Supportive Housing Specialist

About Pioneer Human Services

We empower justice‑involved individuals to overcome adversity and reach their full potential. For over 60 years, Pioneer Human Services has provided professional, empathetic care through a nationally recognized non‑profit network of 35+ locations across Washington state, serving more than 9,500 individuals in 2024.

Compensation

New hires typically start between $23.54 and $29.42 hourly, with the exact rate based on work location, experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, internal equity, and market conditions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (eligible after 30 days of full‑time employment, minimum 30 hours/week)
• Additional coverage after 60 days: Life, AD&D, disability
• Dependent daycare flexible spending
• Tuition assistance (100 % for bachelor's, 50 % for graduate programs)
• Retirement plan – 3.5 % of annual compensation contribution plus a 3.5 % match on up to a 6 % individual contribution
• Employee recognition programs
• Public transportation discount
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Responsibilities

• Provide coaching, education, support, and skill‑building related to individualized housing stability and community integration goals.
• Deliver services using SAMHSA Evidence‑Based Practices that support the fidelity model for Supportive Housing.
• Operate from a peer‑informed, person‑centered lens that honors participant choice, voice, and self‑determination in all housing decisions.
• Ensure services are strengths‑based and trauma‑informed, supporting dignity, respect, and empowerment.
• Screen individuals for eligibility (e.g., disability, homelessness, income) and complete Housing Needs Assessments.
• Assist participants with developing, negotiating, and maintaining leases and housing assistance documents.
• Coordinate move‑ins, ensuring participants have required supplies and resources.
• Teach independent living skills such as budgeting, organization, time management, and community resource navigation.
• Model hope and optimism about stable housing and community integration.
• Educate and support participants with benefits applications, housing applications, SSI/DSHS documentation, food and transportation resources, and other referrals.
• Maintain frequent communication through home visits, office visits, phone calls, and outreach for disengaged participants.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with landlords, addressing issues proactively and supporting both participants and property owners.
• Ensure each participant has a signed agreement and supportive service plan; participate in goal planning and provide progress updates.
• Engage participants as equal partners, reducing power imbalances and promoting shared decision‑making.
• Update and maintain data collection and reporting systems; document outcomes per SAMHSA Supportive Housing fidelity and program guidelines.
• Complete clinical documentation within 24–48 hours of service delivery.
• Develop and maintain an active landlord outreach and engagement tracker.
• Apply principles of public housing practices, landlord/tenant rights, housing policies, regulations, and quality standards.
• Complete rental assistance applications and submit eligibility documentation to housing organizations and subsidy programs.
• Verify continued eligibility and residential status; promptly report changes to internal and external housing assistance programs.
• Meet productivity standards set by program leadership.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment teams to prepare individuals for community placement and ensure wraparound support.
• Act as liaison between Pioneer Human Services and community housing programs, including Coordinated Entry providers and local housing authorities.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with landlords, housing authorities, behavioral health providers, and community agencies.
• Provide education to community partners about Supportive Housing practices and participant rights.
• Interpret and explain housing policies, rules, and regulations as needed.
• Write clear, professional, concise reports and correspondence.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect with coworkers, participants, and community partners.
• Use a person‑centered, strengths‑based approach that reduces stigma and power imbalances.
• Work with QA to ensure compliance with Medicaid and/or SAMHSA fidelity standards.
• Monitor housing service delivery for adherence to person‑centered, trauma‑informed, and strengths‑based practices.
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards in all aspects of service delivery.
• Maintain all required credentials in good standing with the WA Department of Health.
• Attend staff meetings, planning sessions, and required trainings; participate in regular supervision.
• Obtain CPR & First Aid certification within 90 days of hire and maintain it.
• Engage in continuing education and professional development, aiming for at least two trainings or conferences per year.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• AA degree in a related field (human services, business administration, social work, public health, criminal justice, etc.).
• Preferably a BA/BS degree in a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with individuals who experience behavioral health challenges.
• Experience with state substance‑use residential treatment facility services.
• Experience working with people from diverse cultures.
• Must obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential (apply within 7 days of employment).
• Must obtain or be able to pursue a Certified Peer Counselor credential through WA DOH under RCW 18.19 within 30 days of employment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Company Approved Driver requirements, including personal vehicle insurance and an acceptable driving record; occasional client transportation may be required.