Outreach Case Manager

Outreach Case Manager

Hawthorne or the Beach Cities (El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach)

Organization: HERO Community Services (Housing Empowerment Recovery and Outreach)
Reports to: Program Coordinator
FLSA status: Non-exempt / Full time
Work schedule: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday

About HERO Community Services

HERO Community Services (Housing Empowerment Recovery and Outreach) is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. HERO is intentionally relationship-driven and right-sized, prioritizing quality, responsiveness, and dignity-centered care. We believe everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued—and that change begins with relationships.

Position Overview

The Case Manager for the Hawthorne or Beach Cities Homeless Services Program provides person-centered, relationship-driven support to individuals experiencing homelessness in Hawthorne and the Beach Cities (El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach). This multi-jurisdictional role strengthens coordination among outreach, case management, and city partners so participants receive timely resources and advocacy to achieve housing stability and improved well-being.

The Case Manager works in the field to build trust, support problem-solving and documentation readiness, connect participants to behavioral health and supportive services, and facilitate pathways to interim and permanent housing.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct proactive field outreach in encampments, parks, public spaces, and other nontraditional settings to engage people experiencing homelessness (PEH).
• Build trust through consistent, respectful, and nonjudgmental engagement.
• Engage with individuals experiencing high mental health acuity (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, post-acute withdrawal syndrome).
• Provide immediate assistance (e.g., food, water, hygiene kits) and referrals to emergency and interim housing resources.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed to support participant and community safety.
• Engage with individuals experiencing high mental health acuity (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, post-acute withdrawal syndrome).
• Provide immediate assistance (e.g., food, water, hygiene kits) and referrals to emergency and interim housing resources.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed to support participant and community safety.
• Provide immediate assistance (e.g., food, water, hygiene kits) and referrals to emergency and interim housing resources.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed to support participant and community safety.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed to support participant and community safety.

Case Management & Service Coordination

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify each participant’s strengths, needs, and barriers.
• Develop individualized service and housing plans with participants.
• Connect participants to essential services, including behavioral health, primary care, employment supports, and benefits enrollment.
• Support participants in obtaining identification, completing housing applications, and gathering documentation required for shelter or permanent housing.
• Provide ongoing case management and advocacy to support housing retention and stability.
• Conduct regular follow-ups and progress reviews; adjust goals as needed.
• Coordinate with city staff, local law enforcement partners, service providers, and community stakeholders.

Collaboration & Systems Coordination

• Participate in multidisciplinary case conferencing and interagency collaboration to coordinate care and identify housing opportunities.
• Attend data-sharing meetings, community events, and city council meetings as assigned.
• Collaborate with partner agencies such as the LA County Department of Mental Health, Department of Health Services, LAHSA, and local nonprofits.
• Ensure service delivery aligns with trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and Housing First principles.

Data & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of participant interactions, services provided, and outcomes in designated systems (e.g., HMIS).
• Prepare and submit monthly data and outcome reports in accordance with HERO and city requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, agency, and contract-specific data security standards.

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

Required Qualifications

• At least 6 months of experience in homeless services, outreach, social services, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and maintain professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Housing First model and harm-reduction principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective engagement and documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and client management databases.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse, outdoor, fast-paced environments.
• Culturally competent approach with sensitivity to individuals from varied backgrounds, life experiences, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience with field-based homeless outreach, housing navigation, and HMIS.
• Familiarity with LAHSA, DMH, DHS, and other county systems of care.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record.
• Must have reliable transportation; occasional use of a personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursed).
• Must pass a Live Scan background check and criminal history clearance in accordance with applicable laws and program requirements. This position may be subject to statutory or contractual background restrictions for certain felony offenses. Employment eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, consistent with legal standards and contractual obligations.
• Provide proof of a negative TB test (within the last 12 months) prior to hire and maintain current status thereafter.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide valid exemption documentation consistent with applicable law.
• Engage with individuals experiencing high mental health acuity (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, post-acute withdrawal syndrome).
• Must have reliable transportation; occasional use of a personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursed).
• Must pass a Live Scan background check and criminal history clearance in accordance with applicable laws and program requirements. This position may be subject to statutory or contractual background restrictions for certain felony offenses. Employment eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, consistent with legal standards and contractual obligations.
• Provide proof of a negative TB test (within the last 12 months) prior to hire and maintain current status thereafter.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide valid exemption documentation consistent with applicable law.
• Engage with individuals experiencing high mental health acuity (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, post-acute withdrawal syndrome).
• Must pass a Live Scan background check and criminal history clearance in accordance with applicable laws and program requirements. This position may be subject to statutory or contractual background restrictions for certain felony offenses. Employment eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, consistent with legal standards and contractual obligations.
• Provide proof of a negative TB test (within the last 12 months) prior to hire and maintain current status thereafter.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide valid exemption documentation consistent with applicable law.
• Engage with individuals experiencing high mental health acuity (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, post-acute withdrawal syndrome).
• Provide proof of a negative TB test (within the last 12 months) prior to hire and maintain current status thereafter.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide valid exemption documentation consistent with applicable law.
• Engage with individuals experiencing high mental health acuity (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, post-acute withdrawal syndrome).

Work Environment

• Work is primarily outdoors in field-based settings with minimal office time.
• Frequent travel within the Beach Cities (El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach).
• Requires walking, standing, and occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds).
• Schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet participant and program needs.
• Engage with individuals experiencing high mental health acuity (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, post-acute withdrawal syndrome).

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

HERO Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. HERO Community Services complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law by providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person