Housing Resource Specialist (Contract Position)

JOB
The City of Lansing's Office of Financial Empowerment Division, within the Department of Neighborhoods, Arts, and Citizen Engagement, is seeking a Housing Resource Specialist to assist with the OS Re-entry vision of the Michigan OS Model (formerly MPRI Model) is that every returning citizen released from prison will have the tools needed to succeed in the community, the opportunities to utilize those tools to be productive/self-sufficient citizens, and the chance to engage and experience the community life. If you have a passion to assist this population in utilizing their acquired skills and transition back into community life, we encourage you to apply.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS & TRAINING: Contract Employee will require a background check, including LEIN, through the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC).Position covers Eaton and Ingham counties; traveling is required for home visits and to attend meetings with Parole officers (mileage will be reimbursed).Hours: 40 Hours, Flexible Schedule, includes some evening and weekend hours.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work or related field, preferred.One year of experience providing supportive services and/or case management in the human services field, including individuals with mental health conditions, substance abuse histories, low income and homelessness, strongly preferred.Experience working with the parole or probation population, preferred.ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS INLCUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Provide case management techniques to parolees in a transitional housing program to become stably housed. Provide direct contact with the program participantsObserve participants’ behavior(s)Maintain a log of reportable observations and provide it to Parole each weekAssist with the Rapid Re-housing protocol and develop a case plan for exiting clients from housing units successfullyMaintain case notes and case filesAssist clients with entitlements i.e.: SER, SSI, Medicaid, etc.Conduct random compliance check in visits with parolees to ensure they are compliant with house rules and report non-compliance to Parole.Submit various monthly reports on participant data.Manage the housing placement protocols, household items, and keys. Coordinate personal care kit items for participants when they enter the program.Manage unit turnover and minor repairs to units.Report directly to the Community Coordinator and work collaboratively with the Parole Office Supervisors in all 3 counties.Process referrals and coordinate with housing providers for placement of individuals.Maintains a daily tracking spreadsheet of participants and vacancies in transitional housing locations. Communicates with landlords and parole agents daily regarding vacancies and needs.Build and maintain relationships with landlords and community agencies in the local area to develop OS funded and self-pay housing options for returning citizens.Conduct Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assessments and maintain the MSHDA waiting list.Attend In-Reach (transitional team) meetings for Region 7, as needed.Participate in quarterly on-site inspections of each housing location, as well as annual performance reviews of each housing provider.Travels to Region 7 counties (Ingham and Eaton) as needed to assist participants and/or parole agents with housing or other case management needs.Attends staff meetings and training sessions as required.Performs other duties as assigned.***Please note: This is a CONTRACT Position with the City of Lansing, funded by the State of Michigan. Contract will end on September 30, 2024 (End of Fiscal Year for State of Michigan). Potential renewal of contract will be determined by the OFE Division.Purchase of Insurance (Health, Vision, Dental) is optional and will be reimbursed.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Attach cover letter and resume, verification of education and/or certifications with application.