To do this, the Social Service Team provides both Intensive and Supportive Case Management Services to the neediest homeless clients in NYC. The ICMs and SCMs provide services for homeless people dealing with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and addiction as well as mental health issues. Team members conduct outreach and work in those places where homeless people congregate in numerous sites across four boroughs including drop-in centers, single/family shelters, soup kitchens and medical clinics.

Specifically, HIV workers engage clients to assess and support their adherence to medical appointments and treatments. Mental health workers provide assessments, psychiatric evaluations, therapy and assist in medication management. The Substance Abuse Counselor works with clients who are experiencing the consequences of substance abuse or addiction and provides assessment, treatment and referrals for all clients in need. Additionally, the SAC conducts several groups to help outreach and identify active substance users who are ambivalent about substance abuse treatment.

All workers complete comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessments and collaborate with clients in order to develop holistic service plans that address all identified areas of need. During the treatment process, the worker and client work on issues related to housing, benefits, legal, vocation/education, medical and many others. Services provided are meant to address any need that the client presents which staff then seek to meet either with in-house services or by referral to a community provider. All referrals are followed up by workers to help ensure client’s connectedness and satisfaction with the service provider.