Title:                    Problem Solver - DCFS/Probation Liaison
 
Program:             CES TAY
 
Reports to:          Program Director
 
Coordinated Entry System (CES) is the network that aligns homeless services in Los Angeles County together to ensure that resources are efficiently and equitably distributed to support people experiencing homelessness across all populations.  To assist the large volume of people experiencing homelessness in LA County, the Coordinated Entry System (CES) was established to connect people experiencing a housing crisis to resources and housing in an efficient and equitable way. CES serves as the organizational backbone of homeless services and helps providers work in a similar manner to make the experience of connecting people to solutions manageable.

The DCFS/Probation Liaison Program aims to connect system involved youth who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness with resources that can end their housing crisis, including potential resources via CES. Additionally, a primary goal of the DCFS/Probation Liaison Program is to increase linkages between DCFS and Probation, and homelessness services. Through this goal, the DCFS/Probation Liaison improves referral processes, increases communication across systems, educates on the Problem-Solving Intervention, conducts Problem-Solving Interventions/Conversations, and increases partnership opportunities to expand housing resources for system-involved youth experiencing homelessness.

Essential Job Functions:

• Act as the initial point of contact for individuals ages 18 to 24 experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness who will exit LA County DCFS or Probation system care within six (6) months
• Assist youth with accessing mainstream or CES resources to end their housing crisis
• DCFS/Probation Liaisons shall accept referrals for, and work to identify, all eligible Youth from local DCFS Regional Offices, Probation Camps, and Youth Development Services. Liaisons can work with youth with closed cases from other jurisdictions. Referrals should be responded to within 72 hours.
• Uses a collaborative, participant-centric, strengths-based, trauma-informed approach and a range of services, service techniques (such as mediation) and short-term assistance
• Engage participants in Problem-Solving Conversation with participants to explore for quick and creative housing resolutions that do not rely on CES resources.
• Responsible for tracking Problem-Solving conversations in HMIS under assessments.
• Utilize the Universal Referral Form (URF) to receive, track and maintain referrals from DCFS and Probation. Liaisons shall ensure all local partners are aware of, trained in use of, and have access to, the URF.
• Ensure coordination with all regional offices and probation camps within SPA, to ensure DCFS/Probation Liaison services are accessible to all system-involved youth via co-location, and virtual or remote services.
• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant offices and staff to increase communication across systems and increase future partnership opportunities to expand housing resources and supports for system-involved youth experiencing homelessness.
• Provide ongoing Housing Problem-Solving, CES and resources training for local DCFS offices and probation camps on a quarterly basis, fostering ongoing mutual learning, to remain up to date on mutual objectives, eligible referrals, and system awareness.
• Provide referrals to emergency services if no Problem-Solving outcome is identified, and it is needed by participants. Emergency services, in this instance, include interim housing, drop-in centers, and emergency services available for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault.
• Administer population appropriate CES Surveys with eligible participants who remain homeless, or are at risk of homelessness, and are not successfully diverted from CES by maintaining their current housing, or quickly securing alternative housing arrangements outside the homeless service delivery system.
• Assist with the FUP/FYI Housing Voucher processes throughout its duration in collaboration with DCFS, LACDA, HACLA, and any other entity involved
• Support in avoiding entry to shelter or the experience of street homelessness (e.g. helping those seeking services to safely remaining in their current living situation, or identify immediate alternate, safe housing arrangements)
• Analyze information, problems, situations, practices or procedures in order to define the issues/challenges, relevant factors or concerns to accomplish success
• Recognizing each service seeker’s unique strengths, support youth to look for creative solutions that can be quickly implemented
• Problem solve a variety of complex issues, and always maintain a high level of professionalism while doing so
• Implement immediate crisis housing plan, including diversion to family and friends (family reunification), placement in a shelter or interim housing, linkage to permanent housing, and/or alternative housing resources
• Engage in deliberate thoughtful and individualized conversation(s) that seek to solve the individuals immediate and/or near-term housing crisis
• Utilize active listening, coaching, motivational interviewing, mediation, and conflict resolution with families/friends and/or Landlords, connection to mainstream resources, housing search assistance, housing stabilization planning, and relocation
• Negotiate when appropriate with family, friends, and landlords to keep individuals from entering the homeless system
• Assist participant with linkage to community resources, including but not limited to appropriate medical, mental health, substance abuse providers, as well as recuperative care, food, clothing, transportation resources, benefits establishment, vocational resources, and employment to increase income
• Provide limited, one-time financial assistance per the allowable costs in the Scope of Required Services – Does not apply to every case and eligibility/documentation requirements must be met
• Based on the information collected during the assessment process and using the HMIS System and CES protocol, make authorized, prioritized referrals to CES Programs
• Conduct Intake operations in the event that the participant is being enrolled into the CES TAY System – Includes but is not limited to eligibility screening, homeless verification, document acquisition, document uploads, habitability checks
• For participants entering CES, provide a warm handoff to the appropriate population’s program for sustained case management services when possible
• Understand all CES Programs, services, and populations
• Develop and maintain a complete, accurate, and current file with all required documents and quality data in agency records and electronic database, HMIS. Includes updates to changes in income and any demographic domain. Maintain confidentiality of participant files per HIPAA and all applicable guidelines - Ensure all contact, engagement, and/or services provided are properly recorded in HMIS or Apricot within 24 business hours
• Understand the Scope of Required Services for Problem Solving and DCFS/Probation, as well as the Key Performance Indicators
• Draft monthly reports on service numbers, participants served, and achievements as well as other pertinent quantitative outcomes to Supervisor, and other executive staff and Coordinated Entry external partners as requested
• Provide professional, accessible and culturally relevant support, advocacy and information to program participants
• Engage effectively and constructively with Supervisor to make program refinements in the best interests of service users
• Liaise with other providers within the agency, as well as outside to formulate strength-based strategies that focus on housing retention and general wellness
• Participate in staff meetings, individual and group supervision, case conferences and training as required
• Participate in LAHSA meetings and trainings as required
• Participate in DCFS and Probation meetings and trainings as required
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures including confidentiality, child abuse reporting, and code of ethics
• Additional tasks, projects and or responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor that are not outlined but which are an important part of the agency’s goals and/or program outcomes

