Assessment Specialist - Palace Employment Residence

About Us

At BRC, we help New Yorkers experiencing homelessness reclaim their lives with opportunities for health, self-sufficiency, and hope, while restoring dignity and respect. We invest in our employees through growth, learning, and meaningful work across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, offering a wide range of benefits and a supportive team environment. Join our passionate team, make a real difference every day, and be part of a community that’s building a more caring and compassionate city – apply today!

Role Overview

The Assessment Specialist conducts client assessments and provides case management, service coordination, and supportive counseling to support housing stability, recovery, and independent living. This role develops individualized service plans, connects clients to community resources, maintains accurate documentation, and collaborates with internal and external partners to promote positive client outcomes.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned caseload and maintain regular contact with clients to assess needs, monitor progress, and support goals related to housing stability, recovery, and independent living.
• Provide comprehensive case management, supportive counseling, and service coordination using a client-centered and strengths-based approach.
• Conduct assessments and develop, implement, and monitor individualized service plans, including psychosocial and independent living plans, to address barriers related to housing, recovery, employment, and self-sufficiency.
• Coordinate referrals and services with medical, mental health, substance use treatment, vocational, housing, and other community-based providers.
• Assist clients in obtaining and maintaining benefits, entitlements, housing, employment opportunities, and supportive resources, including HRA, Social Security, public assistance, and other community services.
• Teach, model, and reinforce independent living skills, including activities of daily living, budgeting, household management, and community integration.
• Facilitate client intake, admissions, assessments, and orientation processes in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Conduct routine unit and living-area inspections and address identified client needs, safety concerns, and program compliance issues.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation, including assessments, service plans, progress notes, case notes, referrals, and other required program records.
• Escort or accompany clients to appointments and services as needed, including medical, behavioral health, housing, benefits, and other community-based appointments.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and community meetings to coordinate services and promote positive client outcomes.
• Monitor client well-being and respond appropriately to crises, emergencies, and safety concerns, including providing First Aid and CPR assistance when certified and required.
• Collaborate with program staff, supervisors, and external service providers to ensure continuity of care and support successful client outcomes.
• Work in community and field-based settings, including during inclement weather, as required to meet client and program needs.
• Demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and sound judgment in a fast-paced and emotionally demanding environment while adapting engagement strategies to individual client needs.
• Enter and maintain accurate client demographic and personal information within the AWARDS database and complete all required intake and initial case documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related computer applications.
• Experience working in residential treatment, supportive housing, shelter, or similar human services environments.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification within a designated timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred; additional language skills are a plus based on program needs.
• Career Pathways Clinical Specialist Certificate preferred.
• Experience using electronic health records (EHRs), case management databases, or other electronic documentation systems.
• Knowledge of housing resources, public benefits, community services, and recovery-oriented practices.

Schedule

Full-time 37.5 hours per week

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in shelter and assessment center settings serving single adults and adult families.
• Programs provide a safe, supportive environment designed to promote stability, self-sufficiency, and progress toward permanent housing.
• Regular interaction with individuals experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, trauma, chronic health conditions, and other barriers to housing stability.
• Staff may be required to respond to crises, behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and other unpredictable situations using de-escalation techniques and established safety protocols.
• Work may require standing, walking, conducting rounds, and assisting clients within residential and congregate living environments.
• Work may require sitting for extended periods, frequent use of computers and other office equipment, and the ability to complete electronic documentation, communications, and other administrative tasks.
• Employees may be exposed to unsanitary conditions, environmental hazards, and other conditions commonly associated with residential and homeless services settings.
• Programs operate 24/7/365, including weekends and holidays.
• Due to the nature of shelter operations and contractual staffing requirements, mandatory overtime may be required to ensure adequate program coverage and client safety.

Benefits

• Competitive health and dental plans, with coverage available for your spouse, domestic partner, and dependents
• Minimum of 3 weeks paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, plus additional paid sick and personal time
• 403(b) retirement plan with BRC matching contributions
• Tuition assistance and a variety of career development and training opportunities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare, transit, and childcare expenses
• Free resources for legal, financial, and personal support