Job description

Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-Greater New York) is an anti-poverty organization working to end homelessness in the New York area by 2050. We operate over 60 programs across New York City, Northern New Jersey and Westchester County including emergency, transitional and permanent housing. Our services extend to families experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, people living with HIV/AIDS, veterans, youth aging out of foster care, adults with behavioral health or substance use needs, and others in need, including a special education preschool program.

We are in search of new talent in the following position…

Position: Community Support Services Engagement Specialist (MPH410)

Summary:
This position will identify, link, and work to maintain engagement with homeless individuals using the Housing First model as well as other evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing. The Community Support Services Engagement Specialist is responsible to provide behavioral health rehabilitation services and supports that is necessary to assist individuals in achieving recovery goals in various life roles such as housing, employment, educational, and/or social domains. Services are provided that improve skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging to the larger community. The Community Support Services Engagement Specialist maintains a wellness and recovery-oriented environment by using person-first language, and person-centered and rehabilitation planning to individuals referred by the Middlesex Continuum of Care Committee and who meet the eligibility criteria to receive CSS. Excellent engagement skills with knowledge and practice of motivational interviewing and trauma informed care are essential for this position. The ability to work independently with strong focus, task oriented, non-judgmental, and able to set clear boundaries. Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications:
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.

Supervisory Role:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Principal Responsibilities:
The below enumerated principal responsibilities are inclusive of both program specific and firm-wide related administration, as applicable.

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

Expected Results of Principal Responsibilities:
1. Individual’s wellness is increased through empowerment and skill development to maximize psychiatric and substance use recovery.
2. Individual is integrated into the community in the housing of his/her choice.
3. The electronic medical record is kept up to date and accurately reflects all services provided.
4. Program staff are informed of individual’s progress.
5. Individual develops improved life-skills and is better able to manage his/her daily life.
6. Individuals are provided with state-of-the-art mental health services based on evidence-based practices.
7. Services provided are consistent with each individual’s strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
8. Activities and services provided meet each individual’s service needs.
9. Services provided meet all funding requirements and accrediting body standards.
10. Clients have available resources to obtain affordable housing.
11. All other related tasks are completed on time and accurately.

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of the job, the employee will be in an office and residential environment.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to have visual acuity, talk and hear while communicating with peers and/or vendors. This position requires sitting, standing and walking. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items up to 20 pounds.

Position Type:
This is a full – time position.

To learn more about VOA-Greater New York, copy and paste this link into a browser: https://www.voa-gny.org/about

Successful applicants must be vaccinated for COVID-19 before their start date with VOA-Greater New York, unless you have been approved by VOA-Greater New York for a medical or religious exception to this requirement.

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

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