Shelter Services Linkage Case Manager

East Oakland Community Project

JOB DESCRIPTION: Shelter Service Linkage Case Manager

Title: Shelter Service Linkage (formerly Singles Case Manager)
Department: Crossroads Case Management Services
Reports to: Case Management Services Manager
Caseload Ratio: 30 shelter participants

Salary: $55,000.00 Annual

Summary

The Shelter Service Linkage Case Manager functions as an integral member of the Crossroads Shelter team. This role bridges traditional case management with specialized service linkage, taking a holistic, strengths-based approach to helping single adults stabilize, access vital community resources, and successfully exit to permanent housing. Operating under a strict Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed care framework, this position is responsible for conducting basic service plans, connecting clients to dedicated housing navigators, maintaining external service partnerships, and coordinating comprehensive community referrals.

Core Responsibilities & Service Delivery

1. Service Plan Development & Client Evaluation

• Holistic Assessment: Conduct or update basic service plans that evaluate participant needs, mapping out historical and current external services received. Focus on building participant strengths and promoting personal fulfillment.
• Intake Coordination: Ensure specific health insurance (Medi-Cal/Medicare), primary doctor, and pharmacy information is documented at intake to facilitate healthcare alignment.
• Privacy Mandate: Strictly adhere to county standards limiting medical and behavioral health queries to only those required by HMIS to protect client privacy.
• Goal Setting & Check-ins: Meet regularly with participants—including mandatory weekly check-ins—to monitor progress, troubleshoot barriers, and adjust goals.

2. Housing Service Linkage & Collaboration

• Housing Navigation Alignment: Formally connect all eligible shelter participants to Housing Community Supports (HCS) Housing Navigation services under the direction of Alameda County Health Housing and Homelessness Services (H&H).
• Provider Collaboration: Coordinate actively with assigned external housing navigators. Provide space on-site for client-navigator meetings and participate in bi-monthly case conferencing.
• Housing Search & Mediation: Assist in coordinating local searches for affordable units and support positive relationships with property managers and landlords to facilitate placement.

3. Information, Referral, & Landscape Scans

• Resource Scan: Conduct proactive regional and online scans of accessible community programs supporting stability, health, education, and quality of life.
• Self-Service Resource Library: Compile and continually maintain an updated list of these community resources, ensuring it is accessible to participants on-site without required staff intervention.
• Warm Handoffs: Actively build operational relationships with local providers. Facilitate smooth entry into external systems (medical, mental health, substance use treatment, public benefits) via personal introductions and appointment scheduling.
• Voluntary Participation Principle: Respect the self-determination of participants by ensuring they are explicitly informed that all non-housing navigation services are completely voluntary.

4. Transportation Coordination

• Access Support: Arrange or directly provide agency-supported transportation (via agency vehicle, public transit passes, or rideshare) for essential client appointments. This includes medical visits, job interviews, school obligations (up to one week), and housing viewings.

5. Administration & Data Tracking

• Data System Fidelity: Document all client service plans, progressive interactions, and referrals accurately in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Compliance Reporting: Gather statistical data and prepare mandatory monthly reporting strings, including CHASS logs, referral files, voucher per diems, and tracking metrics.
• Progressive Behavior Management: Participate in the progressive warning and corrective action system before enforcing an involuntary discharge, ensuring supervisor approval and client grievance form delivery are properly executed.