Street Outreach Case Manager

Street Outreach Case Manager

Family & Children's Agency (FCA) is a nonprofit human service organization that is committed to increasing the social and emotional well-being of our clients – people throughout Fairfield County. Our Agency builds better lives by offering more than 30 programs that meet needs across all ages, delivering services to more than 13,000 people each year. Our clients reside primarily in Norwalk, Wilton, Darien, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Stamford, and Greenwich.

Our Home Care and Foster Care programs provide assistance to residents throughout Fairfield County, and the Adoption program is both nationwide and international.

FCA is looking for a street outreach case manager who focuses on providing immediate access to coordinated entry, basic needs and other services for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. These services are located at 9 Mott Ave, Norwalk, CT.

Provide targeted street outreach case management and support to unsheltered households located in places not meant for human habitation and are unlikely or unable to connect with the traditional homeless response system. This position will spend 70% of time canvassing in the community.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular and targeted street outreach to locations frequented by people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Employ engagement strategies that are sensitive to the unique needs of the population, including those who may be hesitant to seek assistance or distrustful of traditional service providers.
• Actively connect with people through community-based settings and ensure they are informed of available housing and services.
• Provide immediate support and intervention, including crisis counseling.
• Offer practical assistance, such as meals, blankets, clothing and toiletries.
• Publicize the availability of services provided within the CAN/ CoC.
• Facilitate immediate access to coordinated entry appointments.
• Assist people in navigating the homeless service system, including referrals to CAN Navigators to support their understanding of eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
• Provide information and referrals to relevant homeless and mainstream programs, including housing, healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, employment, and education programs.

Productivity Requirements:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all outreach activities and interactions with clients, including documentation of homeless status using written observations, referrals or self-certification.
• Collect data on the number and characteristics of those served and the causes of their homelessness.
• Ensure documentation practices adhere to privacy standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Document barriers to employment that unsheltered households are facing, including history of incarceration or detention for criminal activity.
• Work closely with the CAN team, including other outreach staff, case managers, and service providers.
• Collaborate with other community organizations and agencies that serve people experiencing homelessness, including schools, libraries and other local institutions.
• Provide bi-weekly client roster to CAN staff to ensure coordination and program enrollment.
• Participate in the FC CAN entry and outreach team meetings to share information, coordinate service delivery, and problem-solve complex cases

Other

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned

Essential Qualifications/

Skills:

• BA in related field preferred.
• Bilingual/Spanish Speaking a must

• Must have experience working with the homeless population and individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.

• Must have reliable transportation and a valid Driver's License.
• Must have awareness of the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients served.

Physical Demands:

• The applicant must be able to canvass the greater Norwalk community and be present in places not meant for habitation.