Behavioral Health Engagement Specialist

Title:                 Engagement Specialist Program:         New Providence Women’s Shelter Salary Range: $45,000-$50,000 per year   Program Description: The New Providence Women’s Shelter is temporarily located within the Ramada Inn in West Midtown Manhattan and provides 100 emergency shelter beds for homeless women diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Our comprehensive services include case management, individual and group counseling, recreational activities, and housing placement assistance.  The New Providence program is undergoing a redevelopment project in its original location, East 45th Street in Manhattan. Once completed, the site will provide 171 emergency shelter beds to women diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.  Additionally, an on-site Article 28 Clinic will provide primary and behavioral health care services. 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 New Providence Women’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 New Providence 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 New Providence and encourage participation in the offered on-site recreational and Occupational Therapy 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 following city and state oversight agency guidelines.    Act as a “Champion” for the overdose prevention program, which includes providing ongoing overdose prevention training to clients and staff and engaging clients after overdose. Complete monthly Overdose prevention reporting for DOH, DHMH and DHS. Participates in training 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. Education and Experience Requirements A minimum associate’s degree is preferred. 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 Fire Guard certification F-02 or Fire Safety Coordinator F-80; Narcan trained Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate staff to accomplish stated program goals and objectives while developing their individual and group skills. Ability to develop and foster, through demonstration, a team spirit, enabling staff to overcome the challenges of providing needed services to a special client population.  Excellent oral, writing, and listening skills are a must. The ability to work well within a highly pressurized, deadline environment, while meeting the short- and long-term mandates of the program.  An ability to interface with clients as well as all levels of staff. Knowledge of case management software as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.  Bilingual or multilingual a plus.