Summary:The successful candidate will be responsible to provide housing services to help clients understand and overcome personal or social issues affecting their housing. The housing specialist will cooperate with case managers to develop service plans for clients to ensure permanent and stable housing and access to community sources. The specialist will be encouraged to be cross trained and have an understanding of the job functions within the Social Services Department.Responsibilities:The Housing Specialist is responsible for, but not limited to:
- Serve as a case manager for clients with a goal of placing them in transitional and permanent housing
- Assist in client intake, service planning, advocacy and referral services in the absence of a case manager
- Meet weekly or bi-weekly to follow-up on ILP
- Maintain records and counsel session logs in DHS CARES system
- Conduct housing related activities and workshops
- Provide follow-up case management for clients placed in housing, to promote retention and document outcomes (aftercare mediation)
- Communicate with evening/weekend staff and with staff of other agencies to coordinate client services such as room and apartment viewings
- Develop a list of real estate agents and brokers; established relationships, and make daily contact with providers with real estate agents and brokers
- Submit applications for General Population, Housing Preservation Development, and Supportive Housing via the PACT System.
- Compile and submit packages to DHS for Special One Time Assistance (SOTA), Enhanced One Shot Deal (EOSD), CityFHEPS and Pathway Home
- Inspect client living quarters regularly
- Escort clients to permanent housing or provide transportation Ensure rental agreements are finalized
- Make appointments with landlords and other housing agents to ensure individuals have housing leads
- Work collaboratively with social services staff to identify client readiness on housing
- Treat all clients, visitors and employees with kindness, respect and dignity
- Enforce facility rules and regulations to maintain compliance
- Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
- Time management and prioritization
- Maintain awareness of new trends and development in social services and related fields
- Perform general clerical duties
Professional & Personal Qualifications
- Baccalaureate degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field with 2+ years of direct social service experience
- Associate degree in Human Service, or related field with 4+ years of direct social service experience
- High School Diploma/General Equivalent Diploma with 8 plus years of direct social service experience
- Knowledgeable of the plight of the homeless and special needs populations
- Knowledgeable of case work/case management methodologies
- Commitment to the mission of the NAICA, Inc.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively well with diverse groups
- Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure
- Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and efficient
- Maturity, integrity, and sound judgment