Case Worker​/Housing Specialist

Description

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.

At New Reach, you will be part of a compassionate and innovative team that uses the most progressive approaches to inspire independence. You'll play a key role in a transformative movement to end homelessness and food insecurity through prevention, support, and housing solutions that create long-term stability for those we serve.

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• 12 Paid Holidays
• 1 Floating Holiday
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability

Join us and be part of a team that is charting a new path toward a world with fewer evictions, more stability, and lasting independence for all.

The Case Worker & Housing Specialist provides housing search, placement, stabilization, and case management services across the Connecticut Rapid Re-Housing Program and Project Longevity. The position supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including individuals at elevated risk of gun violence, with securing permanent housing and connecting to services that promote safety, stability, and self-sufficiency.

• Manage a combined caseload across Rapid Rehousing and Project Longevity in accordance with program requirements.
• Complete intake, eligibility screenings, housing assessments, financial service requests and ongoing assessment of household needs, strengths, and barriers.
• Develop individualized service and housing plans and monitor progress toward housing stability and self-sufficiency.
• Provide housing search and placement assistance, including locating appropriate units, completing applications, coordinating relocation, and connecting clients to housing subsidies and other resources.
• Recruit and engage landlords, respond to landlord and tenant concerns, and provide support that promotes successful and sustainable tenancies.
• Participate in landlord engagement activities and develop strategies to expand housing opportunities across program participants.,
• Conduct housing Inspections, based on the approved contracted requirements, including lead-based paint inspections, as applicable, for units prior to tenant occupancy.
• Provide home and community-based case management for an average of 12 months following housing placement, based on program requirements and client needs.
• Connect clients to benefits and community resources, including income, employment, health, behavioral health, substance use, transportation, basic-needs, and family support services.
• Coordinate, submit and document financial assistance in accordance with program guidelines.
• Collaborate with shelters, housing providers, community organizations, and Project Longevity partners to coordinate referrals and services.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the approved Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), including enrollments, discharges, assessments, case notes, demographics, action plans, collateral contacts, referrals, and services provided.
• Communicate significant changes in a client’s mental status, potential child protection concerns requiring a DCF hotline report, unethical or unsafe situations, and critical incidents to the Program Manager within 24 hours, or…