Assessment Specialist - Palace Employment Residence

Bowery Residents Committee • Manhattan, NY

10d

About The Position

The Assessment Specialist conducts client assessments and provides case management, service coordination, and supportive counseling to promote housing stability, recovery, and independent living. The role develops individualized service plans, connects clients with community resources, maintains accurate documentation, and collaborates with internal and external partners to support positive client outcomes.

Work is performed in shelter and assessment center settings serving single adults and adult families. These programs provide a safe, supportive environment intended to promote stability, self-sufficiency, and progress toward permanent housing. The position involves regular interaction with people experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, trauma, chronic health conditions, and other barriers to housing stability. Staff may respond to crises, behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and other unpredictable situations using de-escalation techniques and established safety protocols. Work may include community and field-based duties, including during inclement weather.

The position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week. Programs operate 24/7/365, including weekends and holidays; mandatory overtime may be required to maintain program coverage and client safety.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related computer applications.
• Experience working in residential treatment, supportive housing, shelter, or similar human services environments.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification within a designated timeframe.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred; additional language skills are a plus based on program needs.
• Career Pathways Clinical Specialist Certificate preferred.
• Experience using electronic health records (EHRs), case management databases, or other electronic documentation systems.
• Knowledge of housing resources, public benefits, community services, and recovery-oriented practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned caseload, maintain regular contact with clients, assess needs, monitor progress, and support goals related to housing stability, recovery, and independent living.
• Provide comprehensive case management, supportive counseling, and service coordination using a client-centered, strengths-based approach.
• Conduct assessments and develop, implement, and monitor individualized service plans, including psychosocial and independent living plans.
• Coordinate referrals and services with medical, mental health, substance use treatment, vocational, housing, and other community-based providers.
• Assist clients in obtaining and maintaining benefits, entitlements, housing, employment opportunities, and supportive resources, including HRA, Social Security, and public assistance.
• Teach, model, and reinforce independent living skills, including activities of daily living, budgeting, household management, and community integration.
• Facilitate client intake, admissions, assessments, and orientation in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Conduct routine unit and living-area inspections and address client needs, safety concerns, and program compliance issues.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete assessments, service plans, progress notes, case notes, referrals, and other required program records.
• Escort or accompany clients to appointments and services as needed, including medical, behavioral health, housing, and benefits appointments.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and community meetings to coordinate services and promote positive client outcomes.
• Monitor client well-being and respond appropriately to crises, emergencies, and safety concerns, including providing First Aid and CPR assistance when certified and required.
• Collaborate with program staff, supervisors, and external service providers to ensure continuity of care and support client outcomes.
• Work in community and field-based settings, including during inclement weather, as required by client and program needs.
• Demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and sound judgment in a fast-paced, emotionally demanding environment, adapting engagement strategies to individual client needs.
• Enter and maintain accurate client demographic and personal information in the AWARDS database and complete required intake and initial case documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive health and dental plans, with coverage available for a spouse, domestic partner, and dependents.
• Minimum of 3 weeks paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, and additional paid sick and personal time.
• 403(b) retirement plan with BRC matching contributions.
• Tuition assistance and career development and training opportunities.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare, transit, and childcare expenses.
• Free resources for legal, financial, and personal support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED