Housing Support Specialist

About the role

The Women's Shelter team is excited to welcome talented Housing Support Specialists to join us. If you are trauma-informed and passionate about working with the unhoused, we can't wait to meet you.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive benefits
• Immediate impact - not just sitting behind a desk all day, you'll be truly active and engaged with your team and the community
• Leadership team invested in your success and wellness (this work is hard and we want to support you)
• CPLC is a trusted non-profit, with decades of work partnering with local communities to drive economic and political empowerment

PAY & BENEFITS

• $20 hourly, non-exempt
• Employee Assistance Program
• Floating Personal Holiday
• Employee Recognition Program
• Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Days
• Medical, Dental, and Vision for Spouse/Domestic Partner & Children up to age 26
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness Services and Engagement Program
• Telereoncology & Concierge Services
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Voluntary Pet Insurance and other optional/voluntary benefits for additional peace of mind

Location

5400 Gibson Blvd SE

Schedule

Rotating (day, swing, and night shifts until filled), full-time, onsite and in the community as needed. Shifts may have to adapt from time-to-time, including holidays/weekends as needed to support the shelter.

About Women's Shelter

Women's Housing Navigation Center offers a safe and welcoming environment to women experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. The center is open year-round and offers meals, a warm overnight bed, and secure under-bed storage. The shelter provides low barrier, trauma-informed case management, job searching, and other supportive services. The team works to guide guests through a successful exit from the shelter to safe, stable housing, and a plan for ongoing support.

What Makes You a Great Housing Support Specialist?

• You engage guests with empathy from the start, conducting intakes, assessing needs, and ensuring accurate HMIS documentation
• You bring a trauma-informed approach, creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals feel supported and understood
• You proactively manage case plans, helping residents navigate housing, employment, and community resources on their path to stability
• You stay calm under pressure, using effective crisis intervention and de-escalation skills to support residents in challenging moments
• You’re highly organized and detail-oriented, maintaining clear records and data tracking
• You foster a positive community by resolving conflicts, encouraging participation, and modeling integrity, respect and peaceful co-existence
• You prioritize safety and compliance, upholding shelter guidelines while ensuring a clean, secure, and welcoming space
• You’re comfortable supporting full shelter operations, including coordinating pet care agreements and transportation coordination

How Will You Make an Impact?

• Conduct intake interviews and assessments, enter and maintain guest data (HMIS, Bed Tracker), complete VI-SPDATs, connect guests to Coordinated Entry, address immediate needs/crises, and explain shelter rules
• Assess needs and barriers, create service plans, provide emotional support and encouragement, give referrals, and guide clients toward long-term housing and stability
• Monitor safety, enforce rules and curfew, maintain cleanliness, manage conflicts, and support residents with accessing supplies, meals, transportation, and scheduling
• Aid in facility cleanliness, guest transport scheduling, and pet coordination as needed
• Foster trust, encourage participation in programs, and promote a respectful, non-judgmental, supportive shelter community
• Maintain accurate documentation, track metrics, and report incidents, safety concerns, and maintenance needs

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies

• High school diploma or equivalent; In lieu of education equivalent experience in social services or related fields will also be considered
• Certified Peer Support Worker preferred
• Prior experience working in a shelter, community organization, or social service setting is a plus
• Prior experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or in a supportive housing setting is highly desirable
• Possess a clear understanding of the critical importance of trauma-informed care in supporting participants
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping and reporting, such as Microsoft Office and client management software

Other Requirements

• The choice is now. The impact is forever - Apply today!
• Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
• CPLC knows it takes variety of thought, culture, background, and perspective to create a truly impactful workforce
• We work for real change and progress in equal opportunity recruitment, hiring, and advancement