The posting
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 Community Liaison serves as the primary point of contact between the program and the surrounding community, promoting positive neighborhood relations, supporting client engagement, and helping ensure program operations align with BRC's mission and Good Neighbor Policy.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary liaison between the program and the surrounding community, building and maintaining positive relationships with residents, businesses, community stakeholders, and external partners.
- Conduct community outreach and monitor conditions in and around the facility to identify, address, and help resolve concerns involving clients, the program, or the neighborhood. Respond professionally to community concerns and collaborate with program leadership, staff, and external partners to develop and implement appropriate solutions.
- Promote and enforce compliance with BRC's Good Neighbor Policy by educating and counseling clients on appropriate behavior and addressing issues that may negatively impact the community.
- Provide direct outreach, engagement, escort, referral, and resource linkage services to BRC clients and individuals experiencing homelessness. Maintain knowledge of community resources and recognize signs of mental health or substance use concerns to facilitate appropriate referrals and support.
- Identify and maintain relationships with community service providers and external organizations to strengthen referral networks and enhance client access to services.
- Supervise assigned front-door or operations staff, when applicable, and provide Shift Supervisor coverage as assigned. Ensure staff adherence to BRC policies, procedures, safety requirements, and documentation standards.
- Maintain accurate records, statistics, and required documentation related to outreach activities, community engagement, referrals, and program operations.
- Participate in required meetings and communicate significant community, client, and operational concerns, as well as community feedback, to program leadership.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with clients, community members, businesses, and outside partners.
- Ability to handle complaints, resolve conflicts, and de-escalate challenging situations.
- Ability to work independently, use good judgment, and work well with others.
- Basic computer skills and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, community relations, or a related field preferred.
- At least one year of experience in community outreach, human services, customer service, public relations, resident services, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use concerns preferred.
- Supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
Schedule
Full-time 37.5 hours
Working Conditions – Homeless Programs
- 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
