The Domestic Violence Housing Assessment Specialist is a direct service position in the non-residential component of Haven House, working with victims of domestic violence. The Housing Assessment Specialist is a member of our Rapid Rehousing Project team. The Domestic Violence Housing Assessment Specialist is responsible for completing assessments and referrals for domestic violence victims to appropriate housing services through the local coordinated entry system, using a trauma-informed, empowerment-based, housing first model of service provision. Major Responsibilities/Activities:
- Assess clients to ensure that they meet requirements for enrollment in domestic violence-specific housing services and referral to coordinated entry, including verification of domestic violence history and verification of Category 1 or 4 Homelessness, as defined by HUD;
- Complete required housing and domestic violence assessment tools with qualified clients;
- Provide emergency safety planning and referrals for clients to community services and resources to meet identified urgent needs, as needed;
- Complete referrals for qualified clients to coordinated entry;
- Maintain communication with coordinated entry lead for the purpose of referral completion and follow-up;
- Establish and maintain rapport with local landlords and property management companies, for the purpose of building and maintaining a network of available housing resources for clients;
- Support the work of the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager, including by assisting to identify appropriate available housing units for clients; as well as provide case management supports as needed.
- Provide domestic violence counseling to survivors in both individual and group formats. May include facilitation of Art Empowerment, domestic violence support groups, and individual sessions with survivors.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client files, statistics, case notes, and summary reports as required, including reports for funding sources as needed;
- Attend Haven House staff meetings, CAP team meetings, trainings, and regularly scheduled supervision;
- Participate in program audits and site visits, as needed;
- Provide occasional coverage in the shelter, if needed;
- Engage in staff development to ensure continued professional growth;
- Model and practice sensitivity, fair treatment, and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions;
- Promote the empowerment of individuals as defined by the social work profession and domestic violence services best practices, adhering to the principles of non-violence and independent decision making;
- Participate and contribute to program quality improvement process;
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or equivalent education and experience;
- Professional housing services experience preferred;
- Professional domestic violence experience preferred;
- Bi-lingual skills (Spanish-English) preferred;
- Local travel to community locations for work purposes, including client meetings, required;
- NYS driver's license and continued automobile insurance required.
Competitive Salary of $22.64 per hour. CFS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and help to create a healthy work environment.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) -20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment) -14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays) - Bereavement: Four Paid Days - Paid Jury Duty
- Employer Paid Life Insurance
- Medical, Two Plan Options
- Dental, Two Plan Options
- Vision Insurance
- Wellness Program and Incentives
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Dependent Care FSA Retirement
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
- 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years
Child & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Diversity Statement: Within our agency and in the communities that we serve, C&FS is committed to diversity and inclusion with race equity at the center. Every day we work to promote safety, health, and wellness. We will not stop until Black, indigenous and people of color are free from racism and experience peace, prosperity and well-being. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)