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. This program operates throughout the transit system 24 hours a day, serving the New York City metropolitan area. The Independent Living Specialist will provide comprehensive case management services to identified chronic homeless individuals, managing all aspects of their assigned caseload. This includes regular client meetings in the field and office, ensuring clinical files and reports are complete and up-to-date. The role involves conducting comprehensive assessments to identify and assist clients in overcoming barriers to housing and securing entitlements, developing individualized housing plans, and building a network of support services. Additionally, the specialist will prepare clients for housing interviews, arrange appointments, and participate in case conferences. Liaison with clinical staff in other BRC or outside programs regarding common clients is also a key responsibility. Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification, or the ability to acquire them, is required.

Requirements

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.
Must have valid state driver's license.
CPR training certification or willingness to take training class in CPR.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred including, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Korean or other language.
Vaccination Preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive case management services to identified chronic homeless individuals.
Responsible for all aspects of assigned caseload, including meeting with clients on a regular basis both in the field and in the office.
Ensure that all clinical files and reports are complete and up to date.
Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify barriers to housing.
Assist clients to overcome housing barriers and secure entitlements.
Develop and work with clients to progress 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.
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 tests to acquire these credentials.
Related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health insurance
Paid sick time benefits
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
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.