Home Based Chat Support Jobs in Rensselaer, NY (NOW HIRING)

Equinox is a non-profit human services organization in the Capital Region.

For more than 40 years, Equinox has reached out to people who need us most with innovative and effective programs that truly change lives, allowing us to fulfill our purpose of helping those we serve move forward on their paths to recovery, healing, and independence.

Equinox is Albany County’s primary provider of services for victims of domestic violence. Our Domestic Violence Programs provide safety for victims of Domestic Violence, including the elderly, and offer the support, assistance and tools they need to escape abusive situations and take control of their lives. Domestic Violence Services are available to all victims and their dependent children, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Position Summary: The Emergency Services Case Manager provides crisis intervention, short-term case management and follow up to victims who call the 24-hour hotline, who utilize the web-based chat, walk in, are alternately placed, have left shelter and/or have been referred by an Equinox DV team member for emergency assistance. Services provided include supportive listening, initial eligibility assessments for Domestic Violence Residential and Outreach Services, safety planning, information and referral, emergency shelter placement, advocacy, case management, follow up and support. The emergency services case manager collaborates and works as a team with all emergency case managers and coordinates with all domestic violence staff to ensure clients receive comprehensive services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Answers the 24 hour hotline, crisis chat line, and meets with walk-ins to provide crisis intervention, supportive listening, information and referral; develops safety plans with clients and conducts eligibility assessment for all Domestic Violence services.
• Assesses eligibility and options for victims seeking domestic violence shelter; conducts Equinox shelter intake when appropriate.
• Assists victims with securing alternate emergency housing (out of county DV shelter, temporary motel lodging, family and friends, etc.) including transportation and food, when Equinox shelter option is not available. Follows up on client needs.
• Provides short-term case management and follow up to victims who are alternately placed, have left shelter and/or have been referred by an Equinox DV team member for emergency assistance.
• Provides community education and outreach related to domestic and family violence, elder abuse and human trafficking.
• Accompanies clients to DSS, court, law enforcement, other agencies as needed, advocates for clients both in person and through phone and written contact.
• Participates in coordination and outreach to other community services including providing services at co-location sites e.g. DSS.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships and linkages with other community services, including domestic violence programs in the region.
• Maintain client records according to program and regulatory requirements. Maintain statistics requirements for the agency and funding sources.
• Acts in accordance with Equinox mission. Maintain the highest level of professional ethical standards. Ensures confidentiality when dealing with employees, clients and the public.
• May represent the agency in formal and informal groups related to domestic violence services.
• Comply with all documentation requirements.
• Participates in client services coordination team meetings, staff meetings, as well as individual supervision.
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse/maltreatment as a mandated reporter.
• Performs other duties as requested for the enhancement and continuation of programming.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to negotiate stairs.
• Ability to lift and carry minimum of 15 lbs.
• Ability to handle basic facility emergencies.
• Ability to drive and transport clients at times with agency vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of four years’ experience in human services.
• Must have a clean, valid NYS Driver License, with access to reliable transportation as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates’ Degree in a human service-related field preferred with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in human services OR a Bachelor’s Degree in a human service-related field preferred with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in human services.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or an additional language
• Prior experience working with domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking, mental health or substance abuse populations preferred.
• Prior case management/crisis intervention services experience preferred.

Schedule: Monday through Friday

 We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Paid Time off, paid holidays, a fantastic Employee Assistance Program through CapitalEAP, Group-Term Life Insurance, Short -Term Disability and much more! 

Equinox, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.