Job Abstract

The Contra Costa Youth Continuum of Services (CCYCS) is a program of Contra Costa Health Services Health, Housing and Homeless Services Division, in partnership with Heluna Health. CCYCS operates with the philosophy that every young person has the ability to make good choices for themselves, when provided with gentle guidance, support, and positive opportunities. We value the diversity, determination, resiliency, and strength that all youth bring to our doors. (www.cchealth.org/homeless/homeless-youth.php)

Under the supervision of the Director of Supportive Services and Shelter Program Manager, the Social Worker in this position will provide comprehensive social work services to a caseload of up to 25 homeless youth, aged 18-24, residing in an emergency youth shelter and transitional living programs located in Contra Costa County. The Social Worker will conduct individual and group assessments, develop, and implement goal-oriented treatment plans, and provide crisis intervention and counseling services to support the emotional, social, and behavioral needs of these vulnerable youth.

Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 Annually

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct trauma informed clinical and case management support to homeless youth who are living in shelter and transitional living program to provide care coordination to support linkages to housing, benefits, and health services in the community.
• Build trust with and assess the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness; provide clinical case management for a caseload of up to 25 participants.
• Complete psycho-social assessments that utilize a person-centered approach focused on the individual’s strengths and resources that are inclusive of housing, health, safety, social supports, and all other relevant needs identified by individual/household.
• Assist individuals/families with completing applications for benefits/services, supporting individuals to, medical/behavioral health appointments, and other appointments as needed to support the continuity of the care.

• Work in partnership to create housing stability plans that identify housing needs, community/family supports, potential barriers to maintaining housing, and develop strategies for maintaining housing.

• Conduct trauma-informed short-term counseling and utilize motivational interviewing techniques to explore participants’ motivation towards behavioral change.
• Provide direct crisis counseling and problem identification as needed.
• Support participants as they navigate the criminal justice and court systems. Advocate for participants by interacting with judges, court mental health staff, public defenders, etc.
• Collaborate with Coordinated Entry programs and other County services.

• Educate clients on daily living skills to improve self-sufficiency, build authentic rapport to support clients’ goals on an ongoing basis.

• Maintain and interact in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and professional demeanor.
• Administer intake/exit questionnaires, housing assessments (VI-SPDAT) and other forms of tracking documentation as needed; track data for reporting, maintain case notes, and appropriate records and files.

• Facilitate relationship-building with clients and their family members, including family reunification meeting and conflict resolution as needed
• Regularly report and coordinate client progress during multi-disciplinary team case conference.
• Attend all required meetings, trainings, and case conferences.

• Comply with all policies and procedures guiding the work of this position and the department overall.

• Submit reports to the Program Manager as required.

• Travel between various locations.
• All other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to implement the following evidence-based practices: Harm Reduction, Housing First, Critical Time Intervention, Strength-based Case Management and Motivational Interviewing.
• Ability to build supportive and respectful relationships with persons that are responsive to the beliefs and practices, sexual orientations, disability statuses, age, gender identities, cultural preferences, and linguistic needs that instills hope and promotes self-determination.
• Practice culturally sensitive components of direct service deliver to shelter and Transitional Living Program youth.
• Must possess strong engagement skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and as an effective and collaborative member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong community networking skills and ability to build resources and relationships that improve continuity of care.
• Excellent verbal skills. Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Possess an understanding of and practice cultural sensitivity through open dialogue and self-exploration with diverse groups.
• Ability to effectively intervene in crisis situations.
• Professional level competency using Internet, (Word, Excel, HMIS systems, data entry, Outlook, and EPIC) required.
• Drivers must have a clean record with no infraction/accidents and be 21 years of age or older.

Education/Experience

• Education: Possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years’ direct experience working with people with serious mental illness, individuals with a dual diagnosis and/or the homeless population.
  • Substitution: Will consider candidates who are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university in their final year of obtaining their Master’s degree requirement and committed to completion with a major in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a closely related field AND minimum of 3-5 years fulltime experience with people with serious mental illness, individuals with a dual diagnosis and/or the homeless population.

Desired Qualifications:

• Persons with lived experience
• Bilingual, bicultural in Spanish
• Previous experience or training in serving homeless youth and clinical case management
• Knowledge of Contra Costa County community resources
• Prior experience with documentation and billing procedures

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire.
• A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, clean DMV record, and reliable transportation will be needed to carry out job-related essential functions as travel between various locations is a requirement.

Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)