Location: New Haven,CT, USA
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 (individuals 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. Essential Functions: •Acts as primary contact person/ Case Worker for between 15 and 30 families/individuals participating in the Rapid Re-housing Program throughout Greater New Haven. •Complete coordinated screenings and intakes with the local Coordinated Access Network (CAN). •Provide the majority of services in the client's home or a location of the client's choosing. •Locate and help secure appropriate housing and community resources for residents. •Be trained and utilize evidenced based practices of Critical Time Intervention, Person Centered Planning and Motivational Interviewing. •Develop Person Centered Service Plans with each client in caseload with signed agreement by client. •Provide assistance for households to increase income, accessing long-term housing subsidies, establishing and/or expanding family and community based supports, and assistance in increasing access to mainstream services. •Maintain positive communication with landlords serving program participants. •Contact households in client caseload at least weekly and make home visits to clients per contractual requirements. •Provide services for up to a maximum of one year or based on the individual household needs and contractual requirements. •Develop a strong community profile within the homeless services community as an advocate for clients. •Assist in program development and quality assurance activities as directed by the Rapid Re-Housing Program Manager - RRH. •Attend required trainings programs and community meetings as assigned. •Attend regularly scheduled supervision, staff and or other meetings as requested. •Mandated to report any witnessed or suspected child abuse/neglect to the Department of Children and Families. •Assist with special projects and complete other duties assigned by the Rapid Re-housing Program Manager. •Create and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, realtors, and other housing providers. •Educate landlords and community service providers about the CTI program and Rapid Re-Housing rental assistance. •Assist clients with locating available housing units and with the leasing process. •Provide client/ landlord mediation and/or intervention and act as a liaison between clients and landlords to provide support for issues related to housing concerns (safety, sanitation, hoarding, etc.). •Advocate for clients with various barriers (i.e. criminal, financial, psychological, physical etc.) both in the community and with landlords. •Performs housing inspections to ensure compliance with Housing Habitability Standards and Lead Visual Assessments. •Other duties as assigned to assure successful operations. Qualifications: •Associates Degree required (Bachelor's preferred) and two years experience •Bilingual in Spanish and Bicultural preferred. •Occasional Twenty-four-hour emergency coverage. •Valid driver's license and access to own reliable transportation with proof of insurance. •Knowledge of leasing procedures and fair housing laws. •Knowledge of housing quality standards and inspection methods. •Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point. •High level of organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. •Highly motivated, creative with excellent interpersonal skills. •Excellent written and verbal communication skills. •Ability and desire to work as part of team; identify with and support the mission of New Reach. 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 Equal Employment Opportunity | VET Employer | Affirmative Action Employer