Social Worker I - TLS (PCN 354)

We all face challenges and transitions in our lives, and when we do, we must be able to count on the strength of community for support. For the people of Los Angeles, Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) is that trusted source of support. We are a comprehensive network of services that welcomes individuals and families of all ages and identities to our full spectrum of care. Our highly trained staff and volunteers work closely with individuals and their loved ones to problem-solve and guide them on their paths to safety, security, wellness, and fulfillment.  

JFSLA staff share in our mission and work towards our goals with the highest level of responsibility, professionalism, and integrity. JFS demonstrates our commitment to our staff by offering a comprehensive benefits package and a nurturing environment.

JFSLA is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. In recruiting for our team, we seek the unique contributions that individuals can bring from all backgrounds. We strive for a diverse team in order to better serve our clients and ensure our excellence as an organization in identifying, designing and delivering solutions. 

Be part of our commitment and join our family. For more information on our philosophy and services, please tour our website www.jfsla.org

As part of a larger Homeless Prevention team with multiple programs, this Social Worker I position in the Time Limited Subsidy (TLS) Program is responsible for providing housing-focused case management and supportive services to participants enrolled in the TLS Program. In coordination with the city housing navigator, the Social Worker I supports participants in moving into permanent housing, maintaining housing stability, increasing income and benefits, developing rent payment plans, and working toward a long-term housing plan. This includes enrollment, assessment, problem-solving, weekly home visits, information and referrals, housing stabilization, eviction prevention support, linkage to public and community-based resources, lease-up support, coordination with landlords and housing partners, budgeting assistance, and housing-related financial assistance to maintain safety and long-term housing stability 

Qualifications:

• BA degree in Social Work or related social services field.
• Prior experience providing housing-focused case management, rapid rehousing, housing stabilization, or homeless services preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources, housing subsidies, affordable housing resources, public benefits, employment resources, and landlord/tenant rights.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to database systems for client electronic records. HMIS or other database management experience preferred.
• Experience conducting field-based home visits and community-based service delivery. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to utilize telehealth platforms.
• Strong computer skills and ease with MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, and ability to learn new systems.
• Demonstrated ability to be culturally sensitive, work with a multicultural client population, work in a non-judgmental manner, maintain professional boundaries and team orientation. 
• Able to pass a criminal background check, including Live Scan fingerprinting, prior to beginning employment.
• Possess current unrestricted California Driver’s License and proof of auto insurance. 
• Must pass a criminal background check (Live Scan fingerprinting) prior to beginning employment

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Provide ongoing housing-focused case management and supportive services in accordance with Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care principles.
• Assist participants with stabilization, lease-up support, move-in coordination, and connection to services needed to maintain permanent housing.
• Collaborate with each participant to develop an individualized housing stability plan, budget, rent contribution plan, and long-term housing plan.
• Offer appropriate and creative budget planning assistance to coordinate and judiciously offer financial assistance as per requirements.
• Assist participants with increasing or maintaining income through employment, public benefits, disability benefits, and other resources.
• Assist participants in obtaining additional services, including but not limited to housing linkages, legal services, mental health services, medical care, substance use services, transportation, food resources, employment services, benefits programs, and other community resources.
• Conduct case management meetings with participants in the home, community, office, shelter, or other appropriate locations based on participant need and program requirements. The work schedule may need to be adjusted to accommodate participants' availability, home visits, appointments, lease signings, and urgent housing-related needs.
• Educate participants on tenant rights and responsibilities, lease compliance, rent payment expectations, communication with landlords or property managers, budgeting, and maintaining housing.
• Work with landlords, property managers, housing providers, fiscal agents, and community partners to resolve housing-related concerns and prevent eviction.
• Assist participants with obtaining identification documents and other documents needed for housing, benefits, employment, and service access.
• Coordinate approved financial assistance, rental assistance, move-in assistance, and utility assistance in accordance with program and funder requirements.
• Maintain current and accurate documentation in HMIS and/or other required databases.
• Prepare required reports, tracking logs, service data, expenditure documentation, and other program materials as requested.
• Assist with outreach, referral coordination, and warm handoffs as needed.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, program meetings, supervision, training, and funder meetings as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures pertaining to HIPAA, confidentiality, HMIS, County, funder, and agency protocols. 
• Other related duties as assigned.

Jewish Family Service is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.