Housing Specialist HERO Program (Monday - Friday, first shift hours)

Mental Health Connecticut Inc•Bridgeport, CT

About The Position

Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is a statewide nonprofit provider agency partnering with individuals, families, and communities to support long-term health and wellness. MHC has an immediate full-time opening for a Housing Specialist in its Housing Empowering Recovery Opportunities (HERO) Program in the Bridgeport area. HERO is a DMHAS-led initiative funded by the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee (OSAC), supporting people recovering from opioid use disorder through housing subsidies and intensive case management. The program serves people experiencing homelessness or housing instability who are at risk of opioid overdose or transitioning out of recovery or treatment programs. The Housing Specialist provides housing support while supporting participants’ recovery. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility as needed. Pay is $24.00 per hour. The role requires local and in-state driving in a personal vehicle, and may require transporting individuals.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and vehicle insurance.
Willingness and ability to drive a personal vehicle locally and within the state; may be required to transport individuals in the personal vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social science or a related field and/or Recovery Support Specialist qualification.
Substance Abuse certification.
Case management experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct intakes, assessments, homeless verifications, and income verifications, and provide regular direct services and case management to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and other co-occurring conditions, including at least one face-to-face interaction per month.
Conduct home visits and safety assessments in accordance with individual program requirements.
Create recovery plans based on the program served, assessments, and participant acuity.
Orient participants to the program and encourage and support their continued participation.
Connect individuals who are not already linked to services with appropriate resources, such as 211 or CAN.
Provide housing relocation and stabilization services to help people exit homelessness.
Develop and maintain formal relationships with program participants and property owners, and advocate on behalf of participants.
Research subsidized housing, voucher opportunities, and other grant opportunities that may help individuals or families secure housing funding.
Assist with apartment searches and leasing opportunities; once housing is secured, review lease conditions and subsidy policies with participants and support compliance with them.
Enter individual data into databases according to program protocols and guidelines.
Engage participants in recovery-oriented activities, including clinical, peer, and social support, and organize and facilitate psycho-educational groups as needed.
Identify and refer individuals to appropriate community supports and resources while advocating for and supporting their individual-centered preferences.
Conduct outreach that provides psychological first aid, stress management support, resource linkage, and information about additional resources.
Support participants in securing reliable means of contact, including free cell phone programs, and conduct outreach to vulnerable or non-contactable populations when needed.
Assist participants with connecting to or receiving referrals for employment services.
Drive a personal vehicle locally and within the state, and transport individuals when required.
Work using a harm reduction approach.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical and dental insurance, with premiums split 90/10 for employee-only coverage and 80/20 for employee-plus-dependent coverage.
Voluntary vision coverage.
Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
403(b) retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar company match on contributions up to 6%.
Paid time off including 11 agency-observed holidays, sick time, vacation time, and wellness days.

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