Program 3 - Community Support Services
Guidelines for Bonita House Community Support Services program operations.
Program Description
Community Support Services provides comprehensive case management and support services to help clients maintain stability and independence in their community settings. This program bridges gaps between clinical services and daily living needs.
Case Management Services
Service Levels
Intensive Case Management (ICM)
- Caseload: 1:15 ratio
- Contact: 4+ times monthly
- Duration: 6-12 months typical
- Focus: High-need, complex cases
Standard Case Management
- Caseload: 1:25 ratio
- Contact: 2-3 times monthly
- Duration: Ongoing as needed
- Focus: Maintenance and prevention
Targeted Case Management
- Caseload: 1:35 ratio
- Contact: Monthly minimum
- Duration: Time-limited
- Focus: Specific goal achievement
Core Functions
-
Assessment and Planning
- Comprehensive needs assessment
- Strengths-based planning
- Goal setting with client
- Resource identification
-
Linkage and Coordination
- Healthcare appointments
- Benefits enrollment
- Housing assistance
- Educational/vocational services
-
Monitoring and Advocacy
- Regular check-ins
- Progress monitoring
- Systems advocacy
- Rights protection
Housing Support
Housing First Model
Our approach prioritizes:
- Rapid rehousing
- Client choice
- Recovery orientation
- Harm reduction
- Community integration
Housing Services
Housing Search Assistance
- Property identification
- Application assistance
- Landlord negotiation
- Move-in coordination
- Furniture/household items
Housing Retention Support
- Rent payment assistance
- Landlord mediation
- Home visits
- Life skills coaching
- Crisis intervention
Supported Housing Programs
| Program Type | Support Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Transitional Housing | High - Daily | 6-24 months |
| Permanent Supportive | Moderate - Weekly | Indefinite |
| Rapid Rehousing | Low - Bi-weekly | 3-6 months |
| Independent Living | Minimal - Monthly | As needed |
Peer Support Services
Peer Support Specialists
Qualifications:
- Lived experience with recovery
- Peer support certification
- 40-hour training completion
- Ongoing supervision
- Commitment to recovery model
Responsibilities:
- Share recovery experience
- Provide hope and encouragement
- Model recovery behaviors
- Facilitate peer groups
- Connect to resources
Peer-Led Activities
- Recovery support groups
- Wellness activities
- Social events
- Educational workshops
- Community outings
Benefits Coordination
Benefits Assistance
Help clients access:
- Social Security (SSI/SSDI)
- Medi-Cal/Medicare
- CalFresh (food stamps)
- General Relief
- Veterans benefits
- Housing vouchers
Application Support
- Eligibility Screening - Determine potential benefits
- Documentation Gathering - Collect required documents
- Application Completion - Assist with forms
- Submission - File applications properly
- Follow-up - Track application status
- Appeals - Support appeal process if denied
Transportation Services
Transportation Options
Direct Transportation
- Medical appointments
- Benefits appointments
- Court appearances
- Emergency situations
Transportation Support
- Bus pass distribution
- Transit training
- Ride coordination
- Mileage reimbursement
Transportation Protocols
- Prior authorization required
- 48-hour advance notice preferred
- Safety protocols followed
- Documentation of trips
- Client accompaniment when needed
Life Skills Development
Skills Training Areas
Daily Living Skills
- Personal hygiene
- Household management
- Nutrition and cooking
- Money management
- Time management
Social Skills
- Communication skills
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
- Boundary setting
- Community integration
Independent Living Skills
- Job readiness
- Educational planning
- Technology use
- Health management
- Safety awareness
Training Methods
- Individual coaching
- Group workshops
- Hands-on practice
- Community-based learning
- Peer mentoring
Community Integration
Integration Activities
- Community events participation
- Volunteer opportunities
- Recreation activities
- Cultural events
- Faith community connections
Natural Supports Development
Foster connections with:
- Family members
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Community organizations
- Interest groups
Documentation Requirements
Case Notes
Document all:
- Client contacts
- Collateral contacts
- Service coordination
- Progress toward goals
- Barriers encountered
- Interventions provided
Required Reports
Monthly Reports
- Service units provided
- Progress summary
- Upcoming plans
- Resource needs
Quarterly Reviews
- Goal progress assessment
- Plan modifications
- Outcome measurements
- Recommendations
Outcome Measures
Key Performance Indicators
Track and report:
- Housing stability rate
- Benefits acquisition
- Employment/education engagement
- Healthcare utilization
- Crisis incident reduction
- Client satisfaction scores
Success Metrics
- 85% housing retention at 6 months
- 75% benefits enrollment success
- 80% client satisfaction rating
- 70% goal achievement rate
- 90% engagement retention
Staff Supervision
Supervision Requirements
- Weekly individual supervision
- Monthly group supervision
- Quarterly field observation
- Annual performance review
- Regular case consultation
Professional Development
- Motivational interviewing training
- Trauma-informed care
- Cultural competency
- Housing First model
- Benefits systems training
Ethical Considerations
Boundaries
Maintain professional boundaries:
- No personal relationships
- No financial transactions
- No personal favors
- Appropriate self-disclosure
- Clear role definition
Client Rights
Ensure respect for:
- Self-determination
- Confidentiality
- Informed consent
- Grievance processes
- Service refusal
Emergency Protocols
Crisis Response
When crisis occurs:
- Ensure immediate safety
- Activate crisis plan
- Contact emergency services if needed
- Notify supervisor
- Document thoroughly
- Debrief with team
After-Hours Support
- On-call case manager available
- Crisis hotline access
- Emergency shelter options
- Mobile crisis team activation
- Next-day follow-up