Community Support Services Engagement Specialist

Volunteers of America-Greater New York; Perth Amboy (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage

Prescription Coverage

Retirement Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Volunteers of America-Greater New York seeks a Community Support Services Engagement Specialist in Perth Amboy, NJ. The specialist will identify, link, and engage homeless individuals using the Housing First model. Responsibilities include delivering behavioral health services and promoting skills and community belonging.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in a helping profession and has experience in homeless outreach, with excellent engagement and communication skills.

Benefits include medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience working with homeless services preferred.
• Valid state driver's license with a safe driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized rehabilitation plans.
• Provide skill teaching for achieving valued life roles.
• Document all observations and services into HMIS and EHR.
• Perform crisis intervention services as needed.
• Provide supportive counseling to unhoused individuals.

Skills

Excellent engagement skills

Motivational interviewing

Trauma-informed care

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or related fields

Job description

Overview

Volunteers of America–Greater New York (VOA–Greater New York) is a leading anti-poverty organization serving neighbors in need across New York City, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester. Through 70+ programs, we support over 35,000 adults and children each year, including individuals experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, youth aging out of foster care, veterans, seniors, and children with developmental delays. Our staff are at the heart of this work, creating meaningful change every day. If you’re passionate about making a difference and joining a mission-driven team, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Position: Community Support Services Engagement Specialist. This role identifies, links, and maintains engagement with homeless individuals using the Housing First model and other evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing. The Community Support Services Engagement Specialist provides behavioral health rehabilitation services and supports necessary to assist individuals in achieving recovery goals in housing, employment, educational, and/or social domains. Services aim to improve skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging to the larger community. The role maintains a wellness and recovery-oriented environment through person-first language, person-centered planning, and rehabilitation planning for individuals referred by the Middlesex Continuum of Care Committee who meet eligibility criteria to receive CSS. Excellent engagement skills with knowledge and practice of motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care are essential. The ability to work independently with a strong focus, task orientation, non-judgment, and the ability to set clear boundaries. Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Location: Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 (Middlesex County)

Minimum Qualifications

• The position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the helping professions, such as social work, human services, counseling, psychiatric rehabilitation, psychology, or criminal justice.
• A minimum of 1 year experience working with homeless services and homeless outreach programs is preferred.
• Certification as a psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner (CPRP) may be substituted for one year of experience.
• This position shall also have a valid state driver’s license with a safe driving record that meets agency procedures.

Principal Responsibilities

• Contributing to the development, implementation, monitoring, and updating of the individualized rehabilitation plan.
• Provide skill teaching to assist individuals in developing skills in various areas that promote achieving and maintaining valued life roles in housing, employment, physical health, educational, and/or social domains and allow community integration and independent living in the individual’s chosen setting.
• Document all observations, information, and services into HMIS and EHR, ensuring each individual is entered within 48 hours of contact.
• Perform crisis intervention services as needed.
• Provide supportive counseling services to unhoused and formerly homeless but recently housed individuals.
• Communicate observations and information about individuals to the Program Manager and clinical team.
• Attend scheduled team meetings and clinical supervision. Demonstrates ability and flexibility to work as a team member.
• Organize and support socialization activities through use of IMR or other evidence-based practices when indicated on the individual rehabilitation plan.
• Participate in individual service coordination activities, including vocational and educational services.
• Develop community resources for individuals to obtain affordable housing in the community.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage
• Prescription Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off, including a Paid Birthday Holiday

VOA-Greater New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled/Other Protected Categories. Apply today!