TITLE:Problem-Solving Specialist

DEPARTMENT:Programs

REPORTS TO:FSC Program Managers

Employment Status:Full Time

Reg. Hours Worked:_40 / Week, Non-Exempt

Salary:24.04/hr

JOB SUMMARY:

Problem-Solving is a humanistic approach that works to reduce system in-flow by creatively assisting households by maintaining their current housing or identifying an immediate and safe housing alternative.The Problem-Solving Specialist will engage and assess families in the Service Provider Area (SPA) 3, and will provide time-limited and light touch case management support when needed. The Problem-Solving Specialist assigned to direct contracts will perform all the duties as indicated in that contract and by the assigned supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:

• Manages a caseload between 25-30 participants that qualify for services on any given month.

• Engage participants through the use of active listening, motivational interviewing, and a trauma-informed approach in order to facilitate problem-solving conversations involving difficult/personal questions

• Facilitate the usage of a universal assessment tool to determine vulnerability, assisting participants with collecting documents necessary for housing, and providing linkage to ongoing supportive services.

• Identify safety or health issues and provide appropriate crisis intervention and safety planning.

• Determine if there is a need for Adult Protective Services (APS) or Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and take any action required by State Law. This may include completing and submitting incident reports when necessary.

• Research options outside the homeless services system, acquire resources, and make successful referrals, including following up with participants to ensure that referrals were accessed.

• Provide mediation between households and property owners/family/friends to assist in resolving housing crises, including negotiating terms of agreements between participants and their hosts.

• Partner with legal service providers to resolve housing crises.

• Assist in budgeting with participants and determine what level of minimal assistance is necessary to be successfully housed or have housing crisis resolved.

• Meet participants on a weekly to monthly basis for continued support on housing needs based on their Housing Stability Plan.

• Maintain accurate records of clients participation and progress in accordance with agency regulations and expectations.

• Transport participants as needed or drive to meet them out in the field.

• Participate in agency and program meetings, including supervision.

• Attend trainings and learning collaboratives, and present information to the Family Solution Center (FSC) and partner agencies, when relevant.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies, housing providers, and related resources.

• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work indoors in temperature controlled environment and occasionally exposed to outdoor weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle or feel.

• See, hear and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions, perform administrative work, and drive motor vehicles including passenger vans.

• Ability to interact with other employees, residents, customers and members of the public.

• Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt o changing work demands.

• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information. Transcribe, enter, and post data.

• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.

• May require exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious agents.

• Requires use of a computer keyboard for substantial periods of time.

• Travel to off-site meetings and appointments in the field, including evening appointments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of housing resources in SPA 3 preferred. Resources can include crisis housing and permanent housing throughout Los Angeles County.

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``` - Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, Rapid Re-Housing and others.

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``` - Current knowledge of best practice models, including: Housing First, Mental Health Recovery, Harm Reduction, and Critical Time Intervention.

• Understanding of case management practices and ability to accurately and clearly document case notes.

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``` - Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and manage time effectively.

• Ability to accurately enter client data and progress notes in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and run program management reports.

• Proficient use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows, Office software programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HMIS.

• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for participants with urgent and multiple case management and health needs.

• Have a strong sense of prioritization can can coordinate multiple demands in a high-pressure environment.

• Highly motivated, self-starting, proactive and creative with problem-solving skills.

• Possess valid California driver's license and properly registered vehicle.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications

• Option I: A Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

• Option II: Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a related human services field

• Option III:Successful demonstration of required skills through current or past USHS direct employment or temporary assignment may be considered in lieu of the standard required years of experience.

Desirable

Experience working with participants with complex medical, mental health, and/or substance use conditions strongly preferred.

Experience in the following areas strongly preferred: chronic homelessness, outreach and engagement strategies, intensive case management services, best practice models, medical, mental health, or substance use services, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, affordable housing and public benefits applica