Supportive Housing Case Worker - Bridgeport

Supportive Housing Case Worker - Bridgeport

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 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.

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 supports 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 but not limited to 211, the Coordinated Access Network (CAN), community medical case managers.
• Complete program intakes, including initiating contact with referred households, description of program services offered, and a comprehensive, strengths-based assessment of needs to stabilize housing and health.
• Co-create person-centered goal plans with clients and other parties involved in services.
• Provide home and community-based case management services to address unmet housing and health needs through direct support, coaching, mentoring, crisis intervention, life skills training, advocacy, and linkages to community resources.
• Engage with property managers/owners to provide information on service components, advocate for housing rights, and mediate housing concerns effectively.
• Assist clients with stabilizing housing, including 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, 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 timely and accurate documentation for all client files per agency policy and procedures and funder requirements, including assessments, goal plans, client services, referral outcomes, housing inspections, rental assistance, 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 assure successful operations.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Human Services or related field, OR associate's degree and 2 years of human services experience, OR recovery support specialist certification with 2 years of human experience.
• 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 Power Point.

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, HIV, or health conditions.
• Bilingual in Spanish, both written and oral

Expectations:

• Work in the office, in client homes, and in the community from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
• Have a solutions-based approach to presented problems