Outreach Independent Living Specialist - Transit Homeless Outreach

Bowery Residents' Committee • New York, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

BRC's Transit Homeless Outreach staff members operate throughout the transit system 24 hours a day. Through this program, which BRC has operated since 2005 and significantly expanded in 2014, BRC provides outreach and case management services to humanely assist homeless individuals to permanently relocate from MTA properties. The program serves the New York City metropolitan area, including the boroughs of Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Clients of Transit Homeless Outreach are engaged and assessed with the goal of connecting them with housing and essential services. This role provides comprehensive case management services to identified chronic homeless individuals. Responsible for all aspects of assigned case load, including meeting with clients on a regular basis both in the field and in the office, and ensure that all clinical files and reports are complete and up to date. Intensively work with clients as they move through the program continuum by conducting comprehensive assessments to identify barriers to housing, assisting clients to overcome housing barriers and secure entitlements. Also develop and working with clients to progress on individualized housing plans, building a network of support services for clients. Prepare clients for housing interviews and arrange housing appointments, and participating in case conferences as necessary. Liaison with clinical staff in other BRC or outside programs with regard to common clients. Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification or the ability to pass test to acquire these credentials required. Related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification or the ability to pass test to acquire these credentials.
• BA in related field preferred.
• Significant experience working in outreach or case management strongly preferred.
• Strong interest in providing direct services to homeless and/or mentally ill and substance abusing population.
• Experience in referring clients to substance abuse programs, mental health programs, entitlements and work readiness programs.
• Must be able to assess and recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse.
• Good writing and oral communication skills.
• Computer literacy required.
• Ability to work in a high stress/volume environment, while maintaining communication with the other members of the clinical team.
• Bilingual preferred including, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Korean or other language.
• Must have valid state driver's license.
• CPR training certification or willingness to take training class in CPR.

Nice To Haves

• BA in related field
• Significant experience working in outreach or case management
• Bilingual preferred including, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Korean or other language.
• CPR training certification or willingness to take training class in CPR.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management services to identified chronic homeless individuals.
• Responsible for all aspects of assigned case load, including meeting with clients on a regular basis both in the field and in the office, and ensure that all clinical files and reports are complete and up to date.
• Intensively work with clients as they move through the program continuum by conducting comprehensive assessments to identify barriers to housing, assisting clients to overcome housing barriers and secure entitlements.
• Develop and work with clients to progress on individualized housing plans, building a network of support services for clients.
• Prepare clients for housing interviews and arrange housing appointments.
• Participate in case conferences as necessary.
• Liaison with clinical staff in other BRC or outside programs with regard to common clients.
• Obtain Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification or the ability to pass test to acquire these credentials.
• Perform 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