About Us
People First is a homeless services provider dedicated to ensuring housing for all by uniting the community, forming partnerships, inspiring advocacy and providing services. We regularly update and distribute lists of free services and resources through the County in the form of 4 different Free Guides (Santa Cruz, Watsonville, San Lorenzo Valley, and Veterans). We are entering our third year of operating an RV Safe Parking Program that includes a stable place for individuals and families to park their RVs 24/7, case management, and housing navigation.
We are currently hiring for our Outreach-Based Case Management Program which allows our team to literally and metaphorically meet people where they are at to cultivate trust and connect them to resources and services and partner with them to end their homelessness. We are seeking a team member who grounds their work in compassion and integrity, and who creates environments and relationships in which people feel safe, valued, and supported.
HEALTHCARE NAVIGATOR
Under direction, the Healthcare Navigator connects program participants with health care benefits and/or community health care services. The Healthcare Navigator provides care coordination, health education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and administrative duties.
Typical Job Duties
● Conduct assessments to understand potential barriers and their impacts to navigating healthcare systems
● Connect a caseload of program participants receiving housing services to healthcare
● Collaboration and communication between program participants and their healthcare teams
● Develop rapport and communication with healthcare systems, community resources and program clients
● Act as client advocate in securing appropriate healthcare
● Specialized case management, care coordination, and health coaching
● Knowledge of community resources
● Health education including information distribution
● Coordinate regularly with Case Managers, including attending collaborative working group meetings
● Accurately maintain extensive records, data and documentation of services
● Participate in Case Management / Supportive Services staff meetings, case reviews and related functions
● Maintain effective relationships with community partners and represent People First professionally in the community
● Attend trainings, workshops and conferences related to position
● Maintain confidential, professional boundaries with all program clients
● Maintain HIPAA compliance at all times
● Other duties as assigned
Employment Standards
Working knowledge of:
● Issues affecting homeless veterans.
● Basic principles and trends of healthcare.
● Federal and State healthcare regulations, programs and procedures.
● Community resources.
● Public social service and assistance programs.
● Interviewing and record keeping techniques.
● County and state healthcare policies, procedures and programs.
● The policies, and administrative procedures of The Free Guide housing support programs.
● Grant compliance reporting may be required for certain positions.
● Some knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision and training may be required for certain assignments.
We’re looking for candidates with the ability to:
● Learn to apply casework skills to identify the client's strengths and barriers to housing and healthcare.
● Learn to formulate and modify case plans in conjunction with clients and housing case managers.
● Learn to interview effectively, gather information and engage the client in the problem-solving process.
● Learn to manage assigned caseload and establish caseload priorities to meet client needs and agency expectations.
● Understand and explain agency programs, limitations, regulations and policies.
● Use community and agency resources.
● Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
● Communicate and relate effectively with clients, who may be emotionally or mentally disabled, medically disabled, elderly, substance abusers, victims of domestic violence or fiduciary abuse.
● Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including clients, family members and others who may be under distress or duress.
● Locate, develop, and use community and agency resources for the benefit of clients and advocate for services on behalf of clients.
● Facilitate maximum client participation in service plans.
● Prioritize and respond to demands of caseload in a prompt and efficient manner.
● Recognize and analyze problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, respond to case details promptly, and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
● Maintain current and accurate records.
● Learn complex regulations, policies and procedures and apply them appropriately in management of assigned caseload.
● Work effectively under pressure and deadlines.
● Deal with hostile, aggressive and abusive persons.
Training and Experience
An excellent candidate for this role will have at least 1-2 years demonstrated knowledge and or experience with advanced and evidenced based interventions, including engagement and rapport building with hard to reach clients, Harm Reduction and Motivational Interviewing strategies, Housing First, non-violent crisis intervention techniques and case management interventions effective with a vulnerable population.
Special Requirements
● Have employment eligibility verification.
● Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR / First Aid training.
● Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the organization may be required for certain positions.
Compensation
● This is a full time, hourly, benefited, non-exempt position.
● Benefits options include health, dental, and vision insurance.
● Flex time off (vacation leave, sick leave, holidays, or any other type of time off). You do not need to accrue days to be able to use them, and you do not get paid out for any "unused" vacation days at the end of the year or when your employment ends.
● Pay is $25-30 an hour based on experience.
Please email [email protected] with any questions. When you apply, please send us your entire work history, not an abridged resume. We look forward to hearing from you!