miriamskitchen.org with “Encampment Outreach Case Manager” in the subject line315 total views, 0 today