Schenectady County Information

Care Coordination is a service to assist individuals who reside in a community setting or are transitioning to a community setting to gain access to needed medical, social, educational, and other services and supports, such as housing, transportation and entitlement programs. Services are provided to children and youth ages 5-18 and adults ages 18 and up. On-call is available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week.

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Combating Homelessness in New York

RSS provides intensive outreach, engagement and care coordination services to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness through its Safe Options Support (SOS) teams. Funded through the state Office of Mental Health, these outreach and referral-based teams work with affected individuals, typically in marginalized and underserved communities, to connect them to critical services and shelter.

RSS has a keen understanding of the magnitude of the homeless crisis, the trauma that homeless individuals experience, and the services best suited to transition someone from homelessness to permanent housing. Across upstate New York, RSS operates dozens of mental health housing programs, clinical services, and outreach services that aid individuals who have severe mental illness and may be homeless.

The mission of the RSS SOS teams is to provide voluntary, high-quality, culturally responsive, efficient, and cost-effective interventions grounded in the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model. By promoting inclusion, listening, and applying a diverse approach to engagement, we assist individuals experiencing street homelessness and those in temporary shelter settings.

The RSS SOS teams consist of behavioral health professionals that include licensed clinicians, care managers and peer specialists. These outreach professionals provide immediate assistance, while also developing positive relationships that help individuals living on the street build life skills and strengthen their support network so their care can successfully be transferred to community-based providers and supports.

Through its SOS teams, RSS serves the following areas in upstate New York:

Currently in operation

• Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga Counties in the Capital Region

To make a referral, or obtain more information, contact us at [email protected]

Currently in development

• Ulster and Sullivan Counties in the Mid-Hudson Region

• Otsego County in the Mohawk Valley

• Tioga and Tompkins Counties in the Southern Tier

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Non-licensed apartment living with rental assistance and case management housing support services provided to help individuals secure and maintain successful community living. Residents choose their own apartment, receive funding for furnishings and security deposits, and may choose to live alone or have the option of selecting an apartment-mate(s). Staff visit residents at least once a month or more often if necessary.

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Supported employment assists individuals to secure competitive employment in jobs best suited to their abilities and preferences. Ongoing staff and informal supports are available to help with job retention. Supported employment may include ACCESS –VR funded intensive services consisting of job development, placement, situational assessment, job coaching, and OMH-funded extended services.

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