Resource Specialist

The Intake, Assessment and Capacity Management Unit is responsible for planning, implementing, administering and effectuating the provision of services of the Division's seven assessment shelters, which operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the Assessment process, clients who are new to the Adult Services System, or who have previously left the system for twelve (12) months or more are assessed to determine individual needs, which helps to locate an appropriate shelter program to overcome the contributing factors of homelessness, i.e., substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and/or lack of employment, towards the goal of returning clients to the community as quickly as possible.

The Department of Homeless Services is recruiting for two (2) Community Coordinators to serve as Resource Specialists, who will:

• Cultivate relationships across diverse communities to provide new opportunities for clients and community based homeless population regarding housing alternatives to shelter. Provide information about these opportunities to staff and support community partners as they provide these opportunities to the homeless population.

• Conduct outreach, interviews, recruitment, and screening for housing alternatives to shelter with primary tenants, landlords, building superintendent, neighbors, other city agencies, institutional settings, private entities, and any other collateral sources of information to obtain relevant information in connection with determining the applicant's viability for housing within the community.

• Canvas community and engage with community based homeless population to provide DHS shelter referrals and educate about housing options or other resources available in the community through mediation, referrals, meetings, and other methods.

• Gather all applicant information including housing history and income. Review and verify documents provided by the applicant.
  
  Perform screening interviews for the single adult applicants. Follow-up with applicant's past housing resources to determine whether applicant can return to the community. Make an initial recommendation on applicant's alternatives to shelter based on a total assessment of the individual's situation.

• Conduct field work, including interviews and meetings with primary tenants, landlords, building superintendent, and neighbors.

• Perform all other necessary screenings of applicants who have housing options or other resources available in the community. Provide an initial assessment of applicant's psychiatric and substance abuse history and work with a Behavior Health Specialist as needed.

Preferred Skills:

Excellent writing and communication, and computer skills.

Proficiency with CARES.

Work Location:

400-430 E. 30TH Street, New York, NY

Hours/Schedule:

Thursday-Monday 12am-8am, Wednesday- Sunday 12am-8am,

Minimum Qualifications

1.A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or

2.High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or

3.Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.