C.O.R.E. Case Manager

Description

Mission: The Link works with youth and young families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice. Our 23 programs provide supportive housing, intensive case management services, and skills development to youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness, sex trafficking and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system. The Link prides itself on its innovative, youth-centered, strengths-based programming for youth and families as well as programs that are co-designed, implemented and overseen by youth.

Position Specifics

• Hiring Salary Range: $23.13-$26.00/hour based on qualifications 
• Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Location: Apple Valley, MN
• Hours/Days: Mon-Fri 9:00-5:00 and drop in hours as needed.

BASIC FUNCTION

The Link’s C.O.R.E. Program is a Drop-In Center, Coordinated Entry Access Point, and Hotel Shelter Program for youth experiencing homelessness in Dakota County. The Link works with youth, ages 16-24, some of whom have histories of mental illness, chemical use, major medical conditions, witness to or experiences of domestic violence, human trafficking and unhealthy relationships, and other barriers to housing stability. Due to these barriers, The Link’s C.O.R.E. Program employs a full-time Case Manager who ultimately provides safety and support to youth that are looking to gain stability in their lives through housing and services. The Link’s C.O.R.E. Program embraces harm reduction, positive youth development, and having a journey-oriented mindset. 

This Case Manager will support youth find safe housing and shelter, making sure each client has their vital documents, connected to benefits, acting as a liaison with other housing/service providers, increasing academic achievement, obtaining employment, and financial literacy. Case Managers provide a variety of assessments and evaluations and work with their clients to develop Individual Service Plans, with strategies for accomplishing goals and working towards self-sufficiency and independence. Case Managers working with youth experiencing homelessness in Dakota County will work with a diverse community of young people, including youth that are pregnant and parenting. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide case management services to clients connected to the C.O.R.E. Program, through youth self-referral when they come to the C.O.R.E. Drop-In Center or through the C.O.R.E. Housing Advocate upon completing the client’s Coordinated Entry Housing Assessment.
• Conduct assessments with client to determine barriers, resource needs and other factors related to case planning, acting as a broker for services and referring them to community resources when necessary
• Support participants in setting and pursuing goals
• Act as liaison between client/landlord relationships relating to tenancy issues
• Assist clients in connecting them to housing referrals as they come up
• Assist clients in living independently through Independent Living Skills coaching
• Act as a liaison with other service providers
• Maintain consistent visits with clients who are residing in Dakota County
• Provide necessary transportation according to availability
• Keep updated records of all interactions with clients and any other contacts made on their behalf
• Provide on-going monitoring and reporting of participant’s progress
• Provide on-going Independent Living Skills instruction in one on one settings
• Attend and contribute to appropriate weekly case review/team meetings, and other meetings as directed
• Provide support at CORE’s drop-in center every week

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preserve the integrity of the programs and agency
• Demonstrate commitment to The Link’s mission and vision, and values of equity, diversity and inclusion
• Support the overall growth of the agency
• Maintain positive and healthy relationship with co-workers and other related parties
• Assist where needed as a team player
• Create a safe, respectful, and healthy atmosphere and environment where everyone can grow and learn
• Participate in special projects as necessary
• Attend all meetings and trainings as required
• Maintain positive and professional interactions with clients, co-workers, and all parties involved
• All other duties as assigned 

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of child welfare systems, general and other public and federal assistance programs, and other community resources
• Utilizing the 9 Guiding Principles of Youth Work https://avenuesforyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/9-Evidence-Based-Principles-to-Help-Youth-Overcome-Homelessness-Webpublish.pdf 
• High level of attention to detail
• Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for client advocacy
• Ability to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, coordinate, track and complete multiple tasks as well as adjust to changing priorities
• Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to be flexible in scheduling
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a criminal and driving background check
• Access to reliable vehicle and ability to maintain good driving record and insurance levels as directed by The Link, to fulfill job duties that require travel into the community.    
• Consistent, regular attendance is a must

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years’ experience working with youth experiencing homelessness or BA degree in related field 
• Experience in working with clients who have been homeless and have other housing barriers 
• Experience in completing assessments 
• Experience in creating goal or treatment plans
• Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Completion and satisfactory results of a pre-employment criminal background, Department of Human Services, and motor vehicle history screening
• WORKING CONDITIONS
• The employee is regularly required to talk or hear
• The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools or controls as well as visual acuity
• The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• The employee is required to drive a personal vehicle
• Work environment for this position includes offices, common spaces, residential homes and community spaces with a low to moderate noise level

BENEFITS

The Link offers benefits to eligible employees such as medical, dental (The Link covers 100% of the premiums), vision, a generous 401k with employer match, over 2 weeks of PTO in your first year, birthday PTO, two days of volunteer PTO, 11 paid holidays/holiday pay, and more!

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY 

As outlined in our Compensation Philosophy . The Link believes strongly in pay equity and transparency, and wages that lead our field for similar roles.  To that end, The Link will ensure all new hires are offered the highest wage they are eligible to receive within the position's hiring range based on their years of relevant professional experience, lived experience, and relevant degrees and licensures.  The Link has a “no negotiation policy,” which means candidates should not have to negotiate their way to a fair wage for their skills and experience and will automatically be given the highest wage they are eligible for based on their qualifications. 

OTHER

The Link is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Link complies with laws relating to discrimination against qualified applicants and employees in hiring or in any decision affecting job status or pay, based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, familial status, covered veteran status, public assistance status, membership in a local commission, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, or other applicable protected classes. 

NOTE: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.