Case Manager CSBG

POSITION PURPOSE:

The CSBG Case Manager I supports low-income individuals and families served through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) by performing intake, eligibility determination, needs assessment, goal planning, referrals, and follow-up services that promote stabilization and long-term self-sufficiency. Using CSBG-funded supports and community resources as a platform for improving economic mobility, the Case Manager I ensures program compliance with federal CSBG statute, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) rules, and BVCOG/BVCAP policies while meeting quarterly and annual CSBG performance objectives. The position performs routine clerical and technical tasks, including processing eligibility documentation, preparing case files, collecting service data, and entering information into designated systems. The Case Manager I interacts regularly with clients, community partners, and staff, engages in community outreach activities to locate new eligible clients, and must demonstrate professionalism, accuracy, and cultural competence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Program Coordination & Case Management

• Process client applications and determine client eligibility as per CSBG guidelines.

• Provide case management coaching services to support Transition Out of Poverty (TOP) clients and to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

• Must maintain contact with each client for a minimum of once per month to develop and coach toward a client’s Service Delivery Plan, to provide and monitor referrals of appropriate resources and services, and to provide budget counseling and money management.

• Maintain client goal of income achievement of 125% FPL for the household.

• Advocate with/for the client to remove barriers and or achieve goals

• Conduct outreach to locate new clients including limited public speaking.

• Maintain client records of paper, and databases according to established procedures for documentation.

• Travel for home visits or local area as needed for client

• Support CEAP staff for utility assistance when needed

• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and attend interagency networking meetings.

• Attend staff meetings with Program Manager and CSBG meetings with CSBG Coordinator and Supervisor.

• Maintain knowledge of current state guidelines for CSBG and participate in training pertinent to contract compliance and reporting.

• Attend online and in-person training, conferences, and other related educational opportunities as funding allows.

• Other duties as assigned.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure files meet CSBG and TDHCA requirements.

• Maintain knowledge of CSBG contract requirements.

• Enter data accurately and timely.

• Support monitoring and audits.

• Maintain confidentiality.

General Duties

• Attend required training, staff development sessions, and meetings to enhance job performance.

• Ensure effective communication and coordination with stakeholders, service providers, and public agencies.

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to BVCOG/BVCAP privacy laws and regulations.

• Perform other related functions as assigned.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

This position requires the employee to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

• Advocacy: Has a pervasive approach of advocating for the needs of TOP clients and expresses that by working with Program Manager to seek solutions to assist them that while within TDHCA regulations, may not be within the typical organizational norm.

• Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition.

• Conflict Management: Encourages creative approaches to tension and differences of opinions. Anticipates and takes steps to prevent counterproductive confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.

• Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of

others; and listens effectively. Demonstrates the ability to develop audiovisual presentations to both internal and external audiences.

• Flexibility: Demonstrates openness to change and new information. Rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.

• Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems. Weighs relevance and accuracy of information. Generates and evaluates alternative solutions. Makes recommendations.

• Quality: Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality: apply feedback to improve performance; monitor own work to ensure quality.

• Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and does fair share of work.

• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed; attends, supports, and participates in all team building exercises and events

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have:

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co- workers, supervisors, and the public.

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

• Knowledge of client service principles and practices and interviewing skills and techniques.

• Understanding basic reading and writing skills and mathematics.

• Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands with excellent problem solving and organizational skills while meeting established deadlines.

• Intermediate working knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Office and Mail Merge, with the ability to learn new software applications.

• Skill in reading, interpreting, and applying HUD rules and regulations and BVCOG policies and procedures.

• Ability to work with a diverse population and apply decision-making and conflict resolution skills.

• Ability to always project a professional image.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent required but preference will be given for associate degree or higher degree with college coursework in social work, sociology, or related field.

• One year of relevant experience is preferred.

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

• Successful completion of a criminal history background check, education, and work history verification.

• Ability to work independently and to assume responsibility for completion of complex workload without close supervision.

• Must successfully complete either ROMA (within eighteen months) or CCAP certification (within four years) of assuming this role.

• Additional training opportunities and conference attendance may be recommended or required. Any required training not completed will affect employee performance evaluation and potentially affect future employment in this role.

• Must complete a minimum of 24 hours of professional development training each year as part of this position.

License and Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver's license at the time of placement and reliable transportation.

• Ability to earn certifications required by assigned tasks.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience with federally funded programs.

• Familiarity with CSBG or Community Action Agencies.

SUPERVISION:

• Reports directly to the Energy/Housing Program Manager or designee though supervisory channels

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending meetings. The employee must be able to communicate via email and verbally via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. Primary activities are conducted within a well-lit, climate-controlled office. Occasional out-of-town trips may be required to attend special events and training sessions. “In region” travel to include all counties covered by BVCAP’s CSBG contract will be required.

The work week is Monday through Friday during normal hours (8am-5pm). Evening and/or weekend hours may be required on occasion.

ADA STATEMENT

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, BVCOG will make reasonable accommodation to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities, if it would not impose an "undue hardship" on the operation of the employer's business.