Housing Specialist

SUMMARY

The Housing Specialist provides housing search services to assist in relocating homeless individuals to safe and permanent housing. Conducts housing search of private market rate housing as well as various subsidized housing programs. Work with outside landlords and community providers to assist in the identification of affordable housing options for homeless, unstable housing, or low-income individuals.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide housing search assistance to clients
• Make referrals to supportive housing programs with care management resources and rental assistance as necessary.
• Conduct a housing barriers assessment with each client and work with the client and case management team to develop and carry out a rehousing plan.
• Develop relationships with local landlords to foster placement opportunities for disadvantaged homeless individuals.
• Provide assistance and advocacy with the subsidy application process for clients on fixed incomes
• Assess housing and supportive services needs to determine which short-term financial assistance programs may be available to rapidly re-house the individual.
• Help clients to obtain all necessary documentation and complete paperwork for housing related applications.
• Work with clients to complete applications for financial assistance programs such as RAFT, ESG or other transitional funding programs as they are developed by DHCD, as well as accessing available community funds or FEMA assistance programs.
• Evaluate need and process requested for client assistance funds such as first, last and security deposit, furniture, linens, etc.
• Evaluate need and process applications for medically necessary home modifications such as shower grab bars, refrigerators, air conditioners, air filters, ramps, etc.
• Assist clients with completing housing applications and negotiating leases with landlords.
• Accompany clients as they view rooms or apartments as needed. Assist them in preparing for the application and interview process.
• Collaborate with OPCS staff to provide initial information and referrals for community based resources such as education, job-training, fuel assistance, behavioral health, food, transportation, legal advice, medical care, and other services.
• Participate as a member of the OPCS team; attend all staff meetings and other required meetings.
• Maintain client files to include completed assessments, re-housing plans, referrals made, and services accessed.
• Gather required data and demographic information and enter into designated databaser.
• Communicate with clients through phone calls, email and face-to-face meetings either at the SMOC offices or offsite meetings near the client’s location.
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• BA preferred and/or 2 years relevant work experience in social services or housing services with low-income, minority and disabled individuals preferred.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.
• Bilingual Spanish required
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

• Directly reports to Program Director.
• Indirectly reports to Case Management Supervisor
• Direct reports of this position are none.
• Indirect reports of this position are none.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to sit or stand for a prolonged period
• Must be able to operate a computer and complete extensive paperwork
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Must be able to ascend and descend four sets of stairs, as some units are on the 3rd and 4th floor of apartment buildings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Housing Specialist will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.