Youth And Housing Coordinator

Full Time, Non-Exempt, Non-Union Position

$24.00 per hour, 40 hours per week, M-F, 8am-5pm

BASIC FUNCTION OF YOUTH AND HOUSING COORDINATOR:

Coordinated Access Network (CAN) Hub, Housing, and Youth will coordinate services and engage providers for MMW Youth. Coordinator will coordinate with landlords and find housing options in Middlesex/ Meriden/ Wallingford area. Coordinator will provide client education on CAN process and encourage clients to utilize their Housing Stabilization Plans. Coordinator will collaborate with Middletown hub to coordinate services for clients and assist in housing location. Coordinator will coordinate all Youth Frontline meetings and coordinate with Youth housing providers for housing solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUTH AND HOUSING COORDINATOR:

• Works to ensure clients are “document ready” in a timely manner and without delay
• Assist client obtaining diversion/ rapid exit funding
• Keep up to date records for referrals
• Maintains and distributes weekly list of housing opportunities obtained in Middlesex, Meriden, Wallingford CAN Catchement Area
• Works in support of Middlesex County, Meriden, Wallingford CAN identified goals related to entry/exit strategies and housing placement
• Assists clients on By-Name List with locating and securing housing
• Engages participants in identification of housing opportunities and potential properties and assists with the placement process including landlord dialogue and engagement
• Enter all case notes and documents in HMIS in 48 hours
• Assists with housing inspections, as needed
• Maintain weekly schedule
• Perform any CAN assessments, as needed
• Attends Meriden/Middlesex County/Wallingford CAN meetings as needed
• Other related duties as assigned
• Engages and builds relationships with Middlesex/ Meriden/ Wallingford area landlords
• Responds to and assists clients through assessment, referral and direct services
• Advocates for MMW CAN clients with landlords and explain available supports to increase landlords willingness to rent to clients
• Attend Youth focused meetings
• Inputs client data into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) within 48 hours
• Coordinates all MMW Youth meetings
• Coordinate with all providers that have youth services

REQUIREMENTS OF YOUTH AND HOUSING COORDINATOR:

Education:

B.A. Degree plus one years experience administering case management services,

Or an A.S. degree in human services plus three years experience in community based case management services.

Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) a plus.

Experience:

Familiarity of the CT Homelessness Management Information System (CT HMIS), Previous experience working with families and individuals experiencing homeless, Knowledge of the various CT housing programs (i.e. Rapid Rehousing, Shelter Plus Care, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rental Assistance Program), experience in direct housing assistance services and building/managing relationships with community partners.

Job Skills:

• Positive attitude
• Excellent communication skills needed
• Ability to deal with difficult or resistant clients
• Motivational Interviewing Skills
• Effective interpersonal skills with all groups
• Microsoft Office Products
• Word-processing skills
• Sensitivity to culture and diverse background
• Record keeping ability
• Good writing skills

Licenses /certifications:

Valid CT driver’s license

EOE AA M/F/Vets/Disability

Benefits Include:

• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Holiday Pay
• Vision Insurance
• Personal Time
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Sick Time
• Vacation Time
• Health Insurance

New Opportunities' mission is to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals by providing the necessary resources to increase their standard of living, foster self-improvement, and maximize self-empowerment.

New Opportunities Inc. is the community action agency that serves Waterbury, Meriden, Torrington and 27 surrounding Connecticut towns. We offer a variety of social service programs designed to eliminate poverty and assist people in need.

Headquartered in Waterbury and the cities fourth largest employer, New Opportunities has additional offices in Meriden, Torrington, Danbury and Thomaston for the convenience of those they serve. Annually, more than 61,000 individuals benefit from programs offered at this agency, guided by the New Opportunities staff who helped them find the way to meet their needs.

In accordance with the mission of New Opportunities, the Agency aims to increase the self-sufficiency of its customers and support their move out of poverty toward a more middle-class lifestyle.

In 1964, the Agency incorporated as a private non-profit corporation in the State of Connecticut and is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization. With an annual budget for 2014 in excess of $41 million dollars, New Opportunities administers more than 50 social service programs targeted to the low-income, elderly and disabled communities.

While the range of programs is broad, they fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Early Childhood Education Programs
• Elderly Services
• Energy Assistance and Weatherization
• Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing
• AIDS / HIV Prevention
• Child Welfare and Family Development Services
• Fatherhood Initiative
• Employment Education and Training
• Ex-Offender Programs and Re-entry Services