Mission: The Link works with youth and young families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice.

Our 23 programs provide supportive housing, intensive case management services, and skills development to youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness, sex trafficking and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system.

The Link prides itself on its innovative, youth-centered, strengths-based programming for youth and families as well as programs that are co-designed, implemented and overseen by youth.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Commitment Statement:

The Link will promote ongoing learning to better serve youth and families, broaden staff knowledge base and cultural awareness/competence resulting in equity, diversity and inclusion visible at all levels of the organization.

Position Specifics

• Hiring Salary: $20.07
• Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Location: Apple Valley, MN
• Hours/Days: Monday – Friday, 9:00-5:00
• Application Deadline: November 28th, 2022

Agency COVID-19 Requirements

The Link maintains a COVID-19 preparedness plan that mitigates the transmission and spread of COVID-19. Programs also maintain practices to ensure the safety of staff, clients, residents, and community members.

With that, The Link requires all new employees, volunteers, interns to show proof of full vaccination upon onboarding or submit to a weekly COVID test. Further questions regarding our COVID-19 policy can be directed to Human Resources at hr@thelinkmn.org.

Basic Function

The Link’s CAIRN Permanent Supportive Housing Program (PSH) provides housing and services to young people (18-24) who are exiting homelessness. The Case Managers work to support participants focusing on tenancy skills, meeting program expectations, maintaining housing, increasing academic achievement, obtaining employment, and financial literacy. Case Managers provide a variety of assessments and evaluations and assist participants in developing Individual Service Plans and strategies for implementation, for which the case manager will monitor and provide resources, referrals and advocacy. Case Managers also provide individualized and specialized support to participants who are pregnant and/or parenting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide case management services to clients in the CAIRN Permanent Supportive Housing Program
• Conduct assessments with client to determine barriers, resource needs and other factors related to case planning, acting as a broker for services and referring them to community resources when necessary
• Support participants in setting and pursuing goals
• Act as liaison between client/landlord relationships relating to tenancy issues
• Assist clients in living independently
• Act as a liaison with other service providers
• Maintain consistent home visits with clients
• Provide necessary transportation according to availability
• Keep updated records of all interactions with clients and any other contacts made on their behalf
• Provide on-going monitoring and reporting of participant’s progress
• Provide on-going Independent Living Skills instruction in both group and one on one settings
• Attend and contribute to appropriate weekly case review/team meetings

General Responsibilities

• Preserve the integrity of the programs and agency
• Demonstrate commitment to The Link’s mission and vision, and values of equity, diversity and inclusion
• Support the overall growth of the agency
• Maintain positive and healthy relationship with co-workers and other related parties
• Assist where needed as a team player
• Create a safe, respectful, and healthy atmosphere and environment where everyone can grow and learn
• Participate in special projects as necessary
• Attend all meetings and trainings as required
• Maintain positive and professional interactions with clients, co-workers, and all parties involved
• All other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child welfare systems, general and other public and federal assistance programs, and other community resources
• High level of attention to detail
• Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for client advocacy
• Ability to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, coordinate, track and complete multiple tasks as well as adjust to changing priorities
• Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to be flexible in scheduling
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a criminal and driving background check
• Access to reliable vehicle and ability to maintain good driving record and insurance levels as directed by The Link, to fulfill job duties that require travel into the community.
• Consistent, regular attendance is a must

Education and Experience

• 2 years’ experience working with youth experiencing homelessness or BA degree in related field
• Experience in working with clients who have been homeless and have other housing barriers
• Experience in completing assessments
• Experience in creating goal or treatment plans
• Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Completion and satisfactory results of a pre-employment criminal background, Department of Human Services, and motor vehicle history screening

Working Conditions

• The employee is regularly required to talk or hear
• The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools or controls as well as visual acuity
• The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• The employee is required to drive a personal vehicle
• Work environment for this position includes offices, common spaces, residential homes and community spaces with a low to moderate noise level

Compensation: $20.07/hour (Non-Exempt).

Other: All agency employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion. We are committed to the principle of equity and are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of individuals.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.