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Clear understanding of the concepts of Problem Solving, Homelessness, Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care,    Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health First Aid, Critical Time Intervention, and the Coordinated Entry System (CES)
• Knowledge and understanding of policy, systems, and local programs that impact homeless persons and  related public funding sources, regulations, requirements, and procedures
• Knowledge of resources including legal, medical, housing, educational and social service agencies and other resources in the community
• Knowledge of best practice models for assisting homeless people with varying degrees of needs/conditions and have a strong understanding of contractual requirements/compliance and applicable performance measures
• Knowledge of issues facing homeless individuals (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, and resources for undocumented individuals)
• Strong knowledge/experience working with individuals in crisis or unstable housing situations
• Strong knowledge of issues confronted by and sensitivity to individuals with substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, history of trauma and co-occurring-diagnoses
• Knowledge of community social service agencies and resources
• Work effectively under conditions of limited supervision, high stress and rapidly changing situations and circumstances
• Ability to handle common problems without supervisor intervention while knowing when supervisor participation is warranted
• Must be able to exercise initiative, independent good judgment, flexibility, discretion, effective communication, and solid decision making
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to individuals who may be ill, using substances, lack of personal care, in crisis situations and/or potentially hostile situations
• Able to take appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining the safety of all participants
• Ability to work with a diverse population and provide culturally competent advocacy
• Ability to deescalate aggressive/agitated individuals
• Actively promote positive, nurturing interactions between participants
• Must be able to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, adjust to changing; circumstances, and demonstrate confidence working with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize strong judgement and interpersonal skills to manage sensitive participant interactions including with those who may be in distress with acute illness, substance use issues, co-morbidity of behavioral and physical health issues in addition to homelessness
• Project a professional demeanor and a high level of professionalism when dealing with sensitive matters
• Promote cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and objective; collaborate with team members, sharing ideas and differences openly; be receptive to new ideas and adapt to change as necessary
• Considers impact of personal and professional choices. Consistently make decisions in keeping with organizational values and Supervisor’s direction
• Strict confidentiality must be observed as it relates to participant information, agency business, program decisions and all other personal information
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral; must communicate professionally and positively with participants, co-workers, management, community partners, employers, landlords, and other service providers
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner).
• Proficient in use of laptop/desktop computer, Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google drive
• Strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment, while exercising sound judgment.
• Able to work a flexible schedule; including nights, days, weekends and holidays when needed
• Able to respond to emergencies some evenings and weekends as necessary
• Use of a personal vehicle may be required to travel in and around Antelope Valley and/or Los Angeles County and periodically transport participants
• Maintain professional boundaries and work collaboratively with participants, volunteers and staff
• Accountability – be on time for scheduled shifts
• Be able to read and write English
• Bilingual Preferred but not required

Qualifications & Experience:

• High School Graduate or equivalent
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social/Human Services or related field, strongly preferred
• One year experience in case management for homeless individuals – TAY experience strongly preferred
• Experience in social services field; preferably working with homeless programs in a non-profit setting
• Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Education may be substituted by years of experience

Agency Requirements:

• Must have a valid California Driver’s License
• Clean driving record
• Reliable transportation
• Auto Insurance 

Physical Demands & Work Conditions
 
An employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job must meet physical demands described:

• May be in contact with individuals in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not be attentive to personal hygiene and safety for themselves
• May experience unpleasant sensory demands associated with an individual’s use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal care
• May experience crises and potentially hostile situations, must be ready to respond quickly and effectively.

An employee is required to:

• Walk and climb stairs; Handle, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist; Communicate ideas and information verbally and written word; Be able to move oneself quickly and easily from place to place; Repeat various motions with hands, wrists, fingers; Climb on stools, steps and/or ladders; Be subject to outside environmental conditions, including but not limited to: Rain, heat, wind; lift at least 10 lbs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. If accommodation(s) are required, employee must inform Human Resources by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform Human Resources at the time it is needed.

Benefits

Health	Employee Assistance Plan	Paid Sick
Dental	AFLAC	Paid Vacation
Vision	Cafeteria 125 Plan	Personal Days
Acupuncture/Chiropractic	Retirement Plan
Life Insurance	14 Observed Holidays

 
Schedule:
Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm (may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends, holidays and/or on call status)

Salary Range
$24.00 - $26.00 per hour
 
An Equal Opportunity Employer: Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability.
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