Behavioral Health Engagement Specialist

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison between New Providence Women’s shelter, NYPD, DHSPD, DHS, some aspects of Community Government, and other local Agencies to reduce loitering on the neighborhood streets.
• Conduct community walk-throughs and engage current New Providence clients about loitering on the neighboring streets and parks.
• Alert DHS Outreach team of known street homeless individuals.
• Enforce adherence with the Good Neighbor Policy by issuing verbal and written warnings reminding clients of their compliance responsibilities regarding the facility policies.
• Engage loitering clients about the services provided at New Providence and encourage participation in the offered on-site recreational and Occupational Therapy activities.
• Engage challenging clients to participate in service planning and housing search processes.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date written client documentation as required by and following city and state oversight agency guidelines.
• Act as a “Champion” for the overdose prevention program, which includes providing ongoing overdose prevention training to clients and staff and engaging clients after overdose.
• Completes monthly Overdose prevention reporting for DOH, DHMH and DHS.
• Participates in training and monthly staff meetings.
• Communicates with the Social Services team to discuss client concerns.
• Participates in case conferences in response to client complaints, using conflict resolution techniques to amicably resolve issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Social Services, Assistant Director or Program Director.

Education And Experience Requirements

• A minimum associate’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working with adults with mental health and/or substance use issues, preferably in homeless shelters or supportive housing.
• Knowledge in Harm Reduction.
• Ability to become a Certified Trainer in Opioid Overdose Prevention.
• Exceptionally strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as an ability to work effectively with others.
• Attention to detail, with exceptional analytical, organizational, communication and project management skills.
• Strong quantitative and Microsoft Excel skills.
• Fire Guard certification F-02 or Fire Safety Coordinator F-80; Narcan trained.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate staff to accomplish stated program goals and objectives while developing their individual and group skills.
• Ability to develop and foster, through demonstration, a team spirit, enabling staff to overcome the challenges of providing needed services to a special client population.
• Excellent oral, writing, and listening skills are a must.
• The ability to work well within a highly pressurized, deadline environment, while meeting the short- and long-term mandates of the program.
• An ability to interface with clients as well as all levels of staff.
• Knowledge of case management software as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus.