Careers at UCA

POSITION: Case Manager, Victim Support Services Network (Part‐Time)
REPORTS TO: Program Director / VSSN Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non‐Exempt, Part‐Time (approximately 30 hours/week; schedule includes some
evenings/weekends)
HOURLY RATE: $23.00
LOCATION: Urban Community Alliance, with regular community‐based and partner‐site work

Position Summary
The Part‐Time Case Manager provides direct, client‐centered support to victims and survivors of community violence referred through the VSSN network. The position focuses on timely engagement, short‐term intensive coordination (approximately 45 days), and warm handoffs to long‐term providers to promote safety, stability, and healing for individuals and families.

Key Responsibilities
Intake, assessment, and service planning

• Respond promptly to VSSN referrals and initiate contact with victims and family members as close to the time of need as possible.
• Conduct comprehensive, trauma‐informed needs assessments addressing safety, mental and behavioral health, housing, economic supports, employment, and access to victim assistance resources.
• Develop individualized service plans that prioritize needs, identify appropriate providers, and reflect client goals, preferences, and cultural context.

Short‐term intensive coordination (approx. 45 days)

• Provide navigation and advocacy to help clients access services, including scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation supports, and addressing barriers to engagement.
• Maintain regular contact with clients through home or community visits, phone, text, and partner‐site meetings, using engagement strategies that foster trust and respect.
• Monitor progress on service plans, adjust coordination activities as needed, and document all interactions and outcomes in Apricot according to UCA standards.

Warm handoffs and continuity of care

• Coordinate structured warm handoffs to long‐term service providers, including behavioral health, housing, legal advocacy, and workforce partners.
• Facilitate three‐way introductions (e.g., phone, virtual, or in‐person) to ensure that ongoing providers have the information they need and that clients feel supported during transitions.
• Confirm linkage to ongoing services and document transfer of care responsibilities and follow‐up outcomes.

Community canvassing and outreach support

• Participate in post‐incident canvassing and ongoing community outreach consistent with VSSN’s standardized activation protocol and UCA safety guidelines.
• Support implementation of trauma‐informed, culturally responsive outreach and engagement in community “safe spaces” and other trusted settings.
• Systematically document all outreach contacts, referrals, and follow‐up needs in Apricot to inform network‐level analysis and strategy.

Collaboration and case conferencing

• Participate in bi‐weekly VSSN coordination meetings and internal UCA case conferences to review cases, address barriers, and align partner roles.
• Communicate regularly with hospital‐based staff, community partners, justice entities, and other service providers to support coordinated care and reduce duplication.
• Uphold confidentiality, information‐sharing agreements, and ethical practice standards at all times.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, criminal justice, or related field; relevant lived and professional experience may substitute for formal education.
• At least 2–3 years of experience providing case management, victim services, outreach, or related support to individuals and families impacted by violence, trauma, or justice involvement.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and maintain engagement with individuals experiencing acute trauma, system distrust, and complex life circumstances.
• Knowledge of New Haven community resources, especially related to behavioral health, housing, legal advocacy, employment, and basic needs supports.
• Familiarity with trauma‐informed, culturally responsive, and healing‐centered engagement practices.
• Experience using electronic case management systems (Apricot preferred) and maintaining accurate, timely documentation for compliance and billing purposes.
• Connecticut VPP certification preferred or willingness to obtain within agency‐supported timelines.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, and to conduct home/community visits in accordance with UCA safety protocols.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills in languages commonly spoken in New Haven neighborhoods (e.g., Spanish) strongly preferred.

POSITION: Intensive Care Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: CT InCK
REPORTS TO: Operations Manager & Executive Director
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time, Hourly
HOURLY RATE: $30-$32
HOURS: 15 hours per week, with opportunity for adjustment based on program caseload and service needs

EMPLOYER INFORMATION
Urban Community Alliance: A Vision for Community Wellness
Urban Community Alliance (UCA) is a New Haven-based community organization dedicated to empowering families, strengthening healthy family functioning, promoting self-reliance, and building meaningful connections between individuals, families, and their communities.

