What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist position at Vision House?
Description
DEFINITION:
The Housing Specialist will assist families in diversion and vision house transitional housing on obtaining and maintaining housing by providing housing search support with an emphasis on promoting clients’ self-sufficiency, integration into the community, and long-term housing stability. This position also oversees our partnerships with housing connector and HASCO.
REPORTS TO: Family Transition Director
HOURS: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday based on program needs, Hourly Position
LOCATION: Renton, WA (Will visit Shoreline, WA location at least weekly)
Our new Housing Specialist will enjoy the following benefits:
- $22-$25 per hour DOE
- Health insurance for Employee only: Medical $80/month, Dental $11/month, and Vision $1/month. Separate rates for spouses/dependents.
- Retirement plan with up to a 3% matching employer contribution.
- 12 days of vacation (increases with time)
- 13 days of paid holidays
- Generous sick-leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Childcare Tuition Assistance
At Vision House we serve a population from a variety of backgrounds. We strongly value diversity and actively seek applicants that will balance our employment workforce to align with the populations we serve. Questions regarding our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can be directed toward HR department or our DEI Committee.
As a Housing Specialist you will:
- Assist clients in locating and securing housing.
- Conduct housing reviews with current Vision House transitional housing residents.
- Conduct transitions classes along with Alumni Specialist.
- Partner with Housing Connector in providing one year of housing stability support or case management to families housed through Housing Connector resources.
- Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client’s behalf.
- Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e. tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors and creditors).
- Assist participants in development of a strength-based and solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing.
- Identify client strengths and barriers and assist participants to reducing barriers.
- Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities.
- Perform diversions when identified of needing housing specialist.
- Support case managers and diversion specialist in housing needs
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Housing Specialist candidates should have the following qualifications:
- B.A. Degree in Social Service field, A.A. degree may be combined with exceptional experience.
- Working knowledge of alcohol/drug addiction and recovery.
- Understanding of the effects of trauma and homelessness on families.
- Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlord tenant laws.
- Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served.
- The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.
- Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
- Demonstrate good listening and interactive communication skills.
- Experience in guiding, directing, or teaching people.
- Experience in crisis intervention and resources.
- Working knowledge of motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care.
- Personal characteristics: approachable, empathetic, flexible, discerning.
- Computer Skills: Word, Access and Excel.
- Washington State driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation.
- Ability to pass background check.
- Ability to sign our Statement of Faith.
- Working knowledge of Christ-centered servant leadership.
Salary : $22 - $25
