Hybrid Community Social Worker II bei Community Housing Advocates

Scheduled Work Times/Locations  

Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM; 211 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford, CT.

Job Summary:

The Community Social Worker II will work to support the mission of Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation and the HERO program. The Community Social Worker II will work with our clients to help achieve independence and stability in their communities by providing housing and supportive services. The Community Social Worker II primary responsibility is to connect clients/consumers to attain adequate/safe housing, maintain and sustain income, receive and participate in health/behavioral healthcare and other supports. Community Social Worker II will serve as a mentor to Community Social Worker I and Peer Support Specialist.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a mentor to Community Social Worker I and the Peer Support Specialist.
• Peer to Peer guidance/shadow outside provider services & client engagement.

• Establish a positive rapport with the client/consumer to assess and build on the strengths and resources to build an effective network of supports to draw upon during their recovery journey. 
• Caseload of 15-20 clients who are currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and have an Opioid Use Disorder diagnosis, or of another substance use disorder with a high risk of overdose. 
• Enter client/consumer case notes into HMIS to document encounters/engagements within the 72-hour time frame, complete the HERO acuity and assessment to guide the recovery plan to be submitted every six (6) months. 

• Balance a case load of clients/consumers who seek more intensive support are a higher demand within the early stages of their recovery journey.
• Conduct home and community visits to assist the client/consumer with finding adequate housing, connect with community services/providers and benefits. 
• Develop and implement a recovery plan of short and long-term goals with each client/consumer that addresses identified needs in areas such as housing and lease, arrears and debts, income and benefits, support services and resources, health, parenting and child services to work on strategies and identify resources.
• Evaluates the clients/consumers psychological or behavioral needs, developmental abilities, cultural influences, and trauma history which would be related to their recovery.
• Monitor and assess documented recovery plans quarterly to guarantee that the goals of the recovery plans are achieved.

• Collaborate with property management, landlords and/or rental assistance administrator to assist with completion of recertifications, housing inspections, along with identify and reduce risks to housing stability, providing interventions to remedy any lease violations.
• Linkage with eviction prevention to support the client/consumer with maintain housing.
• Address crises and coordinating emergency interventions.
• Collaborate with treatment teams to ensure coordination of care to assess if it is best suited for client/consumers recovery.
• Attend initial appointments with clients/consumers when with new service providers to support established effective working relationships. Seen as a “Warm Hand-off”.
• Act as liaison with other agencies but not limited to, DSS, SSI, HOPWA/ACT, and other social and vocational agencies to advocate for and assist clients.
• Attend GH CAN, HERO meetings as requested by their supervisor and participate in Case Management meetings, conferences, seminars, and training as required.

• Prepare for and facilitate group meetings for clients on a variety of topics beneficial to their health and human service needs.
• Travel is required within the Hartford County area or as needed.  

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Documentation skills; including good oral and written comprehension, computer literacy, accurate and timely documentation and record keeping abilities.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills and develop sound reasoning/logic when formulating solution focused treatment plans and engaging with clients.
• Excellent time management skills: ability to manage, organize and prioritize flow of work.
• Must have some experience with TCM/CLAMP format & services.
• Ability to motivate clients.
• Bi-Lingual, Spanish/English preferred.
• Preferred knowledge of fair housing laws.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college/university or two-three years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably with homeless persons, persons with mental illness and/or substance abuse.
• Must have proof of or complete SOAR training within first six (6) months of employment.

Licenses and Certifications 

Compensation & Benefits

Physical Demands

• The physical demands associated with the essential functions of this job are intermittent physical activity, such as walking, sitting and occasional lifting, stooping, bending, and reaching.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.