Housing Specialist - Reaching New Heights

Bowery Residents' Committee • New York, NY

11d • Onsite

About The Position

This 200-bed shelter is designed for homeless men who are in need of job training and employment. Located at BRC's new Landing Road facility in the Bronx, this new shelter opened in January 2018. Similar to the Palace Employment Residence, the Reaching New Heights Residence provides temporary housing for a period of six to nine months. During this time, clients are guided through a structured continuum of treatment and training designed to give them the skills they need to address any substance abuse and/or health issues and to find and maintain permanent employment and housing. The Reaching New Heights Residence is funded by the NYC Department of Homeless Services.

At BRC, our staff help New Yorkers experiencing homelessness reclaim their lives by providing a hand up, offering opportunities for health and self-sufficiency, and restoring hope and dignity. Each and every BRC staff member makes heroic contributions to our city, providing vital services in times of crisis and need. Through our commitment to employee wellbeing and development, BRC provides a workplace where staff can achieve their goals, make a difference with our clients, and grow personally and professionally. BRC is committed to a safe and healthy workplace: we provide PPE to all employees and enforce temperature monitoring and physical distancing best practices across our programs. Today, we have over 1000 full-time, part-time, and per-diem positions located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. Come and learn why 95% of BRC employees report that they would recommend BRC as a good place to work, and join us in building a more caring and compassionate city.

Requirements

• Significant experience working with the homeless and formerly incarcerated, substance abuse, entitlements and the housing application process.
• Good writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a high stress/volume environment, while maintaining communication with the other components of the treatment team.
• HS Diploma/GED required.
• Knowledge of addictions and recovery process, as well as group process and dynamics.
• Computer literacy required.
• CPR training certification or willingness to take training class in CPR.

Nice To Haves

• BA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of assigned caseload, including meeting with clients on a regular basis and ensuring that all clinical files and reports are complete and up to date.
• Make weekly visits to client rooms located off site, drop off reminder notices, and conduct room inspections.
• Intensively work with clients as they move through the program continuum using Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction Strategies.
• Assist clients in securing entitlements, complete housing applications, prepare clients for housing interviews, and arrange housing appointments.
• Build clients' daily living skills to ensure successful independent living.
• Escort clients to appointments as needed.
• Liaison with clinical staff in other BRC or off site programs.
• Provide emergency first aid/CPR assistance when needed.
• Related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Competitive health and dental plans, with coverage is available for your spouse, domestic partner, and dependents.
• A minimum of 3 weeks paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, and additional paid sick and personal time.
• A 403(b) pension plan with a matching benefit paid by BRC.
• Tuition assistance
• Many training opportunities for career development.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are available so employees can set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare, transit and childcare.

What This Job Offers

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