As a community-based partner supporting the Connecticut Integrated Care for Kids (CT InCK) initiative in New Haven, UCA provides organizational and operational oversight of services while working alongside families, healthcare providers, and community partners. Our community-rooted approach builds on UCA’s
knowledge of New Haven’s neighborhoods, resources, and family needs to help individuals navigate services and strengthen connections to care.

Through culturally responsive and family-centered practices, UCA works to reduce barriers, strengthen family voice and self-advocacy, and connect children and families to the healthcare, behavioral health, social, and community supports they need to be supported, self-sufficient, and thriving.

PURPOSE
The Intensive Care Coordinator (ICC) is a direct care position working with children, youth, and families in the New Haven community to provide wraparound, trauma-informed care coordination. The ICC is a vital member of the Connecticut Integrated Care for Kids (CT InCK) system of care in New Haven. The ICC provides Intensive Care
Coordination to eligible HUSKY Health (Medicaid) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members residing within designated New Haven service areas.

Current CT InCK New Haven Service Areas:
06510 | 06511 | 06512 | 06513 | 06515 | 06519
Services are also available to eligible families who are currently unhoused within New Haven, regardless of their last known address.

The ICC serves as a family’s consistent point of contact and works to engage, educate, and empower families in addressing physical health, behavioral health, school and developmental needs, social drivers of health, and access to community resources.

Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach, the ICC coordinates member and family needs through assessment, identification of family strengths and goals, development of care plans, referrals, and connection to community and healthcare resources that support positive and holistic outcomes.

REPORTING AND OVERSIGHT
The Bilingual Intensive Care Coordinator is a part-time employee of Urban Community Alliance and reports to the Operations Manager and Executive Director.

The Operations Manager provides operational oversight of the position, including program implementation, caseload and workflow monitoring, documentation and reporting expectations, organizational compliance, and alignment with UCA policies and procedures.

The Executive Director provides executive-level leadership and guidance to ensure CT InCK services remain aligned with Urban Community Alliance’s mission, contractual responsibilities, community partnerships, and organizational priorities.

The position is initially structured for approximately 15 hours per week based on current program needs and caseload. Hours may be reviewed and adjusted as referrals, active caseload, service needs, and program capacity change.

Caseload, workload, staffing capacity, and program needs should be reviewed periodically by UCA Operations and Executive Leadership to ensure staffing remains responsive to the growth and needs of CT InCK.

