Work at COTS
 

Working at COTS has been one the joys of my life.  The work is demanding, and brings out the best in us.  I particularly enjoy the COTS staff, who are energetic, loving, competent people.  Too, this work attracts great volunteers, and it really feels good knowing that we are making a difference in lives of people in need.

One of our staff provided this perspective: "COTS is definitely one of the best places to work in the North Bay. First, every day presents new and different opportunities to provide hope and healing to individuals and families in desperate need of help. How rewarding it is to make a living in the course of pursuing this "higher calling."  Many of the folks we assist have no one else to turn to, giving us the chance to be the "friend" or "family member" the rest of us are able to rely on in tough times.

Second, we have a wonderful team of selfless, committed staff members who are a joy to work with. Our culture is a wonderful blend of compassion, common sense, hard work and, yes, humor and fun. How many people in the workforce can honestly say every day is a pleasure to come to work and everyone that I work with I like and respect?"

Our compensation is competitive with other nonprofit agencies, and includes (depending on the position) comprehensive health benefits, a retirement plan, flex time under some circumstances, ongoing training and more.

Jobs open from time to time, so if nothing is listed here, please try again.  Thanks for your interest.

Best wishes from the COTS Team!

John Records, Executive Director

Job Opening at COTS

JOB TITLE: Phase III Case Manager

EXEMPT: NO WAGE/SALARY RATE: D.O.E.

HOURS: 40 hours per week DEPARTMENT: Single Adult Services

LOCATION: 900 Hopper St. Petaluma, Ca 94952

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: Director/ Mary Issak Center

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Director of The Mary Isaak Center (MIC), and in concert with the management and case management team, Phase III Case Manager works to help participants to set firm intentions and address the next steps required to move into Transitional or independent housing. Phase III Case Manager assists participants to overcome barriers to acquiring maximum income and requires them to address and begin to repay financial obligations and debts. Phase III Case Manager assists participants in opening COTS sponsored savings accounts and holds them responsible for making regular deposits to their housing accounts in preparation for Transitional or independent living.

COTS is a drug and alcohol free workplace environment. Pre-screening for substance abuse is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

  • Conducts assessment during initial interview to verify that all Phase II program requirements have been met in preparation for graduation to Phase III
  • Consolidates all participants Phase II program materials into a permanent file.
  • Works with Phase II Case Manager to ensure participants smooth transition into Phase III
  • Conducts CM interviews to determine employment background, career interests, strengths/ barriers, family background, mental/ physical health status, legal issues, financial obligations and current support system
  • In partnership with participant, develops strengths-based strategies for recovery
  • Works with Work Right Program Manager to assist participant in finding and keeping employment
  • Develops, implements and holds participant accountable for following intention-based Individual Action Plan for Phase III
  • Assists program participants to participate in a variety of COTS sponsored groups, meetings, classes and volunteer opportunities and holds them accountable for attendance in mandatory program activities
  • Assists participants in opening COTS sponsored savings accounts and holds them responsible for making regular deposits.
  • Identifies participants in Phase III who are good candidates for Transitional Housing (Phase IV) and works with Phase IV Case Manager to facilitate graduation to Transitional Housing
  • Maintains documentation and program participant files, log all incidents and provide management with all pertinent information.
  • Attends all program development and file meetings.
  • Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings, and agency functions.
  • Coordinates with case management, management and operations staff to promote growth and accountability among Phase III program participants.
  • Advocates for program participants in the community, identifies resources, develops mutually beneficial relationships and makes appropriate referrals to other agencies, services and programs.
  • Other duties as assigned.

COMPENTENCIES, ATTITUDES and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

  • Case management and/or similar experience highly desirable
  • Demonstrated ability to help individuals in recovery, impacted by mental illness, and affected by domestic violence
  • Familiarity with Spanish language desirable
  • Willingness and ability to work closely within a team of managers and case managers.
  • Adherence to professional and ethical standards.
  • Continuing pursuit of professional development e.g. training, classes, certifications.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage workload in a balanced manner e.g. prioritizing, planning, organizing.
  • Superior interpersonal/communication skills, ability to facilitate group processes, crisis management ability, and sound judgment
  • Positive attitude in all working relationships
  • Open to assessment of skill, supervision, and further development of self awareness
  • Commitment to providing a friendly, healthy environment with attention to consistency in enforcement of rules and policies.
  • Willing of take direction and able to work independently.
  • Ability to use common office software, including email, word processing and database programs.
  • Available to work a flexible schedule, including evening hours.
  • Flexibility in working with program participant schedules.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Unless otherwise stated in writing signed by the Executive Director, driving is required for this position and the incumbent must provide their own transportation. Typical destinations may include other COTS offices and service locations, local stores and businesses and other local providers of services. Candidate must pass a Driving Record Check, possess a valid California Drivers License and provide acceptable proof of insurability for the required amounts and limits.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors Degree (B.A.) in Social Work or related field and/or two years of related experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10 s and 100 s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurements, volume and distance.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: California Drivers License and access to an insured vehicle required.

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 sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

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 essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To apply: You can click the link, or email to [email protected].  Thank you for your interest.