Supportive Housing Case Worker

Company Overview:

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. As a long-time leader in Connecticut, New Reach hopes to chart a new path by fundamentally shifting how our community manages and responds to the homelessness and housing insecurity crises. We believe a true systems change is possible with an increased focus on preventing evictions and providing long-term stability for those establishing independence. We imagine a world where the need for shelter is minimal because individuals and families can stay in their homes instead of being evicted, and those struggling to make ends meet can get the help they need to maintain stability. We inspire lasting independence for all people affected by homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing and support, using the most innovative, progressive, equitable, and inclusive methods.

Primary Purpose:

In partnership with the Fairfield County Coordinated Access Network (CAN) and other community stakeholders, New Reach provides supportive housing services to individuals and families who, without support in these critical times of transition and need, are at imminent risk of homelessness or are actively experiencing homelessness in the greater Bridgeport community. The services are provided primarily to low-income individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability in the greater Bridgeport area who are affected by significant and persistent mental health, substance use, or HIV/AIDS. The housing caseworker acts as the first point of contact to provide support and advocacy, housing counseling, and community linkages with the ultimate goal of housing stabilization. Other populations or housing support services may be assigned as secondary purposes when needed.

Essential Functions:

• Accept referrals from local and regional sources, including 211, the Coordinated Access Network (CAN), and community medical case managers.

• Initiate contact with referred households to describe program services, assess program eligibility, and begin an assessment of services needed to support housing stabilization efforts.

• Conduct comprehensive screenings, intakes, and case management for households at risk of eviction and homelessness within greater Bridgeport.

• Educate clients and property owners/managers about the program's services to engage all parties in appropriate service components.

• Provide home and community-based case management services, focusing on housing stabilization supports.

• Provide education to clients and property owners/managers about the program's services to engage all parties in appropriate service components.

• Co-create housing stabilization goal plans with clients and other parties involved in services.

• Assist clients with stabilizing housing, including landlord/tenant mediation, linkage to housing court legal representation, affordable housing search, tenancy skill building and responsibilities, fiscal preparedness for independent rent payment, and housing maintenance.

• Assist clients with identifying unaddressed needs and encourage an array of integrated support/services related to benefits, employment and income, education, housing, medical conditions, mental health, substance use, HIV, family and/or community-based supports, and access to mainstream services. Refer and support engagement in appropriate services to meet the household's needs.

• Work collaboratively and maintain positive, professional communication with program partners, including client's household members and natural support networks, property owners/managers, housing authorities, legal entities, mediation services, diversion services, and community providers to support housing retention and stability.

• Utilize the statewide HMIS database, Google Sheets, and Smartsheet to document HUD assessments, case notes, services, financial requests, and client outcomes in compliance with standards and expectations.

• Maintain ongoing client files, including assessments, housing stabilization goal plans, referrals, financial assistance requests, correspondence, and case notes.

• Participate in internal, local, regional, and statewide meetings as assigned.

• Develop a strong community profile with the homeless services, mental health, substance use, and/or HIV/AIDS community as an advocate for clients.

• Other duties as assigned to ensure successful operations.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Human Services or a related field, OR an Associate's Degree and two years of human services experience are required.

• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation with proof of insurance.

• Highly motivated, with excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

• Ability to provide intensive and comprehensive services to households experiencing homelessness, including advocacy and mediation skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to support the mission of New Reach.

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

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with housing, housing law, and provision of services to the identified population preferred.

• Experience working with individuals affected by mental health, substance use, or chronic health conditions.

• Bilingual in Spanish, both written and oral

Expectations:

• Be available to work in the office, client homes, and the community from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

• 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/or HIV status.

• Provide a commitment to the values of New Reach: Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion and Initiative

• Adhere to all New Reach's Policies and Procedures

Physical Demands:

• An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

EEO/VET Employer