ROSS Service Coordinator (Full-Time) in East Orange, New Jersey at East Orange Housing Authority

JOB SUMMARY: The Service Coordinator is a three year grant-funded position responsible for implementing resident-centered service coordination activities consistent with the HUD Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Service Coordinator program. The position assesses resident needs, develops individualized service plans with measurable goals, links residents to supportive services and community resources, promotes participation in self-sufficiency activities, and tracks outcomes in accordance with HUD reporting requirements. The Service Coordinator serves families, and may also serve elderly residents and/or persons with disabilities, with the goal of supporting economic mobility, housing stability, wellness, and aging in place, as applicable. This position reports to the Family Self-Sufficiency Manager.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Resident Outreach, Intake, and Enrollment

• Recruit, engage, and enroll eligible residents in the ROSS program through outreach, orientation, and ongoing relationship-building.
• Conduct intake interviews, resident needs assessments, and interest surveys to identify barriers, goals, and supportive service needs.

Case Management and Service Planning

• Provide case management, service coordination, coaching, and follow-up to support resident progress toward self-sufficiency and housing stability.
• Conduct home visits and field-based outreach, as appropriate, to improve engagement and connect residents to needed services.

Service Coordination and Resident Support

• Refer residents to appropriate community resources, including employment and career services, education and training, financial capability services, health and wellness resources, transportation, childcare, legal services, and other supportive services.
• For elderly residents and persons with disabilities, coordinate access to services that support independent living and aging in place, including congregate and supportive services as appropriate.
• Plan, coordinate, and promote workshops, group activities, and resident programming aligned with identified resident needs and ROSS program goals.
• Support resident engagement, leadership, and volunteer participation by encouraging involvement in community activities and informal support networks.
• Serve as a liaison with internal departments and external providers to help coordinate services and address barriers affecting resident participation and well-being.

Partnerships and Community Collaboration

• Establish, strengthen, and maintain partnerships with public agencies, workforce entities, schools, training providers, health and behavioral health organizations, and community-based organizations to expand services available to residents.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the objectives of the ROSS program and agency operations.

Documentation, Reporting, and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records, case notes, referrals, service plans, and outcome data in designated systems.
• Track resident participation, progress, and outcomes; prepare reports, documentation, and other required records in compliance with HUD and agency requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in case management, resident services, social services, community outreach, or a related field required for candidates with a degree.
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in case management, resident services, or social services may be considered.
• Experience working with public housing residents, low-income families, elderly residents, and/or persons with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD programs, community resource coordination, data tracking, and outcome reporting is strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of community resources, supportive service systems, workforce development programs, and public benefit networks.
• Ability to conduct assessments, identify barriers, develop individualized service plans, and support residents in achieving measurable goals.
• Ability to coordinate and monitor referrals, services, workshops, and resident programming aligned with self-sufficiency objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with residents, service providers, partner agencies, and internal departments.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation, track outcomes, protect confidentiality, and prepare timely reports in accordance with HUD and agency requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, advocacy, interviewing, motivational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management, reporting, or data tracking systems.