Youth Case Worker/Housing Specialist - RRHP

About the role

The Connecticut Rapid Re-Housing Program (CT RRP) is a statewide initiative aimed at assisting homeless households, particularly youth, individuals, and families, in moving out of homelessness and into permanent housing. The Youth Case Worker/Housing Specialist provides housing and relocation services to youth, ages 18-24, who are exiting homelessness, and offers up to 12 months of home-based case management post-housing placement. This position may also serve individuals and families as needed.

Essential Functions

• Carry a case load consisting primarily of youth homeless households in need of housing assistance and/or case work, within the sub-region of Greater New Haven.
• Act as a primary contact person/Case Worker for between 7 and 15 youth participating in the Rapid Re-housing Program throughout Greater New Haven.
• Act as a primary contact person/ Housing Specialist for between 7 and 15 youth referred for housing placement in the Greater New Haven area.
• Locate and help secure appropriate housing and community resources for participants.
• Provide assistance for households to increase income, access long-term housing subsidies, establish and/or expand family and community-based supports, and assist in increasing access to mainstream services.
• Provide the majority of services in the client's home/shelter or a location of the client's choosing.
• Conduct outreach with shelters in sub-region to coordinate effective communication regarding referrals to RRH.
• Educate providers and market the program as needed.
• Educate landlords in the community about their services, dispel myths about homeless families and individuals, and provide support to the family and the landlord to promote successful tenancy, while maintaining positive communication.
• Actively participate in the community landlord engagement teams and meetings. Assist in creating engagement events and other processes to engage and recruit new landlords.
• Assist clients in completing relevant community and agency housing applications.
• Conduct Housing Quality and lead inspections on all units prior to tenant occupancy.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree required (Bachelor's preferred), and two years experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish and bicultural preferred.
• Valid CT Driver's License, proof of insurance, and access to reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of leasing procedures and fair housing laws.
• Knowledge of housing quality standards and inspection methods.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• High level of organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Highly motivated, creative with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and desire to work as part of a team; identify with and support the mission of New Reach.

Expectations

• Have a solutions-based approach to presented problems.
• Be supportive, engaging, and encouraging to peers and staff.
• Be adaptable to change and willing to take on more responsibility.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning any client's or employees' personal information, living information, and/or HIV status.
• Provide a commitment to the values of New Reach: Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion, and Initiative.
• Adhere to all New Reach's Policies and Procedures.