Outreach Independent Living Specialist - Transit Homeless Outreach

Bowery Residents' Committee • New York, NY

12h • 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. Operating 24 hours a day throughout the transit system in the New York City metropolitan area (Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens), the program engages and assesses clients with the goal of connecting them with housing and essential services. This role involves providing comprehensive case management to identified chronic homeless individuals, managing assigned caseloads, meeting with clients in the field and office, and ensuring clinical files are complete. Responsibilities include conducting assessments to identify and assist clients in overcoming barriers to housing, securing entitlements, developing individualized housing plans, building support networks, preparing clients for housing interviews, arranging appointments, and participating in case conferences. The specialist will also liaise with clinical staff from other BRC or outside programs regarding common clients. Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification, or the ability to obtain them, is required. Related duties may be assigned.

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 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

• Vaccination Preferred but not required.

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 barriers to housing and assist clients in overcoming them.
• Assist clients in 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.
• Liaison with clinical staff in other BRC or outside programs with regard to common clients.
• Obtain Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification or pass the test to acquire these credentials.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid sick time benefits
• Competitive health and dental plans, with coverage 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) for healthcare, transit, and childcare.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level