Case Manager_Resident Services Coordinator
Job Description
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is a community development corporation serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The CEDC was founded in 1981. CEDC’s core program areas are development and construction of rental housing for very low- and low-income households; property management; and resident and community services. CEDC provides supportive services to individuals residing within CEDC’s portfolio.
THE POSITION
Under the supervision of the Director of Resident and Community Services, this role will be a dual functional role of a Case Manager and Coordinator position. This role plays a key role in supporting the operations of each property, serving diverse populations including low-income households, formerly homeless individuals, people with disabilities, and residents with mental health conditions. The primary focus of this role is to support permanent supportive housing residents and others with special needs in achieving housing retention and long-term stability. The Case Manager/Coordinator delivers comprehensive supportive services by helping individuals and families maintain lease compliance, build positive relationships with neighbors and property staff, and overcome barriers to stable housing. This includes assisting residents in accessing community resources, developing individualized plans, managing behaviors that may threaten housing stability, and connecting with appropriate service providers. The overarching goal is to enhance each client’s self-sufficiency, mental health, and overall quality of life.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Case Manager/Coordinator is responsible for delivering on-site, direct support and supportive service engagement to residents throughout the Cabrillo Rental Portfolio. This role provides intensive case management services and care coordination, which include, but are not limited to, psychoeducation on social and life skills, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, goal setting, budgeting, policy/eviction action plans, and overall housing readiness preparation. The Case Manager/Coordinator is deeply committed to the mission of serving vulnerable populations such as low-income individuals, veterans, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other special needs populations experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
As part of an interdisciplinary team, the Case Manager/Coordinator engages high-needs residents—many of whom are currently or formerly homeless and living with active mental illness, substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, and/or chronic medical issues. Responsibilities include conducting psychosocial assessments, accurately identifying client needs and functioning levels, developing individualized case plans and treatment goals, coordinating services, and providing referrals and linkages to appropriate community resources.
THE POSITION IS ALSO RESPONSBILE FOR:
• Developing and educating communities on a resource directory with relevant local and accessible resources.
• Providing social, educational, and recreational programs through collaborations with volunteers, local non-profits, governmental, and/or community resources.
• Developing programming and coordinate workshops relevant to resident needs (i.e. wellness, life skills, financial literacy, mental health, social well-being, technology, and community building)
• Establishing collaborative working relationships with Property Managers and other CEDC departments to facilitate open and on-going communication regarding resident activities, meetings, special events, resident concerns.
• Identifying and pursuing in-kind donation opportunities to support resident needs (e.g., clothing, furniture, school supplies, hygiene products).
• Conducting intakes, orientations, and needs assessments of residents; constructing appropriate customized services plans/budget plans that identify the services and benefits that best fit their needs.
• Plans and coordinates on-site educational activities that may Include, the following topics: lease and house rules; independent living; health and wellness; home safety; home maintenance; personal safety; disaster preparedness; greening; green living and neighborhood projects.
• Complete individualized intake packets, including intake assessment, needs evaluation tools, consent for services, release of information and other forms.
• Maintain and update daily calendar to reflect resident sessions and tasks while also ensuring documentation is completed within the required 72-hour timeframe.
• Receive and respond in a timely manner to referrals from property management, self-resident referrals, and referrals directed by supervisor regarding tenants experiencing challenges with daily functioning.
• Coordinate extensively with both internal and external partners, including but not limited to, the Housing Authority, Ventura County Behavioral Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other community organizations to ensure optimal outcomes and long-term housing stability.
• Participate in additional activities and programs within CEDC, such as FoodShare distribution and other tasks as directed by the supervisor.
• Enter accurate data and generate annual reports for HCD and CalVet, in accordance with HMIS database standards and reporting requirements.
• Ensure complete and compliant documentation of client records, adhering to HIPAA, HMIS, HCD, and TCAC standards for mandated services.
• Utilize a proactive, solutions-focused approach to case management, incorporating trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Ensure strict compliance with data standards and documentation protocols for service reports and grant reports as outlined by program-specific requirements.
• Develop and maintain a personalized plan for each client, identifying appropriate permanent housing interventions and supportive service goals.
• Connect residents with community resources to promote housing retention and overall individual growth, such as benefits advocacy, food assistance, employment services, and mental health care.
• Participate in regular case conferences and seek consultation from assigned case workers or mental health professionals to address emergencies or crises, including safety concerns, mandated reporting, and risk assessments.
• Meet with residents weekly to review progress, check-ins, and facilitate proper follow-ups.
• Attend individual and group supervision sessions, as well as agency and community meetings, as directed by the supervisor.
• Complete and submit VHHP Annual Reports to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
• Strong ability to serve as a liaison between the organization and community stakeholders to coordinate successful programs and foster long-term partnerships.
• Desire to identify new partnership opportunities and actively engage in community networking to promote the organization’s mission and strengthen support systems for residents.
• Strong knowledge of social services, public assistance, legal, corrections, health care, substance abuse, veterans, mental health care and other systems associated with target population.
• Demonstrates empathy and maintains a non-judgmental, client-centered approach in all interactions.
• Strong ability to advocate effectively on behalf of tenant needs.
• Desire to work with families and individuals utilizing a trauma-informed and strength-based approach.
• Must be flexible and demonstrate ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced and challenging environments.
• Foster and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with CEDC staff, Property Management, and external interdisciplinary team members to support a positive and effective work environment.
• Able to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of case management services and clinical approaches such as Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction Models.
• Knowledge of fair housing laws, affordable housing, and tenant relations.
• Strong ability to multi-task in a mission-driven organization with high standards of ethics, integrity, honesty, and individual morals.
• Familiarity and experience with implementation of the Coordinated Entry System (CES), HMIS/ICMS.
• Strong computing skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds as part of regular job duties
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel to all properties within the CEDC portfolio as needed.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in social work (MSW), marriage and family therapy (MFT), psychology or related field with 1-2 years of related experience or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in social work, psychology, or a related field plus 3-5 years of experience.
LICENSES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS
A valid California driver’s License and proof of automobile liability insurance.