Housing Specialist (Springfield Family Residence)

Responsibilities

• To meet or exceed all the quarterly performance targets, such as: Facility Length of Stay and Exit and Housing placements as set annually by the Department of Homeless Services and The Salvation Army leadership.
• May be asked to assist in driving families to move ins, with SA vehicle if they are not able to find transportation for themselves.
• Reports directly to the Case Manager Supervisor regarding all client housing and permanent placement related issues and concerns and is responsible for the placement of homeless families into permanent housing.
• Maintains a current United States Driver’s license without violations or restrictions so that they are able to escort clients to appointments which will lead to obtaining permanent housing for homeless clients.
• Works together with the case management team to ensure all clients are actively engaged in their own exit strategy and discharge plan or is referring to the client for next step or involuntary transfer.
• Accurately oversees caseload of 50 families.
• Ensures compliance with housing policies and procedures as per City and State Regulations and provides supportive assistance to their caseload in efforts to identify and resolve issues that interfere with the client’s ability to find placement in permanent housing.
• Instructs the families on the applications processes, and the housing search processes, monitors the families’ applications to programs, monitors and coordinates lease signing and/or public assistance payments, provides referrals to all eligible housing options, facilitates the families move-out process, documents prior history of evictions and arrears.
• Coordinates workshops that instruct clients on how to interview for an apartment, how to accurately complete an application, how to define their housing preferences and priorities, what is needed upon moving into an apartment, etc.
• Has accurate and detailed case progress notes for every client meeting and engagement that takes place.
• Enters said case notes in the approved computer database of client records.
• Arranges meetings for housing intake and assessment of newly assigned residents within 24 hours of admission and is responsible for assessing residents’ eligibility for housing programs, and timeline for application to available programs.
• Completes all required paperwork, i.e. quantity of referrals, monthly housing update, housing notes, referral sheets, ARCs, contracts and other statistical requirements (TSA and DHS) on a timely basis.
• Must input a minimum of 15 contacts per week in the database system.
• Reinforces the Residence rules and regulations and Department of Homeless Service Code of Conduct and Client Responsibility specific to housing.
• Accepts and organizes resident intake referrals from HERO.
• Participates in all required client hearings and discharges.
• Participates in weekly housing, intake and case conferencing staff meetings.
• Actively engages in weekly clinical supervision with Director of Social Services.
• Assigned to work one late day per week (12pm – 8pm) and one rotating weekend shift per month.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field or a High School Diploma/GED and at least two years of experience working within a homeless shelter and/or with the homeless population.
• Experience working with clients pursuing independence and self-sufficiency outcomes is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all housing programs, intake process, and eligibility requirements for the shelter system.