Outreach Independent Living Specialist - Transit Homeless Outreach

Bowery Residents Committee • Manhattan, NY

8d

About The Position

The Outreach Independent Living Specialist provides comprehensive outreach and case management services to identified chronically homeless individuals in BRC’s Transit Homeless Outreach program. The specialist manages an assigned caseload, meets with clients in the field and office, and keeps clinical files and reports complete and current. The role supports clients as they progress through the program, from identifying housing barriers and securing entitlements to developing individualized housing plans and connecting with support services. The specialist also helps clients prepare for housing interviews, arranges housing appointments, participates in case conferences, and coordinates with BRC and external clinical staff serving shared clients.

BRC’s Transit Homeless Outreach program is jointly funded by the Department of Homeless Services and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Its staff work throughout the transit system to engage and assess homeless individuals and connect them with housing and essential services, with the goal of helping them permanently relocate from MTA properties. The program serves Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.

The position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week. A valid state driver’s license is required. Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification, or the ability to pass a test to obtain the credentials, is required; CPR certification or willingness to complete training is also specified. Vaccination is preferred but not required.

Requirements

• Strong interest in providing direct services to people experiencing homelessness and/or mental illness and substance abuse.
• Experience referring clients to substance abuse programs, mental health programs, entitlement services, and work-readiness programs.
• Ability to assess and recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work in a high-stress, high-volume environment while maintaining communication with other clinical team members.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to pass a test to acquire the credentials; CPR certification or willingness to take a CPR training class.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Significant experience in outreach or case management.
• Bilingual ability, including Spanish, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, or another language.
• Vaccination.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management services to identified chronically homeless individuals.
• Manage all aspects of an assigned caseload, including regular client meetings in the field and office.
• Ensure clinical files and reports are complete and up to date.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify barriers to housing.
• Help clients overcome housing barriers and secure entitlements.
• Develop individualized housing plans with clients and support their progress on those plans.
• Build a network of support services for clients.
• Prepare clients for housing interviews and arrange housing appointments.
• Participate in case conferences as needed.
• Liaise with clinical staff in BRC and outside programs regarding shared clients.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance and paid sick time available immediately upon starting work.
• Competitive health and dental plans, with coverage available for a spouse, domestic partner, and dependents.
• At least three weeks of paid vacation.
• Twelve paid holidays.
• Additional paid sick and personal time.
• 403(b) pension plan with a matching benefit paid by BRC.
• Tuition assistance and training opportunities for career development.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, transit, and childcare.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed