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 Third Street Men’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 Third Street 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 Third Street and encourage participation in the offered on-site recreational 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 in accordance with city and state oversight agency guidelines.
    Act as a “Champion” for the overdose prevention program which includes providing ongoing overdose prevention trainings to clients and staff and engaging clients after overdose.
    Complete monthly Overdose prevention reporting for DOH, DHMH and DHS.
    Participates in trainings 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.

Physical Activities

While performing the duties of this position, the Engagement Specialist must walk the ten steps to enter and leave the facility. In event the elevator is out of service, the Engagement Specialist must also walk between the nine floors of the facility, sub-basement to roof, climbing up and down the staircases, totaling 174 steps, in order to see clients. Furthermore, the Engagement Specialist must stand to talk to clients and staff, sit for extended periods of time at the computer, and reach or squat to get records from the files.

Candidate Requirements:
    Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of two years’ experience in human services, consulting, evaluation, homeless services, quality assurance, or related field.
    Experience working with adults with mental health and/or substance use issues, preferably in homeless shelters or supportive housing.

Preferred skills:
Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively with peers and other staff in order to serve the needs of the clients as effectively as possible.

Organizational: An ability to work independently and to adjust one’s schedule to accommodate the needs of the programs.

Interpersonal: An ability to interface with clients as well as all levels of staff.

Communication: Excellent oral, writing, and listening skills.

Computer: Knowledge of case management software as well as Microsoft Office Suite.

Language: Bilingual or multilingual a plus.

All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.