This Social Work Case Manager position supports Transition Age Youth (TAY) who are justice-involved and may have experienced neurological or functional challenges, such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Not all youth will have these diagnoses—instead, the Case Manager will help assess individual needs and connect youth to the right supports. The focus is on building strong, trusting relationships and supporting each youth’s journey toward stable housing and well-being.

As a Social Work Case Manager, you’ll support a caseload of up to 15 youth, helping them navigate systems, access services, and create individualized care plans. You will have the opportunity to meet with youth prior to their release from local detention facilities and continue supporting them as they transition into housing. To support this process, the Case Manager will also need to be eligible to become a YMCA driver, providing transportation when needed to help youth reach their next steps safely and successfully.

Learn more about YMCA Youth and Family Services programs CLICK HERE 

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org) 

WORK DESIGNATION: 

• In-Person- City Heights YMCA location
• County wide travel required 
  
  • Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs.

PROGRAM SUMMARY: 

The Housing Our Youth (HOY) program provides targeted support to youth and young adults (up to age 24) across San Diego County who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The program aims to serve at least 525 youth and help a minimum of 265 secure permanent housing through a range of housing options and tailored services.

Participants receive up to two years of individualized support, including housing, care coordination, peer support, transportation, education and job assistance, tenant readiness, and other wraparound services to promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

• Build relationships with youth in custody and support their transition into community-based care and housing
• Conduct assessments and develop care plans that are youth-driven and tailored to individual needs
• Help youth navigate services and systems (e.g., housing, healthcare, benefits, education/employment)
• Coordinate care and connect youth with supportive resources through warm handoffs
• Provide transportation in a YMCA vehicle from custody to housing and key appointments, as needed
• Practice non-aggressive defensive driving techniques; Operate YMCA vehicles in safe manner; Vehicle use is for YMCA business only 
• Offer guidance to internal teams and partners on best practices for supporting youth who may have experienced FASD, TBI, or similar challenges
• Assessment and case planning with each participant; Coordinate case planning with participants and collaborating agencies; Provide services, advocacy and referrals based on participants’ needs through a supportive approach 
• Conduct participant-screening interviews and assess service needs in various settings 
• Employ critical thinking, problem solving and conflict management during crisis response and interventions 
• Facilitate activities individually and in a group setting that promotes life skill development and provide support to participants in relational wellness, positive self-concept and gaining employment and school opportunities among other areas through case management services, workshops, and normative activities 
• Create innovative ways to meet contract goals and provide a high level of service that is engaging and meets the needs of the participants 
• Keep well-written, concise case notes to include all pertinent information for each participant using required tracking systems; Maintain organized records and case files for all participants 
• Perform other administrative tasks as assigned and assist with maintaining proper document storage of confidential information and auditing 
• Ensure that YMCA policies & procedures and applicable laws are always adhered to 
• Participate in and attend all required staff meetings, trainings, YMCA staff development events, and appropriate agency-wide committees 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout San Diego County  
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel

• Bachelor's degree in social science, psychology or a related field and equivalent work experience of up to one year required - OR minimum four years’ experience working with young adults, children or families in a social service setting required 
• Experience working with justice-involved youth and/or youth with specialized needs is preferred
• Experience working with youth impacted by substance use is preferred
• CADC certification or equivalent training in substance use support is a plus
• Must pass a background check (within 90 days of employment at the YMCA) through the Sheriff’s and Probation Departments to access facilities
• Must be eligible to become a YMCA-certified driver to transport youth
• Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills with a trauma-informed, youth-centered approach
• Knowledge or experience of providing social work practices to individuals and families
• Basic computer knowledge and skills  

JOB COMPETENCIES: 

• Ability to practice independent judgment critical thinking and self-regulation skills during high stress situations 
• Work effectively with a wide variety of people and populations by consistently exercising tact and good judgement  
• Work independently and within a team, be flexible, adapt, and manage multiple assignments 

PRE-HIRE CONTINGENCIES:

• Licensing, state law and our funders require that applicants of critical positions within Community Support Services be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications   
• Undergoing a background check by the Sheriff's Department and the Probation Department. This background check is necessary to gain access to local jails and juvenile halls for meeting with referred Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) prior to their release
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, within 30 days of hire, and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute 
• Position may require additional clearances in order to comply with all program, licensing, state law, and funding requirements:  
  
  • Physical exam obtained prior to first day  
  • Negative TB test results obtained within the past one year, prior to first day, and annually thereafter, as required  
  • Pass pre-employment drug testing prior to first day  
  • Exclusion and Debarment checks prior to first day and monthly thereafter  
  • Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid CA Driver’s License, a good driving record and a current CDL H6 print-out (must be dated within 30 days of application) and pass vehicle proficiency exam 

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.