Community Social Worker (RRH)

September 18, 2024

Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp

Hartford

FULL TIME

Community Housing Advocates
An Affiliate of Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp. and My Sisters’ Place

Job Title: Community Social Worker
Department: Rapid Rehousing
Reports To: RRH Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full-Time

Scheduled Work Times/Locations
Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM; flexibility for occasional nights and weekends when necessary
117 Wethersfield Ave Hartford, CT

Job Summary:
The Community Social Worker (CSW) is responsible for the overall function and implementation of the Rapid Rehousing Program, ensuring the highest quality of service within the mission of Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation. The Rapid Rehousing Community Social Worker provides case management services and time-limited rental assistance to individuals and families currently experiencing homelessness. The CSW will work with clients to find, secure, and maintain housing while working towards establishing financial independence. Additionally, the CSW provides linkages to medical, mental health, and substance abuse resources, entitlement/state benefits assistance, and employment opportunities.
Duties/Responsibilities:

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 HMIS.
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.
Serve as an ongoing liaison between property managers and participants.
Maintain accurate daily logs, records, and files for each client.
Transport clients as deemed necessary-Limiting transport to housing related matters.
Attend provider meetings as assigned.
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.

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 clients required.
Knowledge of housing resources available in Greater Hartford is preferred.
Have a familiarity with housing first, progressive engagement, and reality testing.
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.

Compensation & Benefits

$23-$25 per hour, based on experience plus generous incentive compensation plan

Community Housing Advocates provides a generous employee benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, short- and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement. Full-time employees receive 15 days of PTO (paid time off) per year, plus 11 paid holidays. Additionally, eligible staff will have one floating holiday for a total of 12 (see Employee Handbook for further info).

Physical Demands

The physical demands associated with the essential functions of this job are intermittent physical activity, such as walking, sitting and occasional lifting, stooping, bending, and reaching.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.