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 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:

The primary purpose of this role is to provide housing stabilization support to households at risk of eviction and homelessness in Bridgeport, CT. Households prioritized for services include low-income families with children residing in Bridgeport Public Housing or other housing subsidized by Bridgeport Housing Authority. The eviction prevention 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:

• We accept referrals from local and regional sources, including 211 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 intensive case management services to caseload households at risk of eviction and homelessness within Bridgeport, CT.
• 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.
• Collaborate and maintain positive, professional communication with program partners, including the client's 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.
• As assigned, participate in outreach events.
• 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.
• Motivated, with excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Provide intensive and comprehensive services to housing crisis households, including advocacy and mediation skills.
• High level of organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• 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
• Knowledge of leasing procedures and fair housing laws.
• Bilingual in Spanish, both written and oral.

Expectations:

• Be available to work onsite from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
• Have a solutions-based approach to problems.
• Be supportive, engaging, and encouraging to peers and staff.
• Be adaptable to change and willing to take on new challenges and opportunities.
• 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.

Physical Demands:

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell.
• Lift and move up to 25 pounds. S

EEO/VET Employer