Case Worker - Housing Support, Bridgeport

Location

Bridgeport, CT | United States

Job description

Company Overview:

New Reach is undergoing an exciting transformation to bring the organization to its next level of success. 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. Using the most innovative and progressive methods through a continuum of housing and support, New Reach has grown to be one of the most effective nonprofits of its kind in the United States.

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 an actual system 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 needed 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 and eviction prevention 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. For supportive housing specifically, the services are provided to households with members affected by HIV/AIDS who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Both supportive housing and eviction prevention interventions prioritize low-income families. 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.

Primary Purpose:

In partnership with the Fairfield County Coordinated Access Network (CAN) and other community stakeholders, New Reach provides supportive housing and eviction prevention 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. For supportive housing specifically, the services are provided to households with members affected by HIV/AIDS who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Both supportive housing and eviction prevention interventions prioritize low-income families. 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.

Essential Functions:

• Accept referrals from local and regional sources, including but not limited to 211, the Coordinated Access Network (CAN), resource centers, housing authorities, landlords, legal aid entities, nonprofit organizations, and other community stakeholders.
• Initiate contact with referred households to describe program services, assess program eligibility, and begin assessing 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.
• 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 integrated support/services related to benefits, employment and income, education, housing, medical conditions, mental health, substance use, family and 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 clients' 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 HIV/AIDS community as an advocate for clients.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure successful operations .

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Human Services or related field, OR associate degree and two years of human services experience.
• Highly motivated, with excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide intensive and comprehensive services to households experiencing homelessness and housing instability, including advocacy and mediation skills.
• High level of organizational skills to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to support the mission of New Reach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation with proof of insurance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in housing and housing law
• Knowledge of leasing procedures and fair housing laws
• Bilingual in Spanish , both written and oral
• Familiarity with virtual platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom

Expectations:

• Be available to work onsite, in 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 HIV status.
• Commit to the values of New Reach: Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion, and Initiative.
• Adhere to all New Reach's Policies and Procedures.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet 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 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

Job tags

Salary

$22 - $24 per hour