Friendly House Community Services Job Opening

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Case Manager 1

Closing Date:  November 3, 2008

Founded in 1930, Friendly House, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit neighborhood center located in Northwest Portland.  Community Services, one of six programs at Friendly House, offers housing assistance to homeless families.  Families approved for housing assistance in all programs receive strength-based case management and financial and in-kind support services. 

SCOPE OF THE POSITION

The Case Manager is responsible for providing and coordinating supportive services for homeless families in transitional housing, including adult and child family members. Families may be homeless for complex reasons relating to a lack of affordable housing, poverty (due to declining wages and changes in welfare) and domestic violence, making knowledge of these issues an important part of the job. The goal of the Case Manager is to facilitate transition of these families from homelessness into permanent housing. Our holistic approach includes case planning for the needs of both the parents and the children of a homeless family. The Case Manager is responsible for assuring that eligibility and documentation requirements are met and strictly adhered to.

Essential Functions

Screen, assess, and select potential housing clients Develop case plan with each family, which may include medical or mental health assistance, enrolling children in school and/or child development program, training, education or job search for parents, and other plans Meet regularly with families to support them in their efforts to reach goals of the case plan Track, report, and document clients’ progress toward the goals of the case plan; if client is not progressing satisfactorily toward goals, the Case Manager must address barriers Be knowledgeable of and make appropriate referrals to other Friendly House programs or other agencies/services. Attend related trainings and meetings of community service organizations Work cooperatively with volunteers, interns, and other Friendly House staff Maintain up-to-date client files; input data to county program in a timely manner Advocate for the needs of low-income residents of Northwest Portland and homeless families through contacts with public assistance agencies and other relevant organizations Provide back-up office coverage as needed

Secondary Responsibilities

Drive agency or personal vehicle on Friendly House’s behalf Pick up/deliver donations of furniture, household items, etc.

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to work with low-income and homeless family members (adults and children) Demonstrated ability to work with people of different backgrounds/cultures Demonstrated ability to work with people who are difficult or may be chronically homeless Excellent communication skills, both oral and written Knowledge of social service system and resources Ability to set limits and maintain professional boundaries

Interest and ability in working as a member of a team with a commitment to the goals of the Community Services Program and Friendly House Case management experience preferred Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred

Interpersonal Contacts

The case manager necessarily interacts with homeless and low income families, with staff within the Community Services program and other Friendly House staff and programs, with apartment managers, social service agencies and other agencies impacting the family.  Friendly House Community Services is part of a collaborative partnership with Neighborhood House and other social service agencies.  Staff must work cooperatively with collaborative partners.

Job Conditions

This job is performed at Friendly House Community Services.  The case manager is required to visit apartments and locations across Multnomah County.   

Compensation.  Our compensation package is designed to provide a living wage, improve your skills and improve your health and well-being!

Salary is $12.50 – 12.81 per hour, depending on experience.  Health benefits, paid vacation and sick leave.  A membership in the Friendly House Community Center is given to all Friendly House staff members.

COVER LETTER AND RESUME MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008, 5:00PM.  SEND TO: COMMUNITY SERVICES, CASE MANAGER OPENING, 2617 NW SAVIER, PORTLAND, OR 97210 OR EMAIL TO [email protected]

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

It is the policy of Friendly House, Inc. to treat all people with dignity and respect.  The agency prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, creed, color, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military service, veteran status, housing status, familial status, source of income, political affiliation, union affiliation, physical disability, mental disability or other protected status in accordance with applicable law.  In addition, we shall not discriminate against minority-owned, women-owned or emerging small business.