Community Support Services Engagement Specialist

Overview

Volunteers of America–Greater New York (VOA–Greater New York) is a leading anti-poverty organization serving neighbors in need across New York City, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester. Through 70+ programs, we support over 35,000 adults and children each year, including individuals experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, youth aging out of foster care, veterans, seniors, and children with developmental delays. Our staff are at the heart of this work, creating meaningful change every day.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and joining a mission-driven team, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Position: Community Support Services Engagement Specialist. This role identifies, links, and maintains engagement with homeless individuals using the Housing First model and other evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing. The Community Support Services Engagement Specialist provides behavioral health rehabilitation services and supports necessary to assist individuals in achieving recovery goals in housing, employment, educational, and/or social domains. Services aim to improve skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging to the larger community.

The role maintains a wellness and recovery-oriented environment through person-first language, person-centered planning, and rehabilitation planning for individuals referred by the Middlesex Continuum of Care Committee who meet eligibility criteria to receive CSS. Excellent engagement skills with knowledge and practice of motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care are essential. The ability to work independently with a strong focus, task orientation, non-judgment, and the ability to set clear boundaries.

Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Location: Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 (Middlesex County)

• The position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the helping professions, such as social work, human services, counseling, psychiatric rehabilitation, psychology, or criminal justice.
• A minimum of 1 year experience working with homeless services and homeless outreach programs is preferred.
• Certification as a psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner (CPRP) may be substituted for one year of experience.
• This position shall also have a valid state driver’s license with a safe driving record that meets agency procedures.

• Contributing to the development, implementation, monitoring, and updating of the individualized rehabilitation plan.
• Provide skill teaching to assist individuals in developing skills in various areas that promote achieving and maintaining valued life roles in housing, employment, physical health, educational, and/or social domains and allow community integration and independent living in the individual’s chosen setting.
• Document all observations, information, and services into HMIS and EHR, ensuring each individual is entered within 48 hours of contact.
• Perform crisis intervention services as needed.
• Provide supportive counseling services to unhoused and formerly homeless but recently housed individuals.
• Communicate observations and information about individuals to the Program Manager and clinical team.
• Attend scheduled team meetings and clinical supervision. Demonstrates ability and flexibility to work as a team member.
• Organize and support socialization activities through use of IMR or other evidence-based practices when indicated on the individual rehabilitation plan.
• Participate in individual service coordination activities, including vocational and educational services.
• Develop community resources for individuals to obtain affordable housing in the community.

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
• Prescription Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off, including a Paid Birthday Holiday

VOA-Greater New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled/Other Protected Categories. Apply today!