Housing Specialist

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Coordinates referrals for residents to available community resources, service providers, and available support systems. Advocates on behalf of the residents, closely monitoring and following-up on referrals as needed. 

1. Works closely with the Peer Support team to prepare shelter guests for a successful exit from the shelter system. 

1. Protects the confidentiality of all residents and staff matters and records consistent with federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164 and federal regulations governing confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records, 42 C.F.R., Part 2, other grant required federal regulations, state laws and agency guidelines. 

1. Uses motivational interviewing and other professional techniques to assess residents’ bio-psychosocial history, problems, strengths, needs, and progress and makes recommendations. Develops individualized Independent Living Plans that address these areas. Intervenes effectively in crisis and safety situations, providing appropriate responses and working with other professionals and community agencies. 

1. Provides interventions as necessary to motivate residents to establish realistic, achievable goals. 

1. Educates residents in life skills development, self-advocacy, self-sufficiency, using proven strategies. 

1. Works with residents on addressing barriers to independent living, and if an outside referral is necessary, acts as an advocate on behalf of the resident. 

1. Assists residents with housing search, purchasing and/or obtaining furniture and developing a housing budget. 

1. Assists residents in obtaining and maintaining a regular source of income, volunteer opportunities, and job opportunities. 

1. Supports residents in the development of interpersonal skills and reintegration into the community. 

1. Assists residents discharging from the program in applying problem solving and coping skills in order to maintain independent living. 

1. Attends weekly case review meetings and staff meetings to review the participants’ status and overall program effectiveness.  

1. Maintains accurate records and files. Completes daily case notes and enters participant information into databases.  
    
    
    WORK ACTIVITIES: 

1. Works with individuals experiencing homelessness to assess their barriers to housing and service needs. 

1. Develops and maintains cooperative and collaborative professional relationships with other agencies where individuals experiencing homelessness are served. Builds professional rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness.  

1. Develops and maintains constructive and cooperative relationships with others; actively looks for ways to help people.  

1. Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with current program standards, laws, or regulations. 

1. Maintains participant files and enters information and daily case notes into databases. 

1. Provides information to participants, co-workers and others by telephone, fax, in written form, email, or in person. 
    
   COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

1. Ability to evaluate assessment information with a multi-disciplinary team to provide case management and program evaluation. 

1. Ability to handle intoxicated participants calmly and proficiently. 

1. Communicates effectively orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of a diverse audience. 

1. Ability to deescalate aggressive or hostile participants. 

1. Ability to work independently in a residential and community-based setting. 

1. Ability to remain alert during shift to respond quickly to participants’ needs and in emergency type situations. 

1. Ability to embrace a harm reduction model for addiction treatment and have a basic understanding of addiction and mental health issues. 

1. Ability to read, comprehend, research, and follow established policies and procedures.  

1. Possesses the ability to assess the value, importance, or quality of available services as they relate to the needs of the resident. 

1. Ability to read, comprehend, and follow established policies and procedures. 

1. Ability to manage work time well, prioritize and meet deadlines. 

1. Ability to establish a good rapport with people of diverse cultures and belief systems. 

1. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment. 

1. Must demonstrate sound judgment, professional boundaries, ethics, and ability to maintain confidentiality.