Engagement Specialist

Title:                 Engagement Specialist

Program:          East Third Street Men’s Shelter

Salary Range:   $45,000 per year         

Program Description:

East Third Street is an emergency men’s shelter which  helps 175 individuals with substance abuse histories work towards health, sobriety, and, ultimately, permanent housing and employment.  In addition to lodging and three meals a day, clients receive comprehensive case management services, plus an array of on-site substance abuse related and health care services provided by different programs such as Medically Supervised Outpatient Withdrawal Services, (MSOWS), Chemical Dependency Crisis Service (CDCS), and Outpatient Recovery Center.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Engagement Specialist include but are not limited to the following activities:

• Act as a liaison between Third Street 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 Third Street 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 Third Street and encourage participation in the offered on-site recreational activities.
• Engage challenging clients to participate in service planning and housing search processes.
• Maintains accurate and up to date written client documentation as required by and in accordance with city and state oversight agency guidelines.   
• Act as a “Champion” for the overdose prevention program which includes providing ongoing overdose prevention trainings to clients and staff and engaging clients after overdose.
• Complete monthly Overdose prevention reporting for DOH, DHMH and DHS.
• 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 Director of Social Services, Assistant Director or Program Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of two years’ experience in human services, consulting, evaluation, homeless services, quality assurance, or related field.
• Experience working with adults with mental health and/or substance use issues, preferably in homeless shelters or supportive housing.
• Knowledge in Harm Reduction
• Ability to become a Certified Trainer in Opioid Overdose Prevention
• 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.

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