Behavioral Engagement Specialist

Title:                        Behavioral Engagement Specialist

Program:                 Fort Washington Men's Shelter

Salary Range:         $45,000

Program Description:
The Fort Washington Men's Shelter is a 200-bed temporary shelter which Project Renewal manages under a contract with the Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Comprehensive psychiatric, medical, and case management services are provided to men who are homeless who have been diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse.

Overall Responsibilities:
Under the general direction of the Clinical Director, the Team Leader will provide direct supervision to the Case Managers as well as managing a small caseload to provide assessment, counseling, and referral services to the clients at the shelter; ensures that proper protocols are being followed and performs quality assurance activities regarding the delivery of services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Engagement Specialist include but are not limited to the following activities:

• Act as a liaison between Fort Washington Men's Shelter, NYPD, DHSPD, DHS, some aspects of Community Government and other local Agencies to reduce loitering on the neighborhood streets.
• Conduct community walk-throughs and engage current Fort Washington clients about loitering on the neighboring streets and parks.
• Alert DHS' Outreach team of known street homeless individuals.
• Enforce adherence with the Good Neighbor Policy by issuing verbal and written warnings reminding clients of their compliance responsibilities regarding the facility policies.
• Engage loitering clients about the services provided at Fort Washington and encourage participation in the offered on-site recreational activities.
• Engage challenging clients to participate in service planning and housing search processes and meet with clients to update their bi-weekly ILPs (Independent Living Plans).
• Maintains accurate and up to date written client documentation as required by and in accordance with city and state oversight agency guidelines.
• Participates in trainings and monthly staff meetings.
• Communicates with the Social Services team to discuss client concerns.
• Participates in case conferences in response to client complaints, using conflict resolution techniques to amicably resolve issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Shelter Leadership.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of two years' experience in human services, consulting, evaluation, homeless services, quality assurance, or related field or high school diploma and/or Associates Degree with 4 years' experience with the population.
• Experience working with adults with mental health and/or substance use issues, preferably in homeless shelters or supportive housing.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings.
• Exceptionally strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as an ability to work effectively with others.
• Attention to detail, with exceptional analytical, organizational, communication and project management skills.
• Strong quantitative and Microsoft Excel skills.
•  Abilityto work cooperatively with peers and other staff in order to serve the needs of the clients as effectively as possible.
•  An ability to work independently and to adjust one's schedule to accommodate the needs of the programs.
•  An ability to interface with clients as well as all levels of staff.
•  Excellent oral, writing, and listening skills.
• Knowledge of case management software as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus.

All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.