Behavioral Engagement Specialist

Title:                        Behavioral Engagement Specialist         

Program:                 Fort Washington Men’s Shelter

Salary Range:         $45,000

Program Overview: Fort Washington Men’s Shelter is a 200 bed 24/7 emergency shelter for homeless men diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.  Our comprehensive services include case management, individual and group counseling, recreational activities, and housing placement assistance.  Additionally, an on-site Article 28 Clinic provides primary and behavioral health care services.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Position 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.

Qualifications:

• Teamwork:          Ability to work cooperatively with peers and other staff to serve the needs of the clients as effectively as possible.
• Organizational:   An ability to work independently and to adjust one’s schedule to accommodate the needs of the programs. 
• Interpersonal:     An ability to interface with clients as well as all levels of staff.
• Communication: Excellent oral, writing, and listening skills.
• Computer:           Knowledge of case management software as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Language:           Bilingual or multilingual a plus.

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