PAULA ALHEJOJ
Lake Elsinore
Summary
Compassionate and results-driven housing and vocational case manager with extensive experience in Rapid Rehousing (RRH), CalAIM navigation, housing sustainability, and employment support for adults with intellectual disabilities and individuals experiencing homelessness. Skilled in client intake and assessment, housing search and landlord engagement, crisis intervention, HMIS documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Strong advocate committed to the Housing First model, client-centered care, and long-term housing and employment stability. Recognized for building rapport, maintaining compliance, and delivering structured, individualized support services that promote independence and self-sufficiency.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Housing Solutions Case Manager
Mercy House
Santa Ana, CA
11.2023 - Current
- Manage California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) navigation and sustainability caseload, providing comprehensive housing-focused case management services.
- Develop individualized housing plans tailored to client needs and program requirements.
- Participate in Coordinated Entry System (CES) housing match meetings to connect clients with appropriate housing opportunities.
- Navigate the CalOptima portal to open client services, submit reauthorization requests, and document services using GIRP-formatted case notes.
- Assist clients with Housing Authority (HA) applications; coordinate communication between Housing Support Case Manager (HSCM) and Housing Specialist; support clients through voucher briefings.
- Conduct housing searches in alignment with Housing Authority payment standards; advocate on clients’ behalf with landlords; assist with rental applications.
- Facilitate housing deposit requests, coordinate move-in services, and arrange delivery of essential household items.
- Provide ongoing housing sustainability support, including monthly home visits to promote housing stability and address emerging needs.
Housing Case Manager
Illumination Foundation
Riverside, CA
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Manage CalAIM navigation and sustainability caseload, providing comprehensive housing-focused case management services.
- Develop individualized housing plans tailored to client needs and program requirements.
- Participate in Coordinated Entry System (CES) housing match meetings to connect clients with appropriate housing opportunities.
- Navigate the CalOptima portal to open client services, submit reauthorization requests, and document services using GIRP-formatted case notes.
- Assist clients with Housing Authority (HA) applications; coordinate communication between Housing Support Case Manager (HSCM) and Housing Specialist; support clients through voucher briefings.
- Conduct housing searches in alignment with Housing Authority payment standards; advocate on clients’ behalf with landlords; assist with rental applications.
- Facilitate housing deposit requests, coordinate move-in services, and arrange delivery of essential household items.
- Provide ongoing housing sustainability support, including monthly home visits to promote housing stability and address emerging needs.
Housing Solutions Case Manager
Mercy House
Santa Ana, CA
03.2021 - 07.2022
- Managed Rapid Rehousing (RRH) caseload, providing housing-focused case management and support services.
- Conduct comprehensive client intakes and assessments to determine eligibility and service needs.
- Ensure timely completion of program requirements and meet critical deadlines in compliance with funding guidelines.
- Maintain accurate documentation and file compliance in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
- Implement services using a Housing First approach to promote immediate housing stability.
- Build strong rapport with clients to foster trust, engagement, and long-term success.
- Provide crisis intervention and problem-solving support to address urgent housing or personal challenges.
- Conduct rental housing searches and advocate with landlords on clients’ behalf.
- Assist clients with rental applications and required documentation.
- Maintain strong communication and collaboration with partnering agencies and community stakeholders.
- Serve as a mandated reporter, ensuring client safety and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Residential Coordinator
Mercy House
Ontario, CA
10.2017 - 02.2021
- Managed Rapid Rehousing (RRH) caseload, providing housing-focused case management and support services.
- Conduct comprehensive client intakes and assessments to determine eligibility and service needs.
- Ensure timely completion of program requirements and meet critical deadlines in compliance with funding guidelines.
- Maintain accurate documentation and file compliance in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
- Implement services using a Housing First approach to promote immediate housing stability.
- Build strong rapport with clients to foster trust, engagement, and long-term success.
- Provide crisis intervention and problem-solving support to address urgent housing or personal challenges.
- Conduct rental housing searches and advocate with landlords on clients’ behalf.
- Assist clients with rental applications and required documentation.
- Maintain strong communication and collaboration with partnering agencies and community stakeholders.
- Serve as a mandated reporter, ensuring client safety and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Vocational Trainer
Exceed Valley Resources
Riverside, CA
06.2017 - 11.2018
- Advocate on clients’ behalf with employers and management to foster inclusive workplace practices and positive employment outcomes.
- Design and apply individualized behavioral support strategies to enhance job performance, independence, and professional growth.
- Uphold mandated reporter responsibilities, ensuring client safety and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
- Collaborate in interdisciplinary team meetings to...
Education
General Education -
San Gorgonio High School
06-2008
Skills
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Crisis intervention
- Critical Thinking
- Problem solving
- Conflict de-escalation
- Social Skills
- Self-awareness
- Using best judgment
- Fluent Spanish speaker
- Active listening
- Patience
- Flexible
- Initiative
- Networking
Interests
Practicing self-care, Traveling, Family quality time, Gym routine
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Housing Solutions Case Manager
Mercy House
11.2023 - Current
Housing Case Manager
Illumination Foundation
07.2022 - 08.2023
Housing Solutions Case Manager
Mercy House
03.2021 - 07.2022
Residential Coordinator
Mercy House
10.2017 - 02.2021
Vocational Trainer
Exceed Valley Resources
06.2017 - 11.2018
General Education -
San Gorgonio High School