Outreach Independent Living Specialist - Transit Homeless Outreach

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management services to identified chronic homeless individuals.
• Responsible for all aspects of assigned caseload, including meeting with clients regularly both in the field and in the office, and ensuring that all clinical files and reports are complete and up to date.
• Intensively work with clients as they move through the program continuum by conducting comprehensive assessments to identify barriers to housing, assisting clients to overcome housing barriers and secure entitlements.
• Develop and work with clients to progress on individualized housing plans, building a network of support services for clients.
• Prepare clients for housing interviews, arrange housing appointments, and participate in case conferences as necessary.
• Liaise with clinical staff in other BRC or outside programs regarding common clients.
• Fire Safety and First Aid/CPR certification, or the ability to pass a test to acquire these credentials, required.
• Related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA in a related field preferred.
• Significant experience working in outreach or case management strongly preferred.
• Strong interest in providing direct services to homeless and/or mentally ill and substance‑abusing populations.
• Experience referring clients to substance‑abuse programs, mental health programs, entitlements, and work‑readiness programs.
• Ability to assess and recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse.
• Good writing and oral communication skills.
• Computer literacy required.
• Ability to work in a high‑stress, high‑volume environment while maintaining communication with other members of the clinical team.
• Bilingual preferred (e.g., Spanish, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, or other languages).
• Valid state driver’s license.
• CPR training certification or willingness to take a CPR training class.
• Vaccination preferred but not required.

Schedule

Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week.

Program Description

Jointly funded by the Department of Homeless Services and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, BRC's Transit Homeless Outreach staff operate throughout the transit system 24 hours a day. Since 2005, and with a major expansion in 2014, the program provides outreach and case management services to humanely assist homeless individuals in permanently relocating from MTA properties. The program serves the New York City metropolitan area, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Clients are engaged and assessed with the goal of connecting them with housing and essential services.

Make an Impact

At BRC, staff help New Yorkers experiencing homelessness reclaim their lives by providing a hand‑up, offering opportunities for health and self‑sufficiency, and restoring hope and dignity. Employees make heroic contributions to the city, providing vital services in times of crisis and need. BRC is committed to employee wellbeing and development, offering a workplace where staff can achieve their goals, make a difference with clients, and grow personally and professionally. The organization ensures a safe and healthy workplace with PPE, temperature monitoring, and physical‑distancing best practices. With over 1,000 full‑time, part‑time, and per‑diem positions across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, 95 % of BRC employees would recommend BRC as a good place to work.

Benefits

• Health insurance and paid sick‑time benefits available immediately upon starting work.
• Competitive health and dental plans, with coverage available for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents.
• Minimum of three weeks paid vacation.
• 12 paid holidays, plus additional paid sick and personal time.
• 403(b) pension plan with a matching contribution paid by BRC.
• Tuition assistance and numerous training opportunities for career development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare, transit, and childcare expenses.