Assistant Case Manager

Agency Description: Caminar and our divisions transformed the lives of over 31,000 youth and adults across , , , , Contra Costa, and  counties last year through education, behavioral health care, and support. Driven by compassion, science, and our understanding of root causes, we deliver high-quality prevention, treatment, and recovery services to those with complex mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs. 

We understand that quality behavioral health outcomes occur when a person is supported in all their basic human needs, and we actively partner with our clients and the community to address the social determinants of health that lead to sustained well-being. We are here to empower and support the most vulnerable members of our community to move toward wellness, resilience, and independence.

. People of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, faith, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities are welcome here.

Position Description: The Homeless Outreach, Motivation and Engagement (HOME) program provides intensive case management services to approximately 15 homeless individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. Under supervision of the Program Director, the Assistant Case Manager will provide services including but not limited to outreach, engagement, screening, facilitating group support, crisis intervention, liaising with community resources and medication management. The ACM also supports and assists individuals in developing independent living skills and rehabilitation goals, provides liaison to other mental health agencies, and works with family members and others in the client’s support system.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Visit homeless encampments, shelters, and other assigned locations where homeless individual might be present; provide intensive outreach and engagement services.
• Support the development and attainment of client rehabilitation goals, including securing housing and employment, development of a support system, increasing socialization skills, participating in recreational activities, etc.
• Document in a timely manner treatment planning and interventions according to agency, county and MediCal billing.
• Drive own or agency vehicle to treatment destinations, as required; documenting and reporting mileage according to agency procedures, so that services can be provided in a timely manner; always comply with agency vehicle policy.
• Support the attainment of client rehabilitation goals utilizing psychosocial rehabilitation principles.
• Support and assist client maintenance of personal health, including meal planning, personal hygiene, maintaining a clean and tidy living space and budgeting. Provide medication support as needed.
• Assist with and teach activities of daily living, such as meal planning and preparation, personal hygiene, and budgeting.
• Provide supportive counseling, focusing on the client’s immediate situation and needs.  Provide Cognitive/Behavioral types of intervention allowing the client to work toward achieving their immediate goals and recognizing their strengths.
• Develop and maintain a respectful, caring and empowering relationship with clients.
• Assist in resolution of conflicts that may arise.
•       File documents appropriately and participate in maintaining an efficient office environment.
• Organize and coordinate recreational outings.
• Perform all job functions in cooperation with the supervisor, other staff on the case management team, and other service providers involved in the treatment effort, including sharing information regarding all important interventions.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-services and consumer conferences as required.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled supervision sessions.
• Participate in and complete training as assigned and in a timely manner.
• Assist program management in maintaining the program budget by carefully managing resources and by exploring and recommending cost saving measures and approaches to service delivery.
• Participate in promoting a safe, healthy, and clean working environment at all times consistent with applicable laws, industry standards and the agency’s own Health & Safety Program.
• Complete and submit accurate time sheets and absence reports to program management in a timely manner.
• Promote within the agency and with the general public the philosophy and practice of social rehabilitation.
• Actively nurture and advance the cooperative, harmonious and teamwork-oriented environment Caminar strives to promote within the workplace; Through daily efforts and presentation promote an atmosphere of dignity and respect in line with the organization’s mission, philosophy, policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties, responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be passionate about Caminar's mission.
• High School Diploma or GED is required. BA in psychology or related field is strongly preferred. 
• A minimum of one year of demonstrated work experience with SMI/DD is preferred. Substance use treatment experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in a program serving homeless individuals and individuals with co-occurring disorders strongly preferred.  
• Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment including email and Internet navigation required. Experience with Human Service Information Systems strongly preferred. Experience with web-based time and attendance and staff training and development system is strongly preferred.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, a professional demeanor and to always represent the organization in a positive manner.
• Must demonstrate acceptable level of maturity, good judgment, and emotional stability.

• Problem solving—identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Customer Service—manages difficult customer situations, responds promptly to customer needs, and solicits customer feedback to improve service.
• Oral and written communication—speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings.   Completes written progress notes and other formal communications skillfully and professionally.
• Quality management—looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Planning/organizing—prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Adaptability—adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and can deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Dependability—is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve performance.

• Safety and security—actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly.
• Must be a dynamic self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently on special projects. 

Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements:

• Physical: Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs, and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs.  Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, etc. Must be able to walk, stand, sit for extended periods.
• Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.
• Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend to a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days.
• Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments.  Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises.
• Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices.
• This position requires frequent driving.  A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements. 
• Must be able to pass post offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies.
• A personal cell phone with reliable service and, if applicable, a data plan to use for business purposes.
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.

Caminar is a leader in providing innovative client-oriented mental health services.  We are an equal opportunity employer.  Please visit our web site at