ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST - City of New York : Job Details

The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is comprised of 2,000 employees and, with an annual operating budget of over $1 billion, is one of the largest organizations of its kind committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City. Collaborating with other public agencies and not-for-profit partners, DHS works to prevent homelessness before it occurs, reduce street homelessness, and assist New Yorkers to transition from shelter into appropriate permanent housing. DHS is responsible for the management of over 200 facilities, which mainly are individual and family shelters used as overnight residences for over 38,000 adults and children. DHS's portfolio covers approximately 4M square feet.The Division of Shelter Intake is responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the agency's Single Adult, Adult Families, and Families with Children's intake and assessment sites, both directly run and contracted providers. This Division is responsible for ensuring that the City's most vulnerable population can access shelter, per eligibility criteria, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is recruiting for one (1) Community Coordinator to function as an Engagement Specialist who will:

Canvass a defined area in and around the shelter to identify, engage, and offer services to individuals who are creating quality of life situations within the neighborhood.

Deter loitering, aggressive panhandling, sleeping in public spaces, and the public consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs within the community and the shelter which is not consistent with the behavioral expectations of a DHS client.

Screen all persons attempting to enter the Shelter seeking services.

Engage clients to promote positive involvement in and around the shelter; make recommendations based on client observations and interactions.

Establish and maintain effective relationships with clients and community residents; actively participate as a representative of DHS in assigned community meetings, committees, and coalitions to develop and enhance community partnerships.

Serve as a knowledgeable resource about DHS programs and services.

Plan, coordinate, and participate in community relations projects, activities, and events in partnership with DHS offices of Communications and External Affairs, and other internal departments, to maintain positive stakeholder relationships and cultivate support for DHS programs.

Conduct presentations for Community-Based Organizations to increase awareness about DHS programs, services, and organizational goals.

Work on special projects and all other professional duties as assigned.

Hours/Schedule: Sunday to Thursday 3:00pm to 11:00pm RDO Fri and Sat.Minimum Qualifications

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community-centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or

High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community-centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or

Education and/or experience which is equivalent to 1 or 2 above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in 1 above.

Preferred Skills

- Excellent writing and communication, and computer skills. Proficiency with CARES.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of the interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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