CORE KNOWLEDGE

Core knowledge fundamental to the Intensive Care Coordinator position includes:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in Wraparound Care Coordination activities.
• Knowledge of social services, neighborhoods, community systems, and community stakeholders throughout Greater New Haven.
• Exceptional ability to work collaboratively across organizations, systems, providers, and community partners.
• Experience working with children and families in need of unique and specialized services, including but not limited to physical/medical health, behavioral/mental health, social drivers of health, crisis response, and safety planning for urgent needs.
• Demonstrated family-centered approach and understanding of historical and generational trauma and health disparities, utilizing trauma-informed and anti-racist practices.
• Commitment to cultural humility, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equitable community-based practices.
• Proficiency in documenting services within required care management and organizational technology platforms.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to the changing and responsive nature of the CT InCK system of care and UCA’s organizational and contractual responsibilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide the Integrated Care for Kids service model to assigned members and families.
• Utilize selected technology platforms for needs assessments, care plan development, referrals, case documentation, and reporting.
• Maintain UCA and program standards for data management, privacy, confidentiality, HIPAA, security, recordkeeping, and reporting.
• Conduct outreach and engagement with HUSKY Health members and families in members’ homes,
  community settings, virtually, and other appropriate locations.
• Serve as the Single Point of Contact for the member/family and Care Team.
• Assemble, coordinate, and facilitate connections with Core Child Service providers, family supports, healthcare providers, practitioners, schools, and community-based organizations addressing identified needs and social drivers of health.
• Develop, coordinate, and manage family-centered Care Plans and Care Team Meetings utilizing the Intensive
  Care Coordination model.
• Maintain regular communication with members and families and support their voice, choice, participation, and decision-making throughout the care coordination process.
• Participate in required CT InCK quality assurance, monitoring, coaching, training, community education, feedback, and reporting activities.
• Participate in South Central Network of Care meetings and other identified community resource tables to
  remain informed of available programs, services, clinical resources, family supports, and community
  opportunities that may benefit CT InCK members and families.
• Build and maintain relationships with community providers and use information gathered through community resource tables to strengthen referrals, warm handoffs, and connections for members and families.
• Complete all required CT InCK model training and UCA professional development requirements.
• Maintain CT InCK model integrity and fidelity in day-to-day practice, documentation, participation, and service delivery.
• Maintain a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, family-centered, and equitable approach to improving the health and well-being of children and families.
• Complete required documentation in a timely, accurate, professional, and billable manner consistent with contractual standards and UCA internal expectations.
• Maintain communication with UCA Operations regarding caseload, program activities, documentation, reporting requirements, barriers to service delivery, significant family needs, and matters requiring
  organizational follow-up.
• Follow UCA policies, procedures, communication protocols, safety expectations, and established supervisory channels.
• Participate in supervision, case consultation, program review, quality improvement, and internal meetings as required.
• Support accurate program data collection and reporting to assist UCA in monitoring service delivery, contractual requirements, program quality, and participant outcomes.
• Perform other duties as necessary to support CT InCK members and families and Urban Community Alliance’s program responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health, Human Services, Social Work, or related field preferred, or relevant lived and professional experience.
• Experience working with HUSKY Health Connecticut members and families.
• Training/certification in a Wraparound Care Coordination model is a plus.
• Understanding of person-centered care coordination models.
• Commitment to advancing the health and well-being of children and families and promoting health equity in programs and services.
• Knowledge of social services, neighborhoods, community systems, and stakeholders throughout Greater New Haven.

SKILLS

• Familiarity with the New Haven community and Greater New Haven resources.
• Strong collaboration, organization, and community engagement skills.
• Proven ability in care coordination, case management, and working with children and families.
• Proven complex problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Comfortable using technology, provider referral systems, member data systems, and electronic records.
• Team management and/or group facilitation experience.
• Documentation and reporting experience; experience with data reporting platforms is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and with bilingual/multilingual communities.
• Bilingual capability preferred.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain timely follow-through.
• Self-starter who can work independently while remaining accountable within a team and supervisory structure.
• Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to travel throughout the Greater New Haven area to provide community-based services.
• Must maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, contractual requirements, and UCA policies and procedures.
• Must successfully complete required organizational and program-specific training.
• Must maintain required documentation and reporting within established timelines.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Approximately 20% of time may involve repetitive motions.
• Approximately 50% of time may be spent sitting.
• Approximately 10% of time may involve walking, bending, standing, stooping, crouching, or kneeling.
• Approximately 20% of time may involve using hands to type, write, operate equipment, or use controls.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

UCA CORE COMPETENCIES AND EXPECTATIONS
Integrity
UCA models leadership with humility, authenticity, and transparency. Employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate honesty and ethical decision-making.
• Take responsibility for their actions and professional responsibilities.
• Protect the confidentiality and dignity of members and families.
• Build and maintain trust with families, colleagues, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Communicate openly and appropriately through established organizational channels.

Respect
UCA strives to create an environment that is supportive and fosters mutual trust. Employees are expected to:

• Treat members, families, coworkers, partners, and community members with dignity and respect.
• Practice cultural humility.
• Recognize and value different experiences, perspectives, cultures, and family structures.
• Listen to and elevate family voice and choice.
• Maintain professional boundaries and communication.

