CalAIM Case Manager

About the Organization

Stepping Up Santa Cruz  is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with complex needs including mental health, substance use, developmental disabilities, medical vulnerability, and homelessness.  We go beyond simply providing services; we empower individuals to reach their full potential by offering high-quality, individualized advocacy.  We firmly believe in tailoring our support to each person's unique needs and circumstances.  Our passionate team builds rapport to connect individuals with essential resources which they self-identify, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive. We believe staff's loyalty is earned through giving them the tools to be successful and fulfilled and to reward their hard work through great pay and benefits.

About the Position

You'll play a pivotal role as a CalAIM Case Manager, providing comprehensive care coordination and support to clients enrolled in CalAIM's ECM (Enhanced Care Management) and CS (Community Supports) programs.  This dynamic role demands initiative, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people's lives.  Prepare to work in a diverse environment, combining the satisfaction of office work with the direct engagement of community outreach.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively and independently within a case management team. Provide constructive feedback and celebrate success.

• As a vital member of a new and vibrant nonprofit, assist in the development and planning of processes for the four goals of taking care of clients, taking care of staff, financial sustainability, and high integrity/professional service delivery.

• Receive, assess, and incorporate feedback to personally and professionally grow.

• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, both in the office and during outreach activities, fostering inclusivity and respect for diverse experiences.

• Attend mandatory training on-site, online, and off-site at partner agencies for professional development to provide the highest level of service.

• Maintain a manageable caseload to build strong relationships with clients and provide high quality care.

• Ensure all case planning, program referrals, and daily case notes meet required standards in order to best serve members.

• Conduct in-depth needs assessments and develop personalized care plans in collaboration with clients, ensuring Strengths-Based alignment with Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles and Harm Reduction philosophy.

• Coordinate care with various providers (doctors, therapists, social workers) through in-person consultations and remote communication, prioritizing culturally competent and client-centered approaches.

• Conduct home visits to build rapport with clients, assess their living environment, and provide direct support to ensure safety and stability.

• Engage in community outreach, connecting with individuals in need through street outreach, program visits, and community events, utilizing the program outreach van and shower trailer.

• Advocate for client needs, ensuring they receive appropriate, individualized, and Trauma-Informed care regardless of location or service they are receiving.

• Monitor client progress and adapt care plans as needed based on client interactions, feedback, and observations, in alignment with best practices for care management and eligibility for billing.

• Document all client interactions and services accurately and daily, ensuring case notes, care plans, and assessments meet required standards for billing and quality service delivery.

• Using rapport, respect, and clear expectations and boundaries, de-escalate potentially volatile situations using effective communication techniques and understanding the impact of trauma and past experiences.

• Manage van and shower trailer for encampment outreach.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current California Driver's License and ability to operate both personal and company vehicles.

• Proof of auto insurance.

• Eligible to work in the US.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public health, or a related field or equivalent experience.

• Minimum two years of experience case managing individuals with complex needs.

• Must pass a relevant criminal background check as a Medi-Cal provider and a driver background check upon provisional offer of employment and maintain eligibility.

Desired Skills

• Bilingual (Spanish/English preferred) is a plus with hourly bonus.

• Ability to drive a van and trailer is a plus.

• Demonstrated understanding and application of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles and Harm Reduction philosophy.

• Strong client skills, including assessment, planning, and intervention.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to connect with clients and staff from diverse backgrounds.

• Lived Experience a plus.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in both office and community settings.

• Strong organizational and time management skills to juggle various responsibilities and adapt to dynamic situations.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn other relevant software.

• Strong work ethic, self-motivation, and a genuine desire to help others.

• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs occasionally.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate of $37. 50 per hour with potential for performance-based pay increase after 6 months.

• 32-hour work week, to support a healthy work-life balance.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4 weeks per year for relaxation and recharge.
  • An employee accrues 1 hour of PTO for every 10. 4 hours worked, which is a potential 160 PTO hours per year. This works out to 20 days off for a staff member normally working a 32 hour work week.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including no-cost health coverage with optional dental and vision coverage.

• Company-sponsored 403(b) retirement savings plan with a generous employer match of 100% of your contributions for up to 5% of your salary.

• Extensive training, coaching, and tools to empower you to create positive change in clients' lives and support your professional growth.

• Opportunities for advancement.

• Opportunities to improve people's lives.

• Pay bonus of $1. 00 per hour for bilingual Spanish/English. Potential for pay bonuses for relevant certifications.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, ancestry, color, sex (including p.