Outreach Independent Living Specialist - Transit Homeless Outreach

Bowery Residents' Committee•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

BRC's Transit Homeless Outreach program, jointly funded by the Department of Homeless Services and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, provides outreach and case management services to assist homeless individuals in permanently relocating from MTA properties. The program operates throughout the transit system in the New York City metropolitan area, including Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. The goal is to engage and assess clients to connect them with housing and essential services.

Requirements

BA in a 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.
Ability 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 other members of the clinical team.
Must have a valid state driver's license.
CPR training certification or willingness to take a training class in CPR.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred, including Spanish, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, or other languages.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive case management services to identified chronic homeless individuals.
Manage all aspects of assigned caseload, including regular client meetings in the field and office.
Ensure all clinical files and reports are complete and up to date.
Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify and assist clients in overcoming barriers to housing and securing entitlements.
Develop and work with clients on individualized housing plans.
Build a network of support services for clients.
Prepare clients for housing interviews and arrange housing appointments.
Participate in case conferences as necessary.
Liaise with clinical staff in other BRC or outside programs regarding common clients.
Obtain Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification or pass the test to acquire these credentials.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health insurance
Paid sick time
Competitive health and dental plans (coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and dependents)
A minimum of 3 weeks paid vacation
12 paid holidays
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) for healthcare, transit, and childcare