Case Manager, Safe Options Support (SOS)

ABOUT US: - We believe that everyone deserves a home!

Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.

But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness - especially those who have been on the streets the longest - to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.

The Safe Options Support (SOS) program addresses the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness on the streets and in public transit locations by offering direct linkages to services that address their immediate needs and providing support during the transition from street homelessness to stable housing.

The project relies on consistent cross-system collaboration for data sharing, care plan coordinator, and accessing community-based resources.

Reporting to the Clinical Coordinator, Safe Options Support, the Case Manager, Safe Options Support will provide case management services to people experiencing homelessness, some with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, in order to assist the individual in the transition to permanent housing.

This position has a 35-hour work week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct services to a caseload of approximately 25 clients, including conducting necessary assessments, benefits assistance, and other services necessary to support the client in achieving housing and recovery goals
• Conduct psychosocial evaluations
• Connect clients to psychiatric services
• Connect clients to medical treatment and substance use treatment facilities when applicable
• Obtain identification, public benefits, and other applicable income sources for clients
• Meet weekly with clients to assess needs, encourage harm reduction, and develop service plans
• Prepare all documentation for housing applications
• Assist and counsel clients in the process of obtaining permanent housing
• Maintain record keeping in compliance with agency standards as well as those of City and State agencies
• Intervene in crisis situations
• Escort clients to appointments when needed
• Upon training, provide assistance with self-administration of medication consistent with Breaking Ground's policies and procedures
• Performs other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• Two years of experience working with homeless adults and substance abuse issues preferred
• Experience with harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques strongly preferred
• Valid NY, NJ, CT, or PA driver’s license with a good driving record, as defined by Breaking Ground, is a condition of employment
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn new programs
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled