JOB TITLE:        CT Probation Rapid Re-Housing Community Social Worker

DEPARTMENT:   Diversion

REPORTS TO:     Rapid Re-Housing Program Manager

FLSA STATUS:   Non-Exempt/Full Time

SCHEDULED WORK TIMES/LOCATIONS 

Business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM, however the Connecticut Probation Rapid Re-Housing Program’s Community Social Worker’s schedule will include a minimum two evenings or one evening and one weekend on a weekly basis.

SCHEDULED LOCATION: 117 Wethersfield Ave, Hartford, CT

THE ORGANIZATION: Community Housing Advocates is an umbrella organization for two well established affiliated agencies, each with a 40-year history in Hartford - Mercy Housing & Shelter Corporation (Mercy) and My Sisters' Place. Mercy is a forward-thinking non-profit providing life enhancing services to households at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to empower those we serve to become independent, so they may live and work with dignity and respect. Mercy strives to provide the highest quality services through robust performance improvement with a focus on workforce development and stakeholder feedback.  We work collectively with other providers in the region to end homelessness by advocating for and implementing changes across the entire service system. We offer an excellent health insurance package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, 403b and Life Insurance. We also have a generous PTO (paid time off) benefit along with 12 Company paid holidays

WHY WE NEED YOU:

Mercy is looking for a motivated, empathetic team member looking to making a difference in the lives of families and individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The ideal candidate will be committed to housing as a human right, and understand the importance of race equity and valuing differences in the work that they do. This person will engage and build trust with program participants, advocate on their behalf, connect them with community based resources, and engage them in skill-building, goal-oriented short term case management with the goal of empowering participant to find, obtain and maintain stable housing in the community. Mercy is seeking an individual with an engaging personality and attention to detail to ensure the successful implementation of this new, exciting program focused on securing housing for justice-involved individuals on probation.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with Court Support Services Division (CSSD) to receive program referrals
• Provide intake/orientation to new clients.    
• Provide case management services including assessment, budgeting, employment search, arranging childcare, referrals, linkage to other community supports, advocacy and monitoring of housing plan to reduce housing barriers and increase client integration into the neighborhood.
• Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice by teaching them to find and use on-line and other available resources.
• Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts and educate clients on housing laws as well as client rights and responsibilities.
• Complete all required documentation with accurate and timely entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and/or other required databases.
• Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written between tenants, landlords, referral sources, debtors, creditors and other collaborating agencies or individuals.   
• Identify, recruit, establish and maintain relationships with responsible landlords, private and non-profit, who will work with eligible clients.
• Perform habitability, lead-based paint, and rent reasonableness activities, including housing inspections as required.
• Assist program participants with obtaining assistance for applications fees, documentation fees, and security deposits as necessary.
• Serve as an ongoing liaison between property managers and participants to solve issues as they arise.
• Maintain accurate progress notes, records, and files for each client.
• Transport clients as deemed necessary-Limiting transport to housing related matters.
• Attend community meetings as requested by supervisor
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written with diverse clientele.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow through required, exceptional problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines; ability to prioritize tasks.
• Provide client housing readiness assessments.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, or Human Services field from an accredited university, however equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• 2-3 years relevant work experience and demonstrated ability to provide effective services to diverse client populations required.
• Knowledge of housing resources available in Greater Hartford is preferred.
• Have a familiarity with housing first, progressive engagement, and motivational interviewing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates strongly encouraged.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must have valid Connecticut driver’s license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance.  Staff will be expected to transport clients in their personal car. COVID-19 VACCINATIONS ARE MANDATORY.