Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
The Bridge offers supportive housing and behavioral health services to vulnerable New Yorkers facing behavioral health and substance use challenges. We provide individuals with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and live meaningful lives. The Bridge envisions a world where adults experiencing serious mental illness can live and thrive within their communities. As a recognized leader in developing and operating supportive housing and community-based programs, The Bridge has 70 years of experience helping New Yorkers with mental illness, including those affected by homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization.
Scope of Position: Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Community Resource Specialist collaborates with the Case Manager and client in Support Planning to identify the client’s strengths, needs, abilities, and goals. The Community Resource Specialist informs clients about available community services, determines eligibility, and facilitates enrollment in various programs—including public benefits, Veterans services, education, volunteer opportunities, and vocational services. They are responsible for completing timely documentation in accordance with agency policy. Additionally, the Community Resource Specialist actively engages with the community to assess local needs and strengthen relationships with community resources, groups, and individuals.
Essential Position Functions:
- Provide case management, assist with completing housing applications, and connect clients to primary and behavioral health care services in the community. Offer housing referrals for formerly homeless adults diagnosed with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Services are primarily delivered in clients’ apartments and community settings.
- Support clients in navigating the criminal justice system, including coordination with parole officers, attorneys, and legal aid. Escort clients to court appointments and other mandated appearances as needed.
- Assist clients in identifying their strengths, needs, abilities, and goals, and develop corresponding service plans within the electronic client records system.
- Complete required documentation promptly following every client contact, in accordance with agency policies. Ensure all documentation meets regulatory standards for the appropriate level of care.
- Facilitate groups focused on topics such as wellness, leadership, housing stability, employment and education, interpersonal relationships, and healthy decision-making.
- Assist with preparations for internal and external program audits.
- Provide crisis intervention services as needed.
- Ensure compliance with program requirements, including facilitating appropriate admissions and discharges, maintaining accurate census records, documentation, and incident reporting.
- Serve as a liaison between departments and with external agencies.
- Interact with clients, their families, and staff in a respectful and compassionate manner, with sensitivity to and understanding of cultural differences.
- Conduct apartment inspections across multiple floors using stairs. Escort clients within the community using public transportation. Provide guidance and support to clients in maintaining their homes in safe and decent living conditions.
- Immediately report serious incidents, allegations, or sensitive situations to supervisors. Complete incident reports per agency policy. Account for clients, conduct diligent searches, and file missing person reports as required by organizational procedures.
- Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and trainings as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- Associate’s Degree, or High School Diploma with relevant experience working in a supportive residential program serving individuals with serious mental illness, including those involved in the justice system.
- Experience working with individuals facing mental health challenges, including crisis intervention and managing trauma-triggered behaviors.
- Excellent time management, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure; flexible, team-oriented, open to feedback, and creative in problem-solving.
- Willingness to perform CPR, First Aid, AED administration, crisis intervention, and Naloxone administration.
- Experience supervising both clinical and operational staff.
- Preferred knowledge of the AWARDS electronic records system.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Familiarity with local health, education, and benefits resources for underserved populations.
- Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer