Our Mission

“Preparing Our Community to Meet Life’s challenges.”

We help everyone who comes to our door with resources for both immediate needs and long-term goals. 

Our network of programs, services, and experiences strengthen individuals, families, and communities and provides opportunities for growth and economic stability. 

Come join our team!

When you become an employee at the Community Renewal Team (CRT), you will join a host of others with an average tenure of nine years of service.  Some of our employees have celebrated more than twenty years of service.  You’ll participate in fun activities, themed- employee appreciation events, organization sponsored golf tournaments, etc.   We celebrate the accomplishments of employees using our Wall of Excellence highlighting employees of the month. Opportunities to grow within the organization are plentiful.  Most of our employees started in entry level positions and have been promoted throughout their career.  

BENEFITS                                                                                     

401K with a matching employer contribution, medical, dental, vision, HSA Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD)/Long- Term Disability (LTD), and an Employee Assistance Program. Eligible employees are also able to participate in agency sponsored educational opportunities.  Eligible employees receive ten paid vacation days, six sick paid days annually, and two personal days paid annually.   

JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The purpose of this position is to support the Agency’s needs by providing a wide range of services; including, but not limited to, outreach, engagement, education, coaching, informal counseling, social support, advocacy, care coordination, and basic screening and assessments of any risks associated with social determinants of Health.  Daily monitoring of guest contacts and activities within the Community is a primary responsibility.  The Case Manager – Certified CHW conducts assessments of guest needs and coordinates referrals to Community Renewal Team programs and initiatives, Funder services, entitlement programs, as well as, to other Community resources that conduct Case Management services.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Provide engagement functions to guests in the Shelter.
• Identify guests in need of Case Management and/or other Outreach Engagement services, linking them with available services.

• Interview guests on and/or off site as required.
• Complete Homeless Verification form.
• Attend weekly Housing and Coordinated Access Network Meetings.
• Available to work a weekend day a month.
• Provided Assistant Program Manager with a list of guests that works and their schedule.
• Adhere to STEPS policies and procedures.
• Enroll new guests into STEPS.
• Complete STEPS Universal Intake. 
• Establish positive and supportive relationships with the guests.
• Complete an initial interview and assessment of individual needs within 2 weeks after guests’ arrival. 
• Assess and evaluate guest needs based on the Outcome Scale Matrix (OSM).

• Facilitate referrals to Clinics, Housing, Behavioral Health, Detox/Treatment, and Community Support services.
• Facilitate communication/coordinate services between providers and guests.

• If appropriate for guest extended length of stay, approve program extension.
• Coordinate/Monitor services to include comprehensive tracking of guest’s compliance in relation to ISP goals and objectives.

• Provide support, advocacy, and mediation services to assure guests overall needs and referrals are being conveyed.
• Follow-up with both guest and provider regarding ISPs.
• Document all encounters/interactions made with and/or on behalf of the guest; including all activities, ISPs, and outcomes achieved by the guests in a detailed and timely manner.
• Conduct weekly conversations with the guests either by phone or in-person, documenting all conversations in the guest’s file.

• Maintain guest records in accordance with documentation requirements and standards.
• Assist guests in utilizing Community Services, including scheduling appointments with Social Services agencies, and assisting with the completion of applications for Programs based on eligibility.
• Participate in Case Management team meetings.
• Provide Program Manager with monthly Client Activity Dashboard 
• Ensure all Intake information is obtained based on program guidelines, and accurately entered in to STEPS and/or HMIS systems.
• Facilitates information and referral services, and documents outcomes resulting from such referrals.
• Facilitates guests access to Community resources, including but not limited to food, housing, clothing, school programs, vocational opportunities or services, life skills training, and relevant Mental Health services.
• Educate guests on the proper use of the Emergency Room and provide information for alternatives.
• Maintains a caseload of guests in need of intensive Case Management or multiple service needs.
• Continuously expand knowledge and understanding of Community resources and services.
• Regular attendance.
• Attend and complete all mandatory trainings.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participate in, retain, and incorporate training as required.

• Provide individual counseling 
• Provide effective Customer Service including but not limited to, always greeting and receiving/addressing guests with respect and dignity.
• Represent Agency/Program at appropriate Community groups and coalitions.

• Provide input and make recommendations regarding Program/Departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
• Report to and conduct additional duties by various Funder guidelines and requirement as required.
• File, copy, schedule appointments, and answer/return phone calls.

MINIMUM TRAINING EXPERIENCE and health certification

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; Education may be substituted with experience on a year-by-year basis.

Minimum Years of Experience: Two (2) year of experience providing Direct Client services to population experiencing Substance Abuse, Homelessness, and/or Mental Illness required.

Active Certification in good standing: Must have a CT Community Health Worker certificate or be able to obtain the certificate within six months of taking the position required.

Demonstrate skills in: Ability to work with individuals from diverse racial/ethnic and economic backgrounds; Solid understanding of the dynamics of Homelessness, and being at risk of Homelessness; Ability to offer strength-based Case Management; Ability to communicate effectively with Guests, Funders, and Vendors; Ability to function independently in a Community setting; Ability to interact with the Homeless, and develop trusting relationships; Ability to set therapeutic boundaries with guests; Ability to establish good working relationships with staff and Community agencies; Ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team; Ability to decide what presenting conditions are of priority; Ability to plan and organize assigned duties; Computer proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint; Financial Literacy Skills are all required.

Knowledge of: Working with the Veteran population preferred; Housing First and Harm Reduction Intervention strategies, Motivational Interviewing techniques required.   

Driving Required: YES Agency Vehicle: YES Employee’s Own Vehicle: YES

Active Driver License in good standing required upon hire and throughout employment    

Physical and TB Required:  NO

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks involve sedentary to light work, involving some reaching, handling, fingering and/or feeling of objects and materials.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require visual perception. 

Environmental Factors: Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.