Economic Empowerment and Housing Specialist - Bronx Family Justice Center

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is committed to a world free of domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma, where individuals, families, and communities are safe, stable, and thriving.  URI works across the spectrum of prevention and intervention services to empower individuals, families, and communities, particularly communities of color and other disenfranchised populations, to increase their safety and resiliency. Today, URI is maximizing the impact of organizational growth, expanding its positioning as an Innovative service provider, an influential leader, and an “Employer of Choice” in its field.  The organization operates in more than 30 locations around New York City and is recognized as a valued thought leader in the sector across the US and beyond.

Salary: $46,000 - $50,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Economic Empowerment and Housing Specialist is responsible for providing case management services related to finances, education, employment, and housing to survivors of domestic violence
and gender-based violence on-site at the Family Justice Center.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement individualized strengths-based financial, educational, and housing wellness screening and service plans based on a client’s interests, skills, goals, and needs to support them in developing a pathway to financial and housing stability and security.
• Ongoing safety, risk assessment, and financial safety planning.
• Assistance and support navigating and addressing financial matters related to budgeting and saving skills and credit and debt improvement.
• Assistance navigating education and workforce/employment resources and services, including but not limited to identifying educational and vocational training programs and resources, financial aid services, workforce development, and employment opportunities.
• Assistance navigating housing resources and services, including but not limited to identifying housing programs and subsidies, helping clients to complete housing applications or subsidies, address any barriers to securing housing.
• Assistance navigating public benefits, including identifying benefits programs, assisting with the application process and addressing and resolving any barriers or issues in obtaining eligible benefits.
• Accompaniment to clients’ appointments as appropriate and needed.
• Provide information and referrals to appropriate onsite and offsite partners in legal services, social services, mental health services, and other related services to meet clients’ needs.
• Collaborate with onsite partner agencies to streamline service provision through a client-centered lens.
• Maintain digital records of direct services provided and enter client information into the FJC application to track client needs as requested by ENDGBV.
• Support ENDGBV’s ongoing efforts to solicit client feedback regarding FJC operations, including notifying all clients of their opportunity to complete a client satisfaction survey after every FJC visit.
• Other duties, as requested, are based on department, program, and/or organizational needs.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field and 2-3 years of relevant work experience providing economic empowerment services.
• Associate’s degree in Social Work Psychology or related field, at least 4-5 years of relevant work experience, and knowledge of educational, financial, and employment barriers and resources for survivors in NYC.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience assisting clients in obtaining public benefits such as public assistance, Medicaid, housing, SNAP, and other benefits.
• Strong commitment to equity and social justice, including a focus on self-awareness and engagement of continuous learning around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion; high level of Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of domestic violence within and against disenfranchised communities, including individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly, and individuals with mental health issues.
• Must possess a demonstrated ability in delivering client services, including communication and listening skills, understanding of human interaction and personality development, writing and recording case documentation, and skills in group counseling.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect an ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly.
• Exceptional interpersonal, critical thinking, communication, and writing skills, and the ability to develop positive and productive relationships.
• Superb and working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response.
• Must have the ability to be flexible with work schedule due to program needs.
• Acknowledge and application of self-care and work-life balance for self and others.

Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

Salary : $46,000 - $50,000