Reporting to the Assistant Director, Programs, Safe Options Support the Community Health Specialist, Safe Options Support (SOS) provides on-site and field assessments and support for the SOS outreach teams in The Rockaways who engage with individuals to determine homelessness history, services needed, and appropriate placement options. The Community Health Specialist ensures the utilization of Harm Reduction and Housing First strategies and other best-practice interventions to ensure the highest quality care for clients. The Community Health Specialist carries a caseload and is responsible for ensuring client records are kept in compliance with regulatory and agency standards.   

 

The Community Health Specialist works primarily during business hours Monday-Friday, with off hours availability in case of emergency or for special projects/initiatives. 

 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Carry a caseload of clients Assist with outreach and engaging with identified persons currently experiencing homelessness and living with chronic medical conditions in The Rockaways Promote effective strategies for case management following Housing First, Harm Reduction, Critical Time Intervention (CTI), Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care models of practice Develop and implement individual service plans; ensure documentation of client contact and progress is comprehensive and timely Help troubleshoot, problem solve, and strategize solutions around client engagement and challenging behaviors Coordinate delivery of care with multiple service providers, particularly outreach teams and transitional and permanent housing providers, including conducting case conferences Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

NYS Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) or NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) strongly preferred. Minimum requirement: MSW, MHC, MPH, or MPA  Previous experience with related populations strongly preferred Thorough clinical understanding of relevant service delivery concepts and structures including Housing First, client centered motivational interviewing, Harm Reduction models, behavioral and medical health systems, and the ability to access and negotiate the full range of services for recipients Experience with crisis intervention, including, risk assessments and incident management Ability to work successfully with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders Demonstrated success in working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities Ability to communicate (verbally and written) with diverse populations and stakeholders Valid NY, NJ, CT, or PA driver’s license with a good driving record, as defined by Breaking Ground, is required Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams; familiarity with Access-based databases and the ability to learn new programs are required Bilingual preferred