The Ho ōla Disaster Case Manager plays a crucial role in helping survivors of the 2023 Maui Wild Fires navigate their long-term recovery journey. This position emphasizes holistic, survivor-centered case management, ensuring individuals and families impacted by the disaster receive compassionate and comprehensive support. The disaster case manager will assess needs, develop personalized recovery plans, and connect survivors with essential resources while empowering them to reclaim stability and self sufficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Survivor-Centric Disaster Case Management
- Serve as the primary advocate for disaster survivors, guiding them through every stage of their recovery.
- Conduct in-depth multi-dimensional needs assessments to determine immediate, short-term, and long-term recovery requirements.
- Assist survivors in developing personalized recovery plans that prioritize housing, financial stability, emotional well-being, and community reintegration.
- Provide trauma-informed support, ensuring services are culturally appropriate and respectful of diverse backgrounds.
- Work to empower survivors by fostering self-reliance rather than dependency. Resource Navigation & Coordination
- Identify local, state, and federal assistance programs available to survivors, including FEMA, housing grants, and financial aid.
- Maintain strong relationships with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and community partners to ensure seamless service referrals.
- Help clients apply for financial assistance, home repair/rebuilding programs, and other vital support services.
- Advocate for survivors in Unmet Needs Committees and present cases for additional assistance when needed.
- Track commitments made by organizations to ensure survivors receive promised support.
Holistic Support & Well-Being
- Assess and refer survivors to mental health, medical, and social service providers when necessary.
- Address challenges such as housing insecurity, employment loss, and emotional trauma that may impact a survivor’s ability to recover.
- Conduct home visits when appropriate, ensuring a compassionate and community based approach.
- Provide ongoing follow-up and support, maintaining contact until recovery goals are met or cases are closed.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain detailed and confidential case records, tracking survivor progress and service outcomes.
- Ensure all case management activities comply with confidentiality, ethical, and legal standards.
- Submit timely reports and participate in long-term recovery group meetings to share insights and advocate for systemic improvements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Disaster Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience in disaster case management, disaster recovery, or social services. • Strong ability to communicate with empathy and cultural sensitivity.
- Knowledge of housing assistance programs, financial aid resources, and community-based recovery services.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including indigenous communities, immigrants, and low-income families.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and advocacy skills.
- Commitment to trauma-informed care and survivor empowerment.
- Current driver’s license, current automobile insurance, clean traffic abstract, and transportation.
Preferred:
- Bilingual (Hawaiian, Tagalog, Spanish, or other languages spoken by impacted communities).
- Knowledge of local disaster recovery frameworks and policies.
- Experience working in long-term recovery groups (LTRG) or similar disaster response networks.
Additional Information
- Location: Maui, Hawaii (Hybrid Options Available)
- Schedule: Full-time, with evening or weekend work based on survivor needs. • Compensation: Competitive salary, with benefits based on organizational policy.
- Background Check Required: All hires must pass a criminal background check to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
