ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct assessments of each new resident within two business days of admission to determine resident’s need for financial, social, and medical services, and eligibility for services, as well as the resident’s individualized needs & goals.
• Work with assigned residents and applicable partnering agencies to develop individual service plans intended to assist residents in establishing and meeting appropriate goals.
• Provide appropriate support and referrals to assist with the stabilization of health, finances, and permanent housing needs.
• Maintain accurate and up to date case notes according to Union Station procedures and standards.
• Coordinates intake flow on-site to ensure a streamlined and efficient process for any new move-ins.
• Coordinates deliveries to site: Food and Water shipment, donations, etc. as well as Services/Events on site (for example: Census team on site, DPSS on site, etc.
• Strive to recognize the best in each client/guest and to support the meaningful change they seek through building relationships and utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and strength based case management tools.
• Organize and track your client’s progress toward completing the VISPDAT & other assessment tools, to ensure their appropriate referrals to services.
• Provide and maintain a safe, welcoming, and secure environment for all clients, guests, and volunteers at all times.
• Notify appropriate staff and law enforcement in situations that threaten the safety of clients, guests, personnel, or security of the building.
• Conduct assessments to evaluate the resident’s mental health and/or substance use related issues, seek consultation to determine the need for support & services; make arrangements for appropriate connections.
• Help develop additional community resources needed to meet the unique needs of the clients.
• Work closely with contracted partner agencies to ensure efficient and appropriate referrals.
• Assess employability of each resident and refer to Sources, Vocational Rehabilitation or other suitable resources if appropriate.
• Participate in CES case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers.
• Complete any reporting requirements expected by funders in a timely manner.
• Facilitate transportation for residents to access necessary community resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work indoors in temperature controlled environment and occasionally exposed to outdoor weather and driving conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• See, hear and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions, perform administrative work, and drive motor vehicles including passenger vans.
• Ability to interact with other employees, residents, customers and members of the public. · Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information.
• Transcribe, enter, and post data.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• May require exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious agents.
• Requires use a computer keyboard for substantial periods of time.
• Able to travel to off-site meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledgeable about transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.
• Extensive knowledge of substance abuse and mental health issues with the ability to identify related issues.
• Understanding of and/or willingness to learn best practices including harm reduction, housing first, and trauma informed care.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint applications.
• Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in HMIS database system.
• Strong knowledge of case management practices and ability to accurately and clearly document case notes.
• Capability to comprehend and effectively build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Strong problem-solving and crisis intervention skills.
• Detail oriented and highly organized.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and have access to a properly registered vehicle.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications

• Option I: A Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field
• Option II: Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a related human services field
• Option III: Successful demonstration of required skills through current or past USHS direct employment or temporary assignment may be considered in lieu of the standard required years of experience.

Desirable

• Experience working with participants with complex medical, mental health, and/or substance use conditions strongly preferred.
• Experience in the following areas strongly preferred: chronic homelessness, outreach and engagement strategies, intensive case management services, best practice models, medical, mental health, or substance use services, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, affordable housing and public benefits applications, housing and landlord/tenant rights, eviction prevention, etc.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred.

UNION STATION HOMELESS SERVICES EMBRACES DIVERSITY

We embrace our differences and are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion and belonging. Our commitment to racial equity within the organization is crucial to who we are and the clients we serve. Committed to being an anti-racist organization and sharing the unique cultural experiences from our networks, we offer annual racial equity training, host ongoing learning experiences through our lunch n' learns, and participate in on-going mental health trainings.

We promote acceptance, respect, teamwork, and fosters diversity in the workplace. We believe every individual has a story, past, and a unique set of skills that shape who we are and through this network, we can learn from each other to become better versions of ourselves personally and professionally. Through our staff-led network focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility, we work to communicate, educate, and express diverse cultivation through our eight Diversity Networks. We are honored that the Diversity Network has been recognized as part of the Community Impact Awards presented by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Union Station Homeless Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer