Case Manager, LifeSpring Program

Case Manager, LifeSpring About Lifeline Community Services Lifeline Community Services is a premier nonprofit organization in San Diego County, dedicated to empowering individuals and families to achieve self-reliance and long-term stability. Our diverse service portfolio spans housing, behavioral health, youth development, and anti-human trafficking initiatives, operating across multiple locations.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the LifeSpring Program Manager, the Case Manager plays a critical role in assisting youth and young adults who are at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness. This role combines housing navigation with intensive case management and skill development, ensuring that services are delivered through a youth-driven, whole person, trauma-informed model. The position supports participants in achieving independence, obtaining safe housing, and accessing necessary resources, all while adhering to a strength-based, culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and outcome-based approach. Specific Activities: 1. Client Support and Engagement: Create a welcoming, supportive environment to engage youth effectively and to build rapport, identify strengths and barriers to participant self-sufficiency, and empower youth to achieve goals and permanent independence. Provide basic needs assistance, including food, clothing, hygiene products, and access to essential services. Conduct intakes, eligibility screenings, basic needs assessments, and administer tools like the TAY-VI-SPDAT. Offer crisis management, safety planning, and emergency support as needed. Empower youth to make informed decisions by providing options and supporting their autonomy. 2. Housing Navigation: Create a housing plan with tangible goals and milestones to work towards housing and self-sufficiency. Assist and partner with youth to finding housing options and securing stable, inclusive housing. Assist youth with understanding and signing leases. Also provide support with housing applications, security deposits and other documents related to securing housing. Build and maintain relationships with local housing providers, such as landlords, property managers, and other entities. Utilize the Coordinated Entry System to connect youth with appropriate housing resources. 3. Case Management and Skill Development: Provide intensive case management, including goal setting, life skills training, economic literacy, and employment readiness. Help build and support participants' relationships with family and community with an emphasis on permanent connections. Facilitate skill development opportunities such as meditation, public benefits advocacy, tenancy, and employment training. Coordinate care with mental health professionals, primary care providers, outside social service organizations, and other supportive services. Assist with job search, educational goals, and development of life plans supporting independence. 4. Community Engagement and Outreach: Initiate and organize outreach efforts to engage youth and identify service gaps. Participate in county collaborative meetings and community partner discussions to create best practices. Provide training and outreach to enhance program visibility and effectiveness as needed. 5. Administrative Duties and Compliance: o Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client progress and interactions in Efforts to Outcomes (ETO). o Track goals, compile data, and complete reports for funding sources. o Uphold confidentiality and privacy standards in accordance with HIPAA. o Perform other administrative tasks, including document storage, auditing, and work order submissions. 6. Program Development and Coordination: Collaborate with other LifeSpring staff to screen and interview prospective participants. Assist in program development and resource identification to enhance service delivery. Participate in program meetings, group supervision, trainings, and other collaborative activities as needed. Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, with at least 3 years of experience, or Master's degree and registered intern status with the BBS, preferred. Experience working with transitional age youth, particularly those experiencing homelessness or at risk, and familiarity with former foster youth and CSEC/HT populations. Strong skills in engagement, crisis intervention, case management, and goal setting. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, computer literacy, and organizational abilities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of trauma-informed, client-driven, and culturally competent care. Must have ability to exercise discretion, independent judgment, and critical thinking skills. Maintain effective working relationships and engage in conflict resolution, as needed. Enthusiasm for the work, creative problem-solving skills, and a spirit of honesty and self-awareness. Knowledge of mental/behavioral health issues as they relate to transitional age youth. Other Requirements: Reliable transportation, a valid California driver's license, and a good driving record. Use of a personal, properly insured vehicle with mileage reimbursement. Employment subject to clearances including background checks, driving record, tuberculosis testing, and drug testing. Physical Demands/Work Environment: Ability to meet physical demands including standing, walking, sitting, and occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision. Exposure to stressful environments and travel to client homes. Requires operation of office equipment with repetitive hand movements.