Job Description

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.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Programs, Outreach the Social Worker provides on site, clinical assessment and support for weekend outreach teams who engage with individuals to determine homelessness history, services needed, and appropriate placement options. The Social Worker ensures the utilization of Harm Reduction and Housing First strategies and other best-practice clinical interventions to ensure the highest quality care for clients. The Social Worker provides advocacy for patients who are being discharged in compliance with regulatory and agency standards.   The Social Worker oversees all 9.58 assessments and removals for the shift.

This is a part time position working Saturday and Sunday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote effective strategies for outreach teams following Housing First, Harm Reduction, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care models of practice
• Complete 9.58 certification and cover all 9.58 assessments and removals for the shift
• Serve as a liaison with community partners and in close collaboration, follow up on homeless conditions, community concerns, including 311 calls and encampment engagement
• Partner with hospital staff in emergency rooms and advocate for patients when they are going to be discharged
• Develop strong collaborative relationships with external partners and service providers, NYPD, EMS, and other stakeholders
• Provide support and guidance to outreach teams in managing difficult situations and successfully de-escalating conflict
• Ensure documentation and reporting is accurately reported on time
• Attend onsite meetings with community partners
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• NYS Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) required. Must obtain LMSW within first six months of employment
• Previous clinical, supervisory, and administrative experience preferred
• Understanding of Housing First, client centered motivational interviewing, Harm Reduction models, behavioral and medical health systems
• Experience with crisis intervention, including, risk assessments and incident management
• Ability to communicate (verbally and written) and work with diverse population
• Superb collaborative skills; ability to work successfully with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Detailed oriented and can manage team tasks
• Valid NY, NJ, CT, or PA driver’s license with a good driving record, as defined by Breaking Ground is preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams
• Bilingual preferred

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled