Housing Case Specialist

Our start as a grassroots, small group of committed individuals began in 1986. We have expanded and grown to an increasingly bold and empowered agency that advocates for change while supporting survivors in Orange and Sullivan Counties in NY.

To build an informed, just, and accountable society so all people can experience supportive and safe relationships free from abuse, exploitation, and oppression. We do this through education, prevention, advocacy, and providing comprehensive services, including Shelter, to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence, human trafficking, sexual violence, and other types of crime victimization.

The Housing Case Specialist is primarily responsible for providing empathic, nonjudgmental support and direct case management services to victims/survivors of interpersonal violence who are experiencing housing instability and homelessness, aiding them through their transition into stable, safe housing. The role involves advocacy, identifying and securing appropriate housing for survivors, economic empowerment (identifying and supporting financial literacy, income building, skills building, and job searching), and teamwork with other advocates and entities.

The Fearless! High-Risk Case Specialist Advocate is:

Focused on Continuous Learning & Professional Growth: Seeks out opportunities for training, skill development, and professional growth to enhance effectiveness and impact.

Prioritizes Collaboration & Relationship Building: Builds and maintains positive, productive relationships with colleagues, clients, and community partners to enhance service delivery.

Adaptable & Resilient: Demonstrates flexibility and problem-solving skills. Adjusts priorities as needed while maintaining focus on the organizations mission and client needs.

Culturally Competency & Inclusive: Engages respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, seeking to understand and honor cultural differences. Applies culturally responsive practices to ensure equitable access to services.

Effective Communicator: Communicates clearly and empathetically with colleagues, clients, and community partners in both oral and written formats. Listens actively and responds appropriately to build trust and foster meaningful connections.

Must have a Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field or equivalent work experience in providing Direct Crisis Counseling and Advocacy Services.

Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office programs and have experience with client management software.

Valid Driver's License, Auto Insurance, and reliable transportation to travel between the agency's office sites and other locations throughout the service region.

Physical demands include but are not limited to long periods of sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 50 pounds, and navigating stairs.

Organizational & Time Management Skills:

Manages multiple priorities effectively, meeting deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.

Demonstrates the ability to work efficiently in a crisis-oriented environment, balancing competing demands.

Mission-Driven & Advocacy-Oriented:

Aligns work with the agencys mission and feminist philosophy of empowerment.

Client-Centered & Solution-Focused Approach:

Prioritizes client needs, ensuring services are delivered with empathy, respect, and empowerment.

Identifies barriers to service and proactively works to develop solutions that support client success.

Professional Boundaries & Ethical Conduct:

Models and upholds appropriate professional boundaries in all interactions with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and community partners.

Demonstrates integrity and ethical decision-making in all aspects of their work.

Judgement & Decision-Making:

Exercises sound judgment and makes timely, well-reasoned decisions, particularly in high-pressure or crisis situations.

Assesses risks and considers multiple factors before taking action.

Commitment to Social Justice & Equity:

Actively works to dismantle gender-based violence, racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, ableism, and all forms of oppression through daily interactions, advocacy, and service delivery.

Demonstrates an awareness of systemic barriers and incorporates inclusive practices into their work.

Bilingual/bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Direct experience working within residential settings, social services, and with the homeless population is preferred.

Reports To: Residential Services Program Manager

Classification/Status: Full-Time, Non-exempt

Primary Worksite: Confidential Location

Work Hours: 40 Flex hours, primarily Monday through Friday, during business hours, with evening availability. Flexibility is required, given 24/7 staffing requirements, staff are not permitted to leave until relieved by another staff member.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy & Case Management Specific Responsibilities - Partnering with the HONOR

Provide & maintain ongoing in-person services in the areas of, but not limited to, independent living, community integration, employment linkage, benefits establishment, linkage to appropriate community resources, primary health, and mental health care.

Provide & maintain appropriate information and referrals, and facilitate client connections with necessary service providers/agencies, including Fearless! Programs.

Provide comprehensive services to clients, including, but not limited to, assessments; intakes, advocacy and accompaniment; follow-up contact, outreach; and information and referrals.

Provide clients with information regarding the NYS Office of Victims Services, assist with filing applications for OVS compensation, and serve as a liaison between clients and OVS.

Assist clients in evaluating their needs around housing and financial stability.

Meet with clients to establish and formulate service plan goals by determining a plan of action.

Collaboratively work with qualified individuals to find and secure permanent housing options.

Conduct crisis and risk assessments in consultation with the supervisor, HONOR, and Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) Coordinator.

Engage in ongoing assessment of client goals and progress and advocate for clients' needs with community agencies.

Use evidence-based practices in service delivery such as intensive case management, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First practices.

Attend and actively participate in meetings with Housing First Program partners.

Worksite Safety & Hygiene (Relative to Client Living Environment)

Actively engaging in basic housekeeping, maintenance, organization of donations, and other assigned tasks.

Proactively monitor the overall condition of the agency and ensure the maintenance of a clean, welcoming environment for individuals accessing services by facilitating regularly scheduled safety checks of the residence.

Adhere to and uphold agency policies and protocols related to the Physical and electronic security of clients and service records.

Ensure ongoing compliance with State and other regulations regarding the condition of the residence and services provided.

Administrative & Agency Responsibilities

Engage in supervision with the direct supervisor and Program Director to ensure adequate performance and optimal client impact.

Participate in program-specific, agency-wide meetings, training, awareness month activities, and events.

Maintain the confidentiality of clients, staff, volunteers, and agency information.

Maintain the highest levels of accuracy in recordkeeping and reporting, ensuring that all client records and documentation of work activities are complete and up-to-date and submitted to the supervisor, as directed.

Ensure timely response and follow-up to email communication and voicemail messages.

Staff members are encouraged to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties, including other duties as assigned by immediate and other supervisors.

Fearless! Hudson Valley is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, culturally inclusive work environment and prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services. All are encouraged to apply.

All jobs are contingent upon successfully completing certain background checks, including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, DMV checks (for driving positions), State Central Registry, State Exclusion List, and fingerprinting, unless prohibited by applicable law.

This description reflects the principal functions of the job for job evaluation. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all job work requirements, nor shall it be construed as giving exclusive responsibility for every function described.