Job Information
South Middlesex Opportunity Council Case Manager - Family Emergency Services in Framingham, Massachusetts
SUMMARY
The Family Emergency Services (FES) Case Manager provides services to families placed in Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter, referred through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Case management will include assessment, service plan development, referrals to community-based resources, advocacy and crisis intervention. These services will be provided with the goal of assisting each family to attain and sustain a permanent housing placement. The case manager will be responsible for a caseload of up to 30 families, residing in both congregate and scattered site shelter units.
Why Work for SMOC?
Flexible schedule, work/life balance and a 35-hour work week.
Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
Employer Paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability after 6 months of employment.
Two Comprehensive Medical Plans with HRA Employer cost-sharing and 79% of premiums covered by the Employer.
Dental w/ Orthodontic Coverage with 75% of premiums covered by the Employer
EyeMed Vision Insurance
403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match on day one.
Additional voluntary benefits including – additional Term and Whole Life Insurance policies, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability.
Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Promote a Housing First Approach to shorten shelter stays, partnering with the rehousing specialist and stabilization team to stabilize families and reduce re-entry into shelter.
Assist the Program Director with placements, which includes ensuring that congregate units are ready and fully equipped/furnished prior to the arrival of the family, greeting the family at the unit, and conducting a tour and orientation to the unit and area upon arrival.
Utilize a trauma-informed approach and motivational interviewing to provide a strengths-based approach with clients.
Complete an in-depth assessment on each family, identifying strengths and barriers.
Establish a respectful relationship with families and meet bi-weekly to provide support around completing activities in the Re-Housing Plan. Document all client meetings in ETO.
Work closely with families to build on strengths and develop strategies to address barriers and concerns identified through the assessment process.
Act as a liaison between shelter and public schools, assist with enrollment in daycares and public schools, and provide educational activities around parenting and children’s issues for adult residents.
Advocate for the clients and attend DHCD hearings, if necessary.
Assist families in arranging appointments and transportation.
Assist families in successfully transitioning to self-sufficiency, including referrals to Workforce Development and other educational opportunities.
Maintain accurate records, up to date case notes, telephone contact log and referrals to community-based services.
Work collaboratively with collateral providers including the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Youth Services (DYS), Early Intervention, Legal Services, SMOC Behavioral Health, etc. to ensure coordination of services.
Participate as a member of the Family Emergency Service Team. Attend team meetings and trainings as offered.
Provide coverage duties as assigned at congregates.
Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
Attend & participate in case conferences as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies & procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or 2 years relevant work experience in social services with low-income, minority and disabled individuals
Bi-lingual preferred (Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese are high needs)
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule
Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and meet insurance standards
Sensitivity to low-income people of diverse backgrounds
Ability to work independently.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
- Directly reports to Family Shelter Manager.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to sit or stand for a prolonged period
Ability to ascend/descend multiple flights of stairs
Ability to drive
Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
Must be able to attend to light maintenance tasks
Must be able to operate a computer and complete extensive paperwork.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Desk space is provided in a homelike congregate shelter setting. Company van is available with advance scheduling for transportation of residents. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Shelter Case Manager will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
35 Hours a week