Social Worker - New Reach

Company Overview:
New Reach is undergoing an exciting transformation in order to bring the organization to its next level of success. Working to provide, shelter, housing, stabilization and support for children, families and individuals experiencing homelessness across CT since 1990, New Reach inspires independence for those affected by homelessness and poverty. Using the most innovative and progressive methods through a continuum of housing and support, New Reach has grown to be one of the most effective nonprofits of its kind in the United States. New Reach inspires independence for all people affected by homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing and support using the most innovative, progressive, equitable and inclusive methods.

Primary Purpose:
As part of a four-year grant project, New Reach is seeking a full-time Social Worker to provide person-centered clinical support to head-of-household single women who are affected by housing instability. The client population will consist of existing New Reach clients, identified by case workers as needing mental health support and family peer support. The Social Worker will connect clients to and collaborate with local mental health providers. Coordination with mental health providers to ensure follow-up of recommended treatment, to increase engagement in services, and to ultimately assist with long-term stabilization of housing. This role will help empower clients to gain recovery and resiliency through phased case management and will assist with building a network of accessible and appropriate support services for individual participants that can range from family and neighborhood groups to mental health therapy, substance abuse treatment, or holistic care such as nutritional services. Services are voluntary and typically occur in the individual's home (if housed) or a community location of the client's choice.
Essential Functions:
•Assist with overseeing and managing all referrals coming from internal New Reach programs, including but not limited to: reviewing and determining eligibility requirements are met for referrals, entering referral data into required databases, and assigning cases with support from Senior Clinical Manager.
•Complete initial and annual bio-psychosocial assessments for families and individuals in identified programs to assess acuity and need for mental health services.
•Complete initial mental health assessments with clients upon intake and every 90 days in collaboration with Senior Clinical Program Manager and Quality Assurance to evaluate program effectiveness.
•Act as a liaison with local mental health providers by maintaining an accurate list of available providers and the necessary registration processes, paperwork, etc.
•Engage and enroll individuals who require treatment and family peer support services in preparation of entering or maintaining permanent housing.
•Work with family peer support specialist to facilitate groups for participating single mothers.
•Assess and refer clients for family peer support, as needed.
•Provide clinical support to a caseload of single mother head of household women, linking them with mental health support within 7 business days. For those who cannot be linked within 7 business days, provide intermediate clinical support under supervision of LCSW.
•Acts as liaison to community/state agencies in developing and implementation care plans for clients.
•Maintain ongoing client files, correspondence, and case notes, including person centered service plans in collaboration with case workers.
•Encourage an array of integrated services and supports for individuals with substance use disorders and mental health disorders.
•Continuously prepare the client for transfer of care to permanent housing and community-based supports.
•Assist in program development and quality assurance activities as directed by supervisor
•Facilitate meetings related to the program as needed in the absence of the Senior Clinical Program Manager including but not limited to Team Meetings, Clinical Group Supervision, etc.
•Assist clients in identifying unaddressed needs related to benefits, education, housing, medical and other needs.
•Attend community meetings as necessary to represent the team, including Community Care Team Meetings, CAN Housing Case Conference, and other meetings when appropriate.
•Provide support and maintain regular communication with all team members to help ensure proper program implementation.
•Facilitate monthly case conference meetings, providing clinical support to case workers and peer support specialist.
•Provide direct supervision to MSW Interns as needed.
•Provide ongoing clinical counseling support to families and individuals as determined by the New Reach team
•Complete all required internal and funder reports, as needed.
•Maintain strict confidentiality concerning any client's information, living information and medical status.
•Mandated to report any witnessed or suspected child abuse to the Department of Children and Families.
•Regular schedule is Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Must be able to flex schedule to work some evenings to meet the individual needs of clients, as needed.
•Other duties as assigned

Expectations:
•Have a solutions-based approach to presented problems.
•Be supportive, engaging and encouraging to peers and staff.
•Be adaptable to change and willing to take on more responsibility.
•Maintain strict confidentiality concerning any client's or employees' personal information, living information, and/or HIV status
•Provides a commitment to the values of New Reach: Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion and Initiative
•Adheres to all New Reach's Policies and Procedures

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree Required (MSW - preferred, MFT or MS in Counseling - will be considered)
• Licensure preferred or licensure eligible within 6 months of hire (LMSW, LMFT, LCSW, LPC)
• SIFI Certification preferred but not required
• Clinical Supervision hours available
• Experience in provisions of Social Services
• Highly motivated, creative with excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide comprehensive, intensives to the homeless, including acting as a strong advocate
• Excellent computer skills a must
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to own reliable transportation with proof of insurance
• Bilingual/Bicultural preferred
• Bilingual/Bicultural preferred