Community Social Worker

Mercy Housing & Shelter•Hartford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Mercy is looking for a motivated, empathetic team member looking to make a difference in the lives of individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The ideal candidate will be committed to housing as a human right and understand the importance of race equity and valuing differences in the work that they do. This person will engage and build trust with program participants, advocate on their behalf, connect them with community-based resources, and engage them in skill-building, goal-oriented, short-term case management with the goal of empowering participants to find, obtain and maintain stable housing in the community. Mercy is seeking an individual with an engaging personality and attention to detail to ensure the continued success of this program focused on securing housing for justice-involved individuals.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to meet tight deadlines and work with minimal supervision.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written with diverse clientele.
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office Suite.
Attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow through required, exceptional problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines; ability to prioritize tasks.
Provide client housing readiness assessments.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, or Human Services field from an accredited university preferred, however equivalent education and experience will be considered.
2-3 years relevant work experience and demonstrated ability to provide effective services to diverse client populations required.
Must have valid Connecticut driver’s license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the incarcerated population is preferred.
Have a familiarity with housing first, progressive engagement, and motivational interviewing.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Court Support Services Division (CSSD) to receive and case conference program referrals.
Engage client in housing problem-solving conversations with the intent of developing a person-centered housing stabilization plan to reduce housing barriers and increase client integration into the community.
Provide case management services including intake, assessment, budgeting, employment search, referrals, advocacy and linkage to other community supports.
Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice by teaching them to find and use online and other available resources.
Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts and educate clients on housing laws as well as client rights and responsibilities.
Complete all required documentation with accurate and timely entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), CDCS and/or other required databases.
Identify, recruit, and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written between tenants, landlords, referral sources, debtors, creditors and other collaborating agencies or individuals.
Perform habitability, lead-based paint, and rent reasonableness activities, including housing inspections as required.
Assist program participants with obtaining assistance for application fees, documentation fees, and security deposits as necessary.
Maintain accurate progress notes, records, and files for each client.
Transport clients as deemed necessary.
Attend community meetings as requested by the supervisor.
Assume other responsibilities as assigned.