Outreach Independent Living Specialist - Transit Homeless Outreach

Bowery Residents' Committee • New York, NY

8d

About The Position

The Outreach Independent Living Specialist provides comprehensive case management to identified chronically homeless individuals through BRC’s Transit Homeless Outreach program. The role supports clients as they move through the program continuum, helping them address barriers to housing, secure entitlements, and progress toward individualized housing plans. Services are provided both in the field and in the office. The position also maintains complete, up-to-date clinical files and reports and coordinates with clinical staff at BRC and outside programs regarding shared clients.

BRC’s Transit Homeless Outreach program is jointly funded by the Department of Homeless Services and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Its staff operate throughout the transit system and provide outreach and case management to help homeless individuals relocate permanently from MTA properties. The program serves Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, with the goal of connecting clients to housing and essential services.

This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification, or the ability to pass a test to obtain these credentials, is required. Vaccination is preferred but not required.

Requirements

• Significant experience working in outreach or case management is strongly preferred.
• 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 these credentials.
• CPR training certification or willingness to take a CPR training class.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 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 meeting with clients regularly in the field and in the office.
• Ensure clinical files and reports are complete and up to date.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify barriers to housing.
• Assist clients in overcoming housing barriers and securing 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 necessary.
• Liaise with clinical staff in BRC and outside programs regarding shared clients.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance eligibility and paid sick time beginning 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, 12 paid holidays, and additional paid sick and personal time.
• 403(b) pension plan with a BRC matching benefit.
• Tuition assistance and training opportunities for career development.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, transit, and childcare expenses.

What This Job Offers

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