Job Details
Qualifications
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Driver's License
- Motivational interviewing
- Word processing
Benefits
- Relocation assistance
Job Description
Company Overview:
As a long-time leader in Connecticut, New Reach hopes to now chart a new path by fundamentally shifting how our community manages and responds to the homelessness and housing insecurity crises. With increased focus on preventing evictions and providing long-term stability for those who are establishing their independence, we believe a true systems change is possible. We imagine a world where the need for shelter is minimal, because individuals and families are able to stay in their homes instead of being evicted and those who are 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:
The Connecticut Rapid Re-Housing Program (CT RRP) is a statewide initiative designed to assist homeless households (individual 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 Housing Specialist provides housing and relocation services to families and individuals exiting homelessness and then provides 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 housing specialist will carry a minimum caseload of 15 homeless households (families and singles) in need of housing within the sub-region of Greater New Haven with providing assistance to a minimum of 50 households annually.
Provide support to the Rapid Rehousing (RRH) Team. Be cross trained as a RRH Case Worker and provide coverage as needed.
Conduct outreach with shelters in 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 provide support to 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. Actively participate in the community landlord engagement teams and meetings. Assist in creating engagement events and other processes to engage and recruit new landlords.
Coordinate with the referring agency staff and assist these clients if they are in need of further help.
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.
Conduct Housing Quality and lead inspections on all units prior to tenant occupancy.
The Rapid Re-housing Housing Specialist is to have supervision with the Rapid Rehousing Program Manager- New Haven at minimum biweekly or as needed.
The Rapid Re-housing Housing Specialist must report any major changes in client mental status, potential for DCF hotline calls, unethical behavior/situations, and/or critical incidents within 24 hours to the Family Stabilization Coordinator.
The Program Manager may require the Rapid Re-housing Housing Specialist to attend trainings on Evidence Based Practices necessary to the program.
The Rapid Re-housing Housing Specialist must complete at least an introductory training to Motivational Interviewing.
Rapid Re-housing Housing Specialist is required to use an approved HMIS system to document all client and program data, which includes but is not limited to: Program enrollments, discharges, case notes, assessments, client demographics, action plans, collateral contacts, referrals and services provided.
Other duties as assigned to assure successful operations.
Qualifications:
Associate's Degree (Bachelor's preferred) and two years of experience
Bilingual in Spanish, both written and oral preferred. Ability to work with diverse populations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Valid CT Drivers License, proof of insurance and access to reliable transportation.
Experience in housing, housing law and other areas as they lend themselves to successfully enhancing this program.
Highly motivated, creative with excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to work with a group or independently.
Strong computer skills including word processing.
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/or HIV status
Provides a commitment to the values of New Reach: Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion and Initiative
Adheres to all New Reach's Policies and Procedures
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the 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.