Job Description

Pals Specialist - Nyc

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a dynamic, innovative, and well-respected organization founded in 1980 that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families through safe shelter and comprehensive services; delivers prevention and intervention programs that break cycles of violence and poverty; and actively works for sustainable systemic change. URI is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence (DV) shelter and services in New York State, and is the largest provider in the United States of DV shelter services, as well as a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families. URI has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among leadership, staff, and clients at residential and nonresidential sites across New York City.

Join a dynamic team of passionate individuals who are committed to transforming the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families. Urban Resource Institute (URI) offers safe shelter and comprehensive services for clients along with innovative prevention and intervention programs that break barriers and drive sustainable, systemic change. Working at intersection of poverty, trauma, and racism, URI envisions a world where individuals and communities are safe, stable and thriving. Every job and role at URI makes a valuable contribution to the URI mission and vision.

The Urban Resource Institute (URI), a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization established in 1980, operates shelter, legal and job training programs for domestic violence victims, residential and vocational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, and residential programs for homeless families. With a $73 million annual budget with over 500 staff, URI promotes safety, justice, health, and independence for vulnerable individuals and families residing in New York City.

URI has a rich history of developing innovative programs and providing solutions that help vulnerable individuals and families to overcome obstacles and improve their lives. In 2013, URI launched the PALS (People and Animals Living Safely) program New York City's first-ever co-living program that enables domestic violence victims and their pets to reside together in shelter. Reporting to the PALS Program Supervisor, the PALS Program Coordinator is responsible for coordinating day-to-day operations of PALS, a groundbreaking program that offers a range of comprehensive services, including intervention, counseling, advocacy, education, and coordination to meet the human and animal welfare needs of domestic violence victims and their pets.

Salary: $45,000 - $50,000

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments for families seeking shelter and participation in PALS and offer ongoing support to ensure animal welfare issues are addressed, including assisting with safety planning, ensuring access to appropriate pet supplies, addressing medical needs, and overseeing the discharge planning process.
• Work closely with shelter staff and community partners to coordinate timely access to veterinary care for pets, including a vet exam, spay/neuter, vaccinations, micro-chipping, basic care, and treatment related to animal abuse.
• Conduct preliminary pet assessments for animal behavior concerns and coordinate access to behavior therapy, where appropriate. Provide ongoing pet welfare education to clients, including an initial PALS orientation, case conferences and individual and group counseling, to support the continuum of care for adults, children and pets residing in shelter.
• Assist clients to identify and access "pet friendly" practices, including obtaining orders of protections for pets, exploring suitable temporary or permanent housing options, and addressing pet ownership issues.
• Identify, secure and monitor all necessary pet supplies and products related to PALS and oversee the inventory management process.
• Assist the PALS Director and other PALS team members in preparing for and providing workshops and technical assistance with service providers across New York State.
• Coordinate and/or facilitate staff training related to animal welfare safety, including identifying signs of animal abuse, proper pet care and handling, and accessing appropriate community resources.
• Work closely with animal welfare partners to coordinate fostering, boarding and animal surrender, where appropriate.
• Assist with grant proposals, reports and program evaluation.
• Represent URI at coalitions, taskforces and committees to ensure the continuation of solid collaborative approaches.
• Other duties as requested based on department, program and/or organizational needs.

Specifications For Education/Certifications/Licenses

• Bachelor's degree in Business or a Human Service field preferred.

Required Skills And Experience

• Commitment to the vision and mission of Urban Resource Institute
• Experience working with victims of domestic violence required.
• Experience with animal sheltering and/or knowledge of companion animal welfare required.
• Knowledge of basic handling of animals, signs of animal abuse/cruelty and common animal illnesses.
• Knowledge of and interest in the link between domestic violence and animal abuse, and strong desire to be a bridge between the human welfare and animal welfare communities.
• Strong organization, engagement and inter/intra agency collaborative skills.
• Strong clinical skills, including assessment, intervention, referral and advocacy.
• Must be self-directed and able to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Must have strong writing and public speaking skills with an ability to manage and organize multiple projects in a busy, pressured work environment.
• Project management skills and experience, especially in projects requiring significant resources and cross-functional involvement is a must.
• Must be extremely comfortable working with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in program development and implementation, a plus.
• Bilingual English/Spanish, a plus
• Driver's license, a plus

Specifications For Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds) and travel required between two Bronx and one Brooklyn location.

Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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