Accountability
UCA provides direction and support to its community and expects employees to demonstrate responsibility for the
quality of their work. Employees are expected to:

• Follow through on assigned responsibilities.
• Meet documentation, reporting, and program deadlines.
• Participate actively in supervision and organizational oversight.
• Communicate barriers, concerns, and significant program matters promptly.
• Use data, feedback, and supervision to strengthen service delivery.
• Maintain accountability to UCA policies, contractual expectations, and the CT InCK model.

Dedication
UCA and its staff operate with a high level of commitment and motivation in serving others. Employees are expected
to:

• Demonstrate commitment to children, families, and the Greater New Haven community.
• Remain responsive to changing family and community needs.
• Participate in professional development and continuous learning.
• Work collaboratively to strengthen services and organizational effectiveness.
• Support continuous quality improvement.
• Represent Urban Community Alliance professionally in the community and with partnering organizations.

Communication
Employees must demonstrate clear, respectful, timely, and culturally responsive communication. This includes
communicating verbally and in writing in an organized and professional manner, actively listening, confirming
understanding, maintaining appropriate internal communication, and adjusting communication style when working
with diverse individuals, families, providers, and community partners.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Urban Community Alliance is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified individuals from
diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals
with disabilities to support participation in the interview process and performance of the essential functions of the
position. Urban Community Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.

POSITION: Administrative Assistant
FLSA: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time
HOURS: 40 Hours per week
EFFECTIVE:

Position Summary

Urban Community Alliance (UCA) is seeking an organized, dependable, and customer-focused Administrative Assistant to provide day-to-day administrative support to the Executive Director
and assist with the efficient operation of the organization’s office. This position is responsible for routine clerical, scheduling, and communication tasks that help support staff, visitors, and
organizational activities.

The Administrative Assistant plays an important support role by maintaining organized records, preparing documents, coordinating schedules, and assisting with office operations while ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Provide general administrative support to the Executive Director and leadership team.
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls, emails, and visitors professionally.
• Schedule meetings and assist with maintaining calendars.
• Prepare meeting agendas, print materials, and organize meeting packets.
• Draft, proofread, and format routine correspondence, reports, and forms.
• Maintain electronic and paper filing systems.
• Scan, copy, file, and distribute documents as needed.
• Maintain office supplies and assist with ordering routine materials.
• Coordinate conference room reservations and meeting logistics.

Office Operations

• Welcome guests and assist visitors in a professional manner
• Assist with incoming and outgoing mail.
• Help maintain organized office records and administrative files.
• Support office organization and ensure common areas remain presentable.
• Assist with maintaining contact lists and organizational directories.

Program & Staff Support

• Assist program staff with preparing participant packets and administrative forms.
• Support scheduling for trainings, staff meetings, and organizational events.
• Assist with data entry and document organization.
• Help maintain confidential participant and organizational records.
• Provide administrative assistance for special projects as assigned.

Communication Support

• Prepare routine emails and correspondence for review.
• Assist with internal communications and staff announcements.
• Support the distribution of organizational materials and documents.
• Respond to routine inquiries or direct them to the appropriate staff member.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or administrative certificate preferred.
• One to three years of administrative or office support experience.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google Workspace.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in a nonprofit or community-based organization.
• Familiarity with electronic filing systems and office equipment.
• Customer service experience.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to file, organize materials, and assist with routine office tasks.

UCA Mission Alignment
The Administrative Assistant supports Urban Community Alliance’s mission by helping ensure the organization’s daily operations run efficiently and effectively. Through accurate administrative support, professional communication, organized recordkeeping, and responsive customer service, this position enables staff and leadership to focus on delivering high-quality, trauma-informed services to individuals, youth, and families. By contributing to a well-organized and welcoming office environment, the Administrative Assistant plays an important role in advancing UCA’s commitment to strengthening communities, fostering meaningful partnerships,
and improving outcomes for those we serve.

