Housing Specialist

About the role

The Housing Specialist plays a crucial role in facilitating access to stable housing for individuals facing housing challenges. They collaborate with community partners to expand housing resources for diverse client needs and enhance program effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Conduct housing assessments and work closely with individuals to understand their housing needs and eligibility for rent assistance programs.
• Recognize and address the intersectionality of housing and health, ensuring a holistic approach to client care.
• Develop and implement individualized housing plans tailored to each client's unique circumstances addressing barriers to housing stability.
• Collaborate with housing providers, landlords, and community organizations to secure housing options.
• Provide guidance and education on the rental process, lease agreements, and tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Connect clients with supportive services, financial assistance programs, employment resources, and other relevant resources.
• Monitor client progress, conduct regular check-ins, conduct home visits and inspections for long term housing programs, and provide ongoing support to maintain housing.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to secure safe and stable housing options.
• Navigate housing systems and collaborate with landlords, property managers, and housing authorities.
• Stay informed about local housing resources and proactively identify new opportunities.
• Respond to housing crises promptly, providing support and intervention to prevent homelessness.
• Collaborate with community partners and resources to help participants mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, past evictions, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, especially Vivent Health Care Teams, to integrate housing solutions into overall health plans.
• Facilitate the placement of clients into stable and supportive housing.
• Conduct market research to identify housing trends, availability, and opportunities in the local community.
• Provide participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences.
• Stay informed about housing policies and regulations that may impact client placements.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate records of housing placements, lease agreements, landlord interactions, client interactions, housing plans, and outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records, documenting assistance provided.
• Adhere to all agency policies, including but not limited to Confidentiality, Employee Handbook, Health Care Corporate Compliance Plan, Standards of Conduct, training, and other relevant policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Health, or a related field is required.
• Coordinate and administer rent assistance programs, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of services.
• Provide guidance and assistance with housing applications, eligibility criteria, and lease agreements.
• Worked or lived experience in social services, housing, or a related field.
• Experience working in healthcare and social service systems.
• Experience working with individuals facing housing challenges is preferred.
• Familiarity with local housing resources, rental markets, and housing support services.
• Experience working with housing assistance programs, including knowledge of eligibility criteria, application processes, and documentation requirements.
• Experience working with basic office and database computer programs, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Tableau.
• Basic understanding of HMIS and ability to document in the system.
• For positions that require driving a company vehicle, a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a clean driving record.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Empathy and understanding of diverse cultural perspectives.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and confidentiality.

Skills

• Knowledge of housing subsidy programs.
• Experience working with HIV/AIDS and related issues.
• Experience in providing services to persons encountering problems of homelessness, poverty, unemployment, substance use disorders, and behavioral health issues.
• Experience with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, cultural inclusivity, and trauma-informed care.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including 12 paid holidays.
• 401k with 100% employer match up to 5%.
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
• Employer subsidized medical, dental, vision benefits, and gender-affirming care benefits.
• Employer paid short and long-term disability.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Certification and licensure assistance.
• Part-time benefits available.

Pay

$49,920 annually (Depending on Experience)

Schedule

Full-time Position