Case Manager

The Team-Based model of care program named EMPOWR (EMbracing, Progress and Opportunities, We Rise) aims to support transition aged youth (TAY, ages 16-24) attain mental health support, housing stability, employment and education gains, and community connections. The program provides community-based therapy, case management and care coordination, and peer and family support through a team-based model. The whole team collaborates on one shared caseload, providing youth with an entire team of support, and allowing staff to share in the successes and challenges of their clients.

Who are we?

West Coast Children’s Clinic (WCC) aims to improve the well-being of children and families who live at the intersection of racism, poverty, and systemic indifference. Working here means being part of an organization that is client-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, and committed to justice and equity. We integrate direct service, training, policy, and research to root our work in the experiences of children and families and advocate for system changes that will improve the lives of young people, and we practice our values throughout the agency. 

The Case Manager provides direct support and guidance to TAY youth in the program. The Case Manager works in collaboration with the EMPOWR Team to provide advocacy, community-based rehabilitation services, referrals and collateral work with parents, social workers, teachers, and other adults in thier lives. Services may include linking to and coordinating with tutoring & vocational programs, mentoring, housing, health, benefits or other needs of the family. The Case Manager must have strong advocacy skills, demonstrate flexibility, utilize a strengths-based approach, and have demonstrated experience working with youth and their families.

How you'll make an impact:

• Provide community-based trauma-informed support to transition aged youth (TAY, ages 16-24), focusing on independent living.
• Provide advocacy, case management, and rehabilitation services to transition-age youth.
• Assist youth in accessing essential community resources such as housing, healthcare, education, and employment.
• Provide intensive skill building with youth, with a focus on independent living.
• Conduct risk assessments, crisis intervention, and safety planning.
• Help youth access SSI, regional center services, and appropriate housing.
• Support youth in obtaining and maintaining Medi-Cal coverage.
• Provide psycho-education and advocacy for mental health issues.
• Work in partnership with the team to engage and connect clients to appropriate resources and services.
• Ensure compliance with billing requirements and agency policies.
• Deliver services in the community (car travel required).
• Provide stabilization support in-person for children and TAY.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards as a representative of the WestCoast community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Social Work or related field preferred.
• Direct, personal experience with foster care, social services, juvenile justice, mental health, residential treatment or group home placements, wraparound services, or other related community resources is highly desirable.
• At least 2 years experience working with system-involved youth.
• Experience providing case management and rehabilitation services, particularly with transition age individuals facing trauma and high mental health needs. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, across diverse communities, and various settings such as homes, schools, and neighborhoods.
• Familiarity with Alameda County resources and proficiency in completing Medi-Cal documentation and billing.
• Skilled in working with clients with complex traumatic histories and attachment difficulties, while maintaining organization, timeliness, and quality in documentation.
• Ability to travel by car to meet with clients, generally within a 90 mile radius of WCC's Oakland office. Clean CA DMV record, current car insurance and a vehicle; travel is required.

Key Competencies (skills, abilities, and knowledge):

• Cultural Humility & Awareness: Recognize and navigate power dynamics, privilege, race, and SOGIE in interactions with clients and others.
• Efficiency and Time Management: Organize schedules effectively, prioritize tasks, and complete documentation promptly.
• Clinical Care: Manage caseload, dedicate 55% of time to serving TAY and families, uphold ethical standards, provide crisis intervention, and link youth to resources.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to support TAY and families in achieving their goals.
• Community Engagement: Provide services in diverse community settings, including homes, schools, parks, shelters, and other agencies.
• Relationship Building & Trauma-Informed Care: Build healthy relationships, understand the impact of trauma on youth and team dynamics, and open to Restorative Justice Practices.
• Commitment to Learning: Utilize supervision effectively, engage in self-reflection, and actively participate in ongoing training provided by WCC.
• Progress Notes and Documentation: Understand and comply with Medi-Cal reimbursement procedures and billing requirements, ensuring accurate and timely completion of clinical documentation.

Position details and compensation:

Position start date: July 2, 2024

Salary starting at $65,000 per year ($71,500 per year for bilingual Spanish). Includes competitive benefits package, 403(b) plan, and performance-based compensation.

Why work here?

-Be part of a compassionate, driven team that is social justice-focused: We have Staff Affinity Groups such as Staff of Color, LGBTQ+, Equity and Inclusion, Health and Wellness, and more!

-Make a difference for the Bay Area’s most vulnerable populations: We serve hundreds of vulnerable kids and their families each year to create positive changes in their lives!

-Access a growth-oriented learning community: As a Joint Commission Accredited agency, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, and offer extensive clinical trainings and seminars led by field experts. 

We also offer:

• 100% Employer-paid medical and a variety of different plans (base plan, Kaiser HMO), dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage for full-time employees
• Quarterly and annual incentive compensation plans, generous retirement plan contribution
• Bilingual pay differential for qualified candidates (10% of yearly salary)
• 403b retirement plan with ROTH and 403b contribution options
• Flex-spending options - Medical, Dependent Care and Commuter Plans
• 14 Paid Holidays, Self-Care Leave (additional PTO accrual with increased years of service)
• 20 days paid time off per year (equivalent to 4 weeks)
• Wellness Stipend ($100 per month), which can be used on a variety of expenses related to self-care and wellness