Housing and Economic Security Networking AmeriCorps*VISTA

About the Organization: Journey Home, Inc. is a nonprofit organization working to initiate innovative and sustainable solutions to homelessness in the Greater Hartford region of Connecticut. Journey Home facilitates the implementation of the Opening Doors Greater Hartford, the communities' plan to end homelessness in the Capitol Region. Journey Home's mission is to foster a caring community that ensures a home for all. We give life to this mission through encouraging collaboration, facilitating innovation, and advocating for justice. For more information on Journey Home, Inc., please visit www.JourneyHomeCT.org .

Position Expectations

• This VISTA will increase Journey Home's capacity to increase affordable and supportive housing opportunities for homeless and at risk households within the Greater Hartford Region.
• The VISTA will assist Journey Home with the implementation of a more robust Economic Security strategy including ways to increase earned and entitlement income among those experiencing homelessness in Greater Hartford.
• The VISTA will increase community awareness for Journey Home's mission to prevent and end homelessness in Greater Hartford and assist with engaging a more diverse and widespread group of stakeholders to be actively involved in the solutions.

Specific tasks will include:

Establishing relationships and points of contact with local and state-wide agencies to obtain regular and updated information about new housing developments in the pipeline.

• Research new housing development projects including timelines, owners, funding streams, etc.
• Research best practices for Public Housing Authorities' involvement in efforts to prevent and end homelessness
• Research new and sustainable sources of funding for the intensive case management services component of Permanent Supportive Housing and assist with applying for / securing funding identified
• Create a database of entities to reach out to within the Greater Hartford Region to engage them in Journey Home's work.
• Revamp communication materials for outreach purposes
• Create a method to track presentations and attendees and maintain ongoing contact with interested entities.
• Utilize the Economic Security survey results to improve access to earned income opportunities for those experiencing homelessness
• Assist with the convening of an Employment Specialist Case Conference to share resources and break down silos.
• Research into best practices for employing and training homeless individuals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors' degree in sociology, social work, public health, urban planning, political science, community development, economic development, divinity or related field.
• Experience in database development
• Excellent communications skills including the ability to communicate with a wide variety of people through different mediums.
• Knowledge of the Greater Hartford, CT community would be preferred but is not required.
• Demonstrated experience in being a quick learner, self-directed, and committed to social and economic justice;
• Experience working with research methodology, program monitoring, evaluation, and/or performance measurement;
• Very strong computer skills including expertise in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access;
• Multi-lingual skills very helpful;
• Excellent organization skills, work habits and verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as a member of a team.
• Demonstrate a commitment to quality standards in all elements of work – thoroughness, accuracy and timeliness. Produce quality work under pressure.
• Operate within team setting and cooperate with others to achieve mission and goals as an overall organization. Accept roles as team member and support others in team in accomplishment of organization goals and work plans. Exhibit respect and dignity for all within and outside of team and work group.
• Ensure effectiveness in results and operations and a positive reputation for Journey Home by being punctual and prepared, by communicating well to all, and by performing duties and meeting commitments according to agreed upon timelines.
• Possess an appropriate level of skill, knowledge and expertise in assigned functional area. Work to keep skills current and develop further to enhance current performance and potential. Display high level of creativity and innovation.
• Use appropriate verbal and/or written communications. Be able to present and handle self professionally and effectively in variety of situations. Demonstrate listening skills with staff and customers/constituents to ensure satisfaction.

If interested, please send cover letter and resume to Amanda.Girardin@JourneyHomeCT.org