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Community Social Worker

Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp
2 hours ago
Full-time
On-site
Hartford, Connecticut, United States
$23 - $25 USD hourly
Bachelor's

Scheduled Work Times/Locations 

Business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM, however the Connecticut Pre Trial Community Social Worker’s schedule will include flexible night and weekend hours as needed.


Scheduled location: 118 Main St, Hartford, CT 06114


Why We Need You:

Mercy is looking for a motivated, empathetic team member looking to making a difference in the lives of individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The ideal candidate will be committed to housing as a human right and understand the importance of race equity and valuing differences in the work that they do. This person will engage and build trust with program participants, advocate on their behalf, connect them with community-based resources, and engage them in skill-building, goal-oriented, short-term case management with the goal of empowering participants to find, obtain and maintain stable housing in the community. Mercy is seeking an individual with an engaging personality and attention to detail to ensure the continued success of this program focused on securing housing for justice-involved individuals. 


Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Collaborate with Court Support Services Division (CSSD) to receive and case conference program referrals. 
  • Engage client in housing problem-solving conversations with the intent of developing a person-centered housing stabilization plan to reduce housing barriers and increase client integration into the community.
  • Provide case management services including intake, assessment, budgeting, employment search, referrals, advocacy and linkage to other community supports.
  • Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice by teaching them to find and use online 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 the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), CDCS and/or other required databases.
  • Identify, recruit, and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written between tenants, landlords, referral sources, debtors, creditors and other collaborating agencies or individuals. 
  • Perform habitability, lead-based paint, and rent reasonableness activities, including housing inspections as required.
  • Assist program participants with obtaining assistance for application fees, documentation fees, and security deposits as necessary. 
  • Maintain accurate progress notes, records, and files for each client.
  • Transport clients as deemed necessary. 
  • Attend community meetings as requested by the supervisor.
  • 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.
  • Provide client housing readiness assessments.


Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, or Human Services field from an accredited university preferred, however equivalent education and experience will be considered.
  • 2-3 years relevant work experience and demonstrated ability to provide effective services to diverse client populations required.
  • Experience with the incarcerated population is preferred.
  • Have a familiarity with housing first, progressive engagement, and motivational interviewing. 
  • 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 a generous incentive compensation plan

 

  • Community Housing Advocates provides a generous employee benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, short- and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement. Full-time employees receive 10 days of PTO (paid time off) per year, plus 11 paid holidays and one (1) Floating Holiday and 40 Hours of Accrued Paid Sick Leave.


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.