Assistant Case Manager in OAKLAND, California at Society St. Vincent De Paul Alameda

The Assistant Case Manager supports the Case Manager in providing compassionate, person-centered services to individuals experiencing homelessness who reside in St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County’s emergency shelter. The Assistant Case Manager helps strengthen the department’s capacity to serve shelter guests by providing direct client support, resource coordination, housing-navigation assistance, documentation, and administrative follow-through.

Working under the direction of the Case Manager, this position assists guests in identifying and accessing community resources and services that support housing stability and overall well-being. The Assistant Case Manager will work with individuals who may be experiencing complex barriers, including mental health challenges, substance use disorders, domestic violence, unemployment, lack of identification or documentation, and other challenges that may affect their ability to obtain and maintain stable housing.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, dependable, organized, resourceful, and comfortable working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Assistant Case Manager must be able to establish appropriate professional relationships with shelter guests, maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with the Case Manager, shelter staff, and community partners.

This position is intended to increase the shelter’s capacity to provide timely and meaningful support to guests while contributing to measurable outcomes related to service engagement, housing navigation, referrals, and housing stability.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Case Manager in providing case management and client-centered services to shelter guests.
• Assist guests with identifying immediate needs, barriers, goals, and available resources.
• Provide one-on-one support, encouragement, coaching, advocacy, and resource navigation under the direction of the Case Manager.
• Assist guests in accessing food, transportation, identification documents, benefits, health care, behavioral health services, employment resources, and other supportive services.
• Help guests prepare for appointments, complete applications, gather required documentation, and follow up on referrals.
• Assist the Case Manager in maintaining regular communication and follow-up with assigned guests.
• Help reconnect guests with existing case management or supportive service providers when appropriate.
• Provide support during challenging interactions and assist with conflict resolution and de-escalation as directed by the Case Manager.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while providing compassionate and respectful services.
• Assist the Case Manager with housing-navigation activities for shelter guests.
• Help guests identify appropriate housing opportunities and community resources.
• Assist guests with completing housing applications, gathering documentation, making phone calls, and following up with housing providers.
• Support guests in accessing Oakland Housing Resource Centers, Coordinated Entry resources, and other housing-related services.
• Assist with maintaining current information regarding housing opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, and community resources.
• Help coordinate appointments, housing interviews, viewings, and other housing-related activities.
• Maintain communication and follow-up regarding housing referrals and applications under the direction of the Case Manager.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources throughout Oakland and Alameda County.
• Assist with referrals to medical, behavioral health, substance use treatment, domestic violence, employment, benefits, food assistance, transportation, and other supportive services.
• Maintain updated resource information and identify new community resources that may benefit shelter guests.
• Assist guests with navigating public and community-based service systems.
• Establish positive working relationships with community organizations and service providers as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation as directed by the Case Manager.
• Enter and update client information in HMIS or other approved case management databases following appropriate training.
• Assist with tracking referrals, service linkages, appointments, housing applications, housing outcomes, and other program activities.
• Assist the Case Manager with compiling information needed for monthly reports, grant reporting, contract compliance, and program evaluation.
• Ensure documentation is maintained in accordance with organizational policies, confidentiality requirements, HIPAA requirements where applicable, and HMIS standards.
• Protect all confidential client information and maintain professional discretion at all times.
• Work collaboratively with the Case Manager, Shelter Manager, shelter staff, volunteers, and community partners to support positive outcomes for guests.
• Communicate relevant client needs, concerns, and service updates to the Case Manager in a timely manner.
• Participate in staff meetings, case consultations, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Assist with identifying service gaps and opportunities to improve the guest experience and effectiveness of shelter services.
• Support outreach, community events, resource fairs, and other activities that connect guests with services.
• Assist with other duties as assigned in support of the mission of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations with dignity, compassion, and respect.
• Experience in social services, case management, housing services, shelter services, outreach, behavioral health, community services, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of local community resources and supportive services in Oakland and Alameda County preferred.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, and/or OARS principles preferred.
• Ability to establish trusting and professional relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work respectfully with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, domestic violence, disabilities, and other barriers to housing stability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and handle confidential information.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel, email, and web browsers.
• Ability to learn and effectively use HMIS and other organizational databases.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations and utilize appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced shelter environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, housing instability, domestic violence, behavioral health challenges, or other vulnerable circumstances preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience providing direct client or customer service in a social-service or community-based setting preferred.
• Experience with HMIS or a similar case management database preferred.
• Ability to accurately enter information, maintain records, and complete required documentation.
• Ability to follow established procedures and appropriately seek direction from the Case Manager when situations exceed the scope of the position.
• Strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, economic, and social backgrounds, including people with disabilities, individuals experiencing substance use disorders, people who are undocumented, and individuals who have experienced trauma or homelessness.
• Must be willing to become a Mandated Reporter, with training provided as required.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to the mission of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Sociology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties that someone in this position may perform. All employees of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are expected to perform tasks as assigned by St. Vincent de Paul’s supervisory/management personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties.