Client Resource Specialist

COMPANY OVERVIEW: Catholic Charities is the social ministry outreach of the Archdiocese of Washington. We believe in strengthening the lives of all in need by giving help that empowers and hope that lasts. Catholic Charities works to create a world in which every person is cherished, regardless of individual limitations, and strengthened in the use of personal gifts in order to reach his or her full potential as a valued member of the community.We are looking for exceptional people who share our vision and values. Inspiring Hope. Building Futures.JOB SUMMARY: The Client Resource Specialist provides specialized assistance to clients residing in Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter Day Program by linking them to employment resources, medical, mental health, rehab and nursing facility, specialized education and training programs, employment programs and long-term housing supports. The position carries a continually rotating case load of participants actively seeking employment, specialized training or specialized health related resources.Supervisory Responsibility: No supervisory responsibility.ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Provide specialized housing and medical care services to clients linked to the community.a. Create and maintain current information on nursing home, assisted living facilities and related resources.b. Participate in hospital discharge planning calls or meetings. Assist with reasonable accommodation requests to return to shelter or placement in respite care or other appropriate setting.c. Refer clients to Medicaid registration assistants and other insurance resources.d. Complete SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) screening and assessment services for clients.e. Collaborate with shelter medical respite providers to transfer clients.2. Provide employment services to clients.a. Assess, monitor and report on resident engagement as regards employment, training, income and benefits according to their individualized assessment and case plan.b. Conduct initial and ongoing needs assessments to set up specialized goals to support overall exit homelessness plan. Work closely with shelter case manager as assigned.c. Document participants’ progress towards employment goals in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and in hard copy files.d. Complete and continually update certification for the agency provided “Adkins Job Coaching skills” training.e. Provide one-on-one and group classes to Day Program participants, with a focus on job preparation skills such as resume writing, interviewing skills, interpersonal skills, and job search skills in order to obtain and maintain competitive employment in the community.f. Provide referrals for specialized career counseling when needed.g. Follow up with participants to monitor job retention and administer satisfaction surveys to program participants.h. Manage and oversee relationships with area employment centers for employment trainings.i. Maintain accurate records of all service provider connections, in housing presentations from community resource agencies, employers and training employment centers.3. Actively collaborate with program case management staff to ensure participants’ employment and specialized medical or housing needs are represented on program case plan.4. Maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual tracking reports on linkage activities to include number of participants securing employment, change in income, number of job contacts, names of employers, status and follow-up of job contacts, linkages to nursing homes and participation in hospital discharge planning.5. Participate in workshops, training, and other meetings targeted toward job development, networking with nursing home and health community resources.6. Participate in quality improvement and actively comply with quality improvement initiatives. Perform appropriate tasks and quality improvement projects for accreditation (COA).EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:* Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or related fieldo For social work degrees, social work licensure in the appropriate jurisdiction is required.o For professional counseling degrees, professional counseling licensure in appropriate jurisdiction is required.* One-year experience working with at risk clients in a direct service setting* Two years’ experience working with clients who have a history of homelessness, with some knowledge of addiction and mental health issues preferred. In some cases, two years of experience can be substituted with additional related certifications or master’s degree in human services or related field.SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:* Communication skills (written and verbal)* Organizational and problem-solving skills* Telephone communication skills* Ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary environment* Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize* Knowledge of computer systems (MS Office products)* Ability to operate job-related equipment including the use of basic computer programs and systems#CB