Outreach & Retention Specialist - CRED

About the Role

In partnership with the Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), Housing Works launched the CRED Program, a new specialized 24-week paid training program for justice-involved and justice-impacted individuals ages 25 - 40. The program provides case management, connection to wraparound health services, industry-recognized credential trainings, paid internships, and employment placement and retention support. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Outreach & Retention Specialist will engage in networking and outreach activities, provide counseling support to clients, and monitor employment retention.

Responsibilities

• Participate in networking and in-community outreach activities to raise awareness of program services and promote enrollment.
• Develop referral relationships with community-based organizations, faith-based institutions, and grassroots organizations in assigned catchment areas.
• Conduct initial screening assessments with individuals referred to the program.
• Facilitate program orientation and work readiness groups.
• Meet with clients bi-weekly to provide retention support.
• Monitor client employment retention outcomes and provide individual vocational counseling sessions.
• Assist with developing and implementing client satisfaction and program evaluation surveys.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and case conferences.
• Utilize motivational interviewing strategies and engage in crisis intervention as needed.
• Document program services and client engagement activities in internal and external data systems.
• Submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports accurately and on time.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Provide culturally competent services in accordance with Housing Works policies.
• Promote Housing Works core values consistently.
• Work collaboratively with team members and cross-agency.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Adhere to remote workforce policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in social services, psychology, social work, or related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience providing direct client service.
• Experience working with justice-involved or justice-impacted individuals.
• Strong written and communication skills.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to work autonomously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOC clearance.
• Experience utilizing EMR systems.

Qualifications

• Preferably bilingual in Spanish.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient technical skills in Microsoft Office, email, and case management systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Dependability and reliability in adhering to scheduled shifts.
• Ability to frequently travel within the boroughs via public transportation.

Pay

$25/hr - $28/hr commensurate with experience

Benefits

• Three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from, with Housing Works covering most of the cost.
• Up to 30 days of PTO accrued in the first year.
• Educational benefit for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and textbooks.

Housing Works provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).