Disaster Case Management Specialist

Job Title: Disaster Case Management Specialist

Reports To: Housing Stabilization Manager

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Location/Schedule: On-Site, Full-time (Temporary Benefit-Eligible Role)

Why work at MCCAC?

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC), located in the heart of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, serves Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties. MCCAC offers programs and services to ensure our most vulnerable community members have access to healthy, safe, stable and affordable housing. This is accomplished through our housing, energy/utility payment assistance and weatherization programs. MCCAC envisions a thriving community where our friends and neighbors have opportunities to be successful and thrive.

Summary:

The Disaster Case Management Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals and families affected by the Rowena Fire by delivering comprehensive recovery services. This position is responsible for conducting client assessments, developing personalized recovery plans, coordinating essential services, presenting cases to the Long-Term Recovery Group, and advocating for client needs. The specialist ensures compliance with program guidelines and maintains accurate documentation while applying trauma-informed, harm reduction, and culturally responsive approaches.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Program Delivery (90%)

· Conduct comprehensive client intake and assessments to identify disaster-related needs

· Develop individualized recovery plans in collaboration with clients, community partners and other MCCAC services.

· Coordinate resources and services, including housing, financial assistance, and mental health support.

· Present client cases to the Unmet Needs Roundtable as part of MCCAC's work with the Long-Term Recovery Group.

· Maintain detailed case notes and documentation in compliance with program guidelines.

· Advocate on behalf of clients with service providers and community organizations.

· Monitor client progress and provide ongoing support to achieve recovery goals.

· Participate in community outreach and education activities as needed.

· Adhere to confidentiality and ethical standards in all client interactions.

Program Administration, Compliance & Training (10%)

· Maintain complete and accurate case files in compliance with MCCAC internal policies and applicable state and federal grant requirements, including year-end file retention processes.

· Enter and manage timely client data in systems such as the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS), Connect Oregon, and other platforms used by MCCAC.

· Track Rowena Fire specific funding sources using Smartsheet, Excel, Orion (DHS Case Management System) PEX, and billing systems.

· Attend monthly meetings with the Housing Stabilization Manager to review assigned program budgets and ensure adherence to funding guidelines and agency policies.

· Collaborate with MCCAC Housing Stabilization and Shelter teams, as well as external partners, to conduct case conferencing.

· Conduct regular meetings with case managers and external partners within the Long-Term Recovery Group.

· Apply Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and culturally responsive approaches when working with all clients.

Qualifications & Skills:

· Strong adherence to confidentiality and agency policies.

· Effective oral and written communication.

· Certification as a Traditional Health Worker is preferred.

· Experience with or comfort working with disaster-affected persons.

· Ability to use culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches to sensitive situations.

· High attention to detail; able to manage a high volume of communication via phone, email and in-person contact

· Team collaboration and client-centered case management.

· Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn digital collaboration tools and phone systems.

· Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

· Ability to frequently travel localy within MCCAC’s service area and willingness to do outreach as necessary.

· A valid driver’s license and current insurance are required.

Education & Experience:

· High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred.

· Minimum two years of experience in customer service or social services.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

· Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

· Internal Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

· Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

· Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

· Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

· 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; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

· Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

· Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

· Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

· Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments.

· Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Physical Demands:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to kneel, bend, stoop, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk and listen and must regularly stand and walk

· The employee regularly lifts up to 25 lbs and occasionally up to 30 lbs.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, similar to that of a busy office

· This position may be exposed to the outdoors for short periods of time during varying temperatures.

Application deadline: Open until filled

Starting pay: $23.37/hr

How to apply: Please have candidates send a resume and cover letter to mfernandez@mccac.com.