Case Manager - Transition

YouthCare provides a competitive benefits package to full time employees including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, short-term disability, life insurance, 401(k), vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave after successful completion of the Introductory Period.

ABOUT YOUTHCARE: YouthCare works to end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential. Founded in 1974, YouthCare was one of the first programs to serve runaway and homeless youth on the West Coast. The goal was to help young people find safety today, and build a future for tomorrow. Over four decades, we’ve defined best practices and developed programs that are a national standard for excellence. Using a youth-centered approach, we ensure that young people experiencing homelessness ages 12-24 have the hope, skills, and confidence to gain long-term stability.

POSITION SUMMARY: YouthCare’s Transition Case Manager is an independent, self-driven position that focuses on working with young people exiting Department of Children, Youth and Families, Juvenile Rehabilitation (DCYF JR) facilities to destinations in King County. Approximately 25% of young people statewide released from DCYF JR facilities exit to homelessness, and this position will partner with DCYF staff to identify young people at risk of homelessness or housing instability upon release to address issues that impact housing stability.

With overarching goals of improving housing stability and reducing the future involvement of these adolescents in the juvenile justice system, the Transition Case Manager will work with young people to help them engage in needed services and pro-social activities in the community. Primary responsibilities include: outreach and engagement, safety planning, harm reduction strategies, emotional support, legal advocacy, information and referrals, and guidance in navigating complex systems and institutions. The Transition Case Manager is also expected to develop relationships with families and other supportive adults and work to encourage a positive support system.

The Transition Case Manager is responsible for enrolling 20 young people per year onto the caseload, and will partner closely with DCYF JR facilities and staff to identify and outreach young people. The position will be co-located at the Seattle DCYF Juvenile Parole Office but will involve extensive travel around King County and occasional travel to DCYF JR facilities.

NON-MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES ARE REPRESENTED BY THE OFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (OPEIU).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner and collaborate with DCYF staff to identify young people (both receiving parole services and not) at risk of homelessness or housing instability upon release. Participate in collaborative meetings and shared learning opportunities.
• Provide in-person outreach at JR institutions and community facilities to promote knowledge of YouthCare and JR’s partnership.
• Provide in-person outreach to young people referred to the caseload within 30 days of initial referral. Review the young person’s housing situation, identify any immediate resources and supports needed, and work with the young person to develop an individualized service plan with appropriate goals in the areas of housing, education, and employment.
• Attend Reentry Team Meetings for current or prospective clients, in-person or via phone.
• Provide housing crisis mitigation to young people currently in JR who do not have a placement upon release, including conducting Coordinated Entry for All (CEA) Assessments when appropriate. Make appropriate referrals in the community and work to identify placement prior to release. Coordinate with shelters for clients to release to if a stable housing option isn’t identified.
• Work with client and family (or other supportive adults) to ensure resources, strategies, and supports necessary for the client to remain stably housed with family/supportive adults
• Serve as a connection to a wide range of community-based services, including employment and education opportunities at YouthCare and in the community, and help clients navigate systems such as the health care and education systems to ensure they are on the path to long-term stability and success.
• Maintain regular contact with young people; address any barriers encountered post release, respond to young peoples’ emerging needs and crises, and ensure progress is being made toward goals. Assist young people in navigating the court system, including court accompaniment.
• Engage and maintain relationships with DCYF JR staff, as well as probation staff from surrounding counties, in order to advocate on the young peoples’ behalf. Provide logistical support to JR staff as appropriate regarding homeless and housing resources in the community.
• Remain in compliance with contract requirements.
• Maintain clear, professional, timely participant contact notes, service plans, progress updates, statistical records, and other documentation according to all strict confidentiality laws and guidelines.
• Ensure all client-related data is both current and accurate in the YouthCare’s Evaluation System (YES) and JR’s Automated Client Tracker (ACT) Database.
• On a rotating basis, provide overnight and weekend on-call coverage for YouthCare’s Safe Place program. Respond in-person to youth in King County requesting Safe Place services; either providing family mediation services or transporting youth to shelter.