Case Worker/Housing Specialist

New Reach•New Haven, CT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

New Reach is seeking a Case Worker/Housing Specialist to join their team. This role is part of the Connecticut Rapid Re-Housing Program (CT RRP), a statewide initiative aimed at helping homeless individuals and families quickly secure permanent housing through time-limited support. The Case Worker/Housing Specialist will provide housing and relocation services, followed by up to 12 months of home-based case management post-placement. The program utilizes strategies such as coordinated intake, housing search, landlord recruitment, relocation assistance, and stabilization supports, funded by various grants. The position requires a dual role, performing both case management and housing specialist duties within the Greater New Haven sub-region, serving a minimum of 50 households annually.

Requirements

Associates Degree required (Bachelor's preferred)
Two years experience
Valid CT Driver's License
Proof of insurance
Access to reliable transportation
Knowledge of leasing procedures and fair housing laws
Knowledge of housing quality standards and inspection methods
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point
High level of organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Highly motivated, creative with excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability and desire to work as part of team; identify with and support the mission of New Reach
Solutions-based approach to presented problems
Supportive, engaging and encouraging to peers and staff
Adaptable to change and willing to take on more responsibility
Maintain strict confidentiality concerning any client's or employees' personal information, living information, and/or HIV status
Commitment to the values of New Reach: Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion and Initiative
Adherence to all New Reach's Policies and Procedures

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and Bicultural preferred

Responsibilities

Provide housing and relocation services to families and individuals exiting homelessness.
Provide up to 12 months of home-based case management post housing placement.
Carry a combined caseload of homeless households (families and singles) needing housing assistance and/or casework within the Greater New Haven sub-region.
Serve as the primary contact person/Case Worker for 10-20 families/individuals in the Rapid Re-housing Program.
Serve as the primary contact person/Housing Specialist for 10-20 families/individuals referred for housing placement.
Locate and assist in securing appropriate housing and community resources for participants.
Assist households in increasing income, accessing long-term housing subsidies, establishing/expanding family and community supports, and increasing access to mainstream services.
Provide the majority of services in the client's home/shelter or a location of the client's choosing.
Conduct outreach with shelters in the sub-region to coordinate effective communication regarding referrals to RRH.
Educate providers and market the program as needed.
Educate landlords about services, dispel myths about homeless families and individuals, and support successful tenancy.
Create effective strategies to engage and maintain professional landlord relationships.
Actively participate in community landlord engagement teams and meetings.
Assist in creating engagement events and processes to engage and recruit new landlords.
Provide coordination and referrals to households after assistance to improve stability, well-being, and self-sufficiency.
Assist clients in completing relevant community and agency housing applications.
Conduct Housing Quality and lead inspections on all units prior to tenant occupancy.
Use an approved HMIS system to document all client and program data.
Assist in program development and quality assurance activities as directed by the Program Manager.
Perform other duties as assigned to assure successful operations.