ACHIEVA Housing Specialist (FT) Salary in the United States

Description

FUNCTION:

Assists people with disabilities and families to develop person-centered plans, blend public and private resources, coordinate formal and informal supports, and navigate through the housing and long-term service systems. Reports to the Home of My Own Housing Supervisor

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supports the achievement of personal outcomes.
2. Facilitates the development of supports that are self-determined, person-centered, person-directed and community inclusive.
3. Facilitates person-centered planning meetings (based on principles of self-determination) to ensure the individuals access to chosen community services and supports.
4. Enhances communication and works effectively with people with disabilities, family members, support coordinators, and other professionals
5. Maintains knowledge of employment, housing, transportation, health care, and government benefits.
6. Maintains knowledge of Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services home and community-based waivers and Community Health Choices.
7. Meets with people with disabilities and families to explain the components of the A Home of My Own Project.
8. Completes the housing and community living assessment and discusses the results with individuals, family members, and support coordinators.
9. Facilitates the Community Mapping Process to explore opportunities for employment, volunteering, and friendships.
10. Provides information and resources related to financial education, special needs trusts and ABLE accounts.
11. Assists an individual with finding and establishing a relationship with a housemate.
12. Works with individuals and families to obtain government benefits to which they are entitled; blend their private and public resources, and work through the details of transitioning individuals from family homes to their own homes.
13. Assists with the housing search process and the housing application process.
14. Identifies resources to cover housing expenses including the security deposit, moving costs, utility assistance, home accessibility adaptations, assistive technology and furnishings.
15. Works to coordinate natural and informal supports with paid supports.
16. Develops backup plans in the event of emergencies and/or unexpected staff absences.
17. Supervises the day to day operations of the homes, including staff supervision, communicating with families, and creating a monthly staff schedule, with final approval from the Home Of My Own Housing Supervisor. This also includes on-call responsibilities.
18. Completes a monthly walkthrough checklist for each home.
19. Works with individuals to develop their daily schedules, including work, recreational activities, banking, grocery shopping, and home maintenance. Works with supports coordinators to ensure the delivery of waiver and base funded services and/or other funded programs.
20. Provides tenancy sustaining services including intervention for behaviors that may jeopardize housing and training on being a good tenant and neighbor.
21. Required to provide a cell phone for work and on-call purposes. May be eligible for cell phone stipend.
22. Performs other related duties as assigned. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

The equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and three years of related experience. Successful completion of Housing Tenancy and Tenancy Sustaining Services and Support Brokerage pieces of training. Proven ability to work effectively with people with disabilities, families, and professionals is essential. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to set priorities and organize multiple tasks. Computer literacy essential. Frequent local travel.  Availability for evening and weekend meetings. Act 33/34/FBI clearances. A cell phone and vehicle available for daily use are necessary.

ACHIEVA is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (EOE) and an Employer Partner under the Ticket to Work Program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACHIEVA is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Wendy Bott, Human Resource Department, 412-995-5000 Ext. 492, wbott@achieva.info.