Interested Candidates

Submit resume and letter of interest to:

Maguena Deslandes, Senior Operations
Urban Community Alliance, Inc.

Email: maguena.deslandes@ucainc.org

Phone: (203) 786-5970 ext. 4110

Position: VETTS Mentor (Veterans Empowering Teens Through Support)
Reports To: VETTS Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non Exempt
Last Revised: 9/11/2024

VETTS Requirements

A. Nature of Work: VETTS employees are responsible for assisting youth involved in the prison and court system, to develop positive and supportive relationships within their home, and at risk for community violence. VETTS will involve the program participants in pro-social activities, assist with implementing goals, and provide academic support, life skills training, and employment skill exposure. VETTS employees must maintain high professionalism while representing Urban Community Alliance and the VETTS program while out in the community.

B. Commitment Time: Clients receive a minimum of 3 contacts weekly.

C. Examples of Work:
➔ Volunteering in the community
➔ Exploring colleges within the state
➔ Exploring Job Corp opportunities
➔ Assist youth in finding employment
➔ Assist youth in making choices that will not involve legal involvement
➔ Explore career choice
➔ Plan for immediate and future goals

Taking the youth into the community to explore pro-social activities and teaching independent living skills such as (but not limited to):
➔ Learning how to compare prices before making a purchase
➔ Learning where and how to shop for clothing and groceries
➔ Learning how to change a tire/car maintenance
➔ Learning how to wash and fold clothes
➔ Learning how to take the bus
➔ Learning how to take the train (within the state)
➔ Learning about & attending free pro-social activities in the community

D. Qualifications:

1. Must be able to utilize verbal de-escalation techniques should youth need assistance appropriate behaviors in the community.
2. Must be of good moral character and sound judgment.
3. Must be capable of gathering facts and information, without violating a youth’s
   confidentiality, regarding negative behaviors that may need to be reported to the proper source.
4. Must be able to submit written reports about time spent with the youth at their scheduled supervision meeting.
5. Must be willing to complete a two-week on-the-job training session before meeting with a client.
6. Must communicate effectively and coherently with referring agencies: Department of Children and Families, Connecticut Juvenile /Adult Court, Parole, Probation, and the local police department.
7. Must be able to transport the youth to and from scheduled meetings with VETTS mentors.
8. Must be able to communicate effectively with people including the youth and family.
9. Must be able to assist youth to mediate disputes with parole/probation, peers, and their family in a manner that promotes appropriate tone and affect.
10. Must be able to endure verbal abuse when confronting youth that are involved and accept hostile views and opinions that the youth may have about a person or situation.
11. Must pass a background investigation. Candidates must not have any felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions.
12. Must have a reasonable amount of time to commit to the youth’s contracted hours, supervision requirements, and note-writing.
13. Must attend periodic Urban Community Alliance staff training.
14. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be capable of operating their vehicle.
15. Must possess good judgment regarding the weather and transporting a youth in a vehicle.
16. Must have or be willing to obtain CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
17. Must complete a 6-month probationary period.

E. Salary: $22.50 per hour.

F. Hours: 20 hours per week. There is some flexibility in the hours. 1⁄2 hour per child is required for supervision.

G. Requirements:

• Must be 21+
• Must have your registered vehicle
• Must have a valid driver’s license and insurance
• Must submit to the following background checks: CPS, DMV, Police background
• Must have an Honorable discharge from the military (if discharged)
• Must have a high school diploma
• Must not have a felony

The following requirements are preferred but not required:

• Advanced college degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
• Prior experience with youth, young adults, and adults.

Interested Candidates: Submit resume and letter of interest to pepe.vega@ucainc.org 
Urban Community Alliance Operations at maguena.deslandes@ucainc.org,
(203) 786-5970 X. 4110.