Case Worker

New Reach•New Haven, CT

About The Position

As a long-time leader in Connecticut, New Reach hopes to now chart a new path by fundamentally shifting how our community manages and responds to the homelessness and housing insecurity crises. With increased focus on preventing evictions and providing long-term stability for those who are establishing their independence, we believe a true systems change is possible. We imagine a world where the need for shelter is minimal because individuals and families are able to stay in their homes instead of being evicted and those who are struggling to make ends meet can get the help, they need to maintain stability. We inspire lasting independence for all people affected by homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing and support, using the most innovative, progressive, equitable and inclusive methods. Primary Purpose: To provide ongoing case management, stabilization support, and advocacy for young adults ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The Youth Case Worker delivers client-centered services rooted in Positive Youth Development (PYD), supporting young adults in securing housing, increasing stability, addressing unmet needs, and building the skills and confidence necessary to transition into independent adulthood.

Requirements

BA/BS with two years of related experience, or Master's in a related field.
Experience working with youth (ages 18–24), preferably those experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Knowledge of youth development, mental health, trauma, and relevant service systems (housing, education, employment).
Have a solutions-based approach to presented problems.
Be supportive, engaging and encouraging to peers and staff.
Be 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
Provides a commitment to the values of New Reach: Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion and Initiative
Adheres to all New Reach's Policies and Procedures

Responsibilities

Assist youth in identifying, securing, and transitioning into safe and appropriate housing options.
Provide ongoing support, and advocacy tailored to the developmental needs of young adults navigating homelessness, trauma, and early adulthood challenges.
Deliver services primarily where youth feel most safe-homes, community spaces, shelters, or youth-accessible settings-while maintaining a trauma-informed and youth-driven approach.
Collaboratively develop individualized action plans that integrate youth voice, goals, strengths, and aspirations for housing, education, employment, and life skills.
Support youth in identifying unmet needs; including benefits, education, mental health, employment, transportation, and medical needs-and facilitate appropriate connections to resources.
Embed Positive Youth Development (PYD) principles into planning conversations, encouraging autonomy, self-efficacy, self-advocacy, and future-oriented goal setting.
Help youth understand lease requirements, budgeting, landlord communication, and expectations for independent living.
Provide ongoing stabilization support to help youth maintain housing and avoid eviction or returns to homelessness.
Integrate employment readiness, training, and income-building strategies into each youth's action plan, coordinating with employment specialists as needed.
Support youth in navigating education pathways (GED, vocational training, college) that align with their strengths and long-term goals.
Build life-skills capacity (budgeting, communication, scheduling, organization, basic household management) essential for independent living.
Maintain a strong community presence and collaborative relationships within the youth homelessness, mental health, and substance-use services landscape.
Provide education and awareness to community partners and other stakeholders about the unique needs of young adults experiencing homelessness.
Engage in cross-team coordination with Diversion, Rapid Rehousing, Supportive Housing and Transitional and Youth Employment programs to ensure seamless youth-centered support.