Case Worker, Rapid Rehousing

Company Overview:

New Reach is undergoing an exciting transformation to bring the organization to its next level of success. Working to provide shelter, housing, stabilization, and support for children, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness across CT since 1990, New Reach inspires independence for those affected by homelessness and poverty. Using the most innovative and progressive methods through a continuum of housing and support, New Reach has grown to be one of the most effective nonprofits of its kind in the United States.

Primary Purpose:

The Connecticut Rapid Re-Housing Program (CT RRP) is a statewide initiative to assist homeless households. (individuals and families) as they quickly move out of homelessness and into permanent housing through the provision of time-limited housing supports and strategies, with the ultimate goal of housing stability. The Case Worker/Housing Specialist provides housing and relocation services to families and individuals exiting homelessness and up to 12 months of home-based case management post-housing placement.

Essential Functions:

• CT RRH will employ the interconnected strategies developed by the CT RRP Grant to ensure programmatic effectiveness through the following strategies:

• Coordinated intake, screening, and housing-based assessment.

• Housing search, landlord recruitment, and relocation assistance;

• Housing stabilization and sustainability supports, including linkages to community services and financial assistance (through the Department's ESG Program Rapid Re-housing Financial Assistance fund and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH's) rapid re-housing fund).

• The Case Worker/Housing Specialist will be dually trained as a Case Worker and Housing Specialist to facilitate both functions as needed.

• Carry a combined caseload consisting of homeless households (families and singles) needing housing assistance and casework within Greater New Haven.

• Acts as primary contact person/ Case Worker for between 7 and 15 families/individuals participating in the Rapid Re-housing Program throughout Greater New Haven.

• Locate and help secure appropriate housing and community resources for participants.

• Assist households in increasing income, accessing long-term housing subsidies, establishing and expanding family and community-based supports, and improving access to mainstream services.

• Conduct outreach with shelters in the sub-region to coordinate effective communication regarding referrals to RRH. Educate providers and market the program as needed.

• Educate landlords in the community about their services, dispel myths about homeless families and individuals, and support the family and the landlord to promote successful tenancy while maintaining positive communication.

• Create effective and innovative strategies to engage and maintain professional landlord relationships.

• Provide coordination and referrals to households after they receive assistance to improve stability, well-being, and self-sufficiency.

• Assist clients in completing relevant community and agency housing applications.

• The Case Worker/Housing Specialist is to have supervision with the Rapid Rehousing Program Manager-New Haven at a minimum biweekly or as needed.

• The Case Worker/Housing Specialist must report to the program manager within 24 hours any major changes in the client's mental status, the potential for DCF hotline calls, unethical behavior/situations, and/or critical incidents.

• The program manager may require the case worker/housing specialist to attend training on evidence-based practices necessary for the program, including a minimum introductory training in motivational interviewing.

• The Case Worker/Housing Specialist must use an approved HMIS system to document all client and program data, including but not limited to Program enrollments, discharges, case notes, assessments, client demographics, action plans, collateral contacts, referrals, and services provided.

• Other duties as assigned to ensure successful operations.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree required (Bachelor's preferred) and two years experience

• Bilingual in Spanish and Bicultural preferred.

• Occasional Twenty-four-hour emergency coverage.

• Valid CT Driver's License, proof of insurance, and access to reliable transportation.

• Knowledge of leasing procedures and fair housing laws.

• Knowledge of housing quality standards and inspection methods.

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• High level of organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Highly motivated and creative with excellent interpersonal skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability and desire to work as part of the team; identify with and support the mission of New Reach.

Expectations:

• Have a solutions-based approach to presented problems.

• Be supportive, engaging, and encouraging to peers and staff.

• Be adaptable to change and willing to take on more responsibility.

• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning any client's or employees' personal information, living information, and HIV status.