Community Based Housing Specialist

About Us:

• If you're looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, we may have a job for you.
• Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay.
• We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference.

What we offer:

* Salary: 40,000-43,000

* Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, along with family coverage if you choose to purchase it.

* Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans.

* PTO is offered to full-time and part-time employees.

* 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually.

* Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match.

* $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries.

* Employee Assistance Program

* Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates.

* Tuition reimbursement program

* Training and career development.

* Discounted membership at the YMCA.

Job Functions: This position provides housing services to individuals and families that are being serviced through our Pathways to Hope Program.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Works with the programs team to assist clients in the community. Performs client assessments to determine strengths and barriers to stability. Provides information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs. Visits potential housing options with clients as needed.
2. Refers clients to financial curriculum based on assessment scores and help as needed to ensure course completion.
3. Provides housing assistance to the Pathways to Hope clients. Provides mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client's behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and/or maintain housing. Cultivates relationships with landlord and utility providers. Acts as a liaison between clients and landlords.
4. Processes eligibility paperwork for non-residential programs.
5. Completes EFSP packets for rental assistance for Pathways to Hope clients.
6. Works as a partner with THHI and attend partner meetings.
7. Applies knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients about their rights and responsibilities as well as strength-based case management.
8. Generates and compiles client outcomes and reports within HMIS database and Excel for reporting to funders for program.
9. Provides pro-active follow up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; assists in the development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through pro-active housing and budget counseling sessions.
10. Keeps detailed records of every case, home visit, referral and contact with resources on client's behalf. Ensures that records, reports, and documentation are created promptly. Safeguards client confidentiality and ensures that all records are accurate and objective
11. Visits and meets with community service providers, service organizations and institutions which prove beneficial to the maintenance of self-sufficient living of our program participants.
12. Participates in Metropolitan Ministries' holiday efforts. Participates in Bridge Builders and other fund-raising events when needed.
13. Meets personal goals and actively contribute to the achievement of team and organizational targets/goals as stated on the KPI and in the annual plan. Attends required staff meetings and on-going trainings.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Human Service Field; Previous relator experience preferred. 3-5 years of Case Management experience. Currently possess or willing to obtain a Housing Quality Standard certification. Bilingual (Spanish) required.

Skills Requirements:

Requires heart for ministry. Requires understanding of poverty, a high degree of maturity, strong inter-personal skills, and the ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crisis situations in a professional and diplomatic manner. Ability to deescalate clients on the edge of verbal or physical violence. Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework. Demonstrates computer literacy with knowledge of Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Requires oral and written communication skills and the ability to write reports and conduct and participate in meetings.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to take part in and provide sound oral communication and information with or without accommodation. Must be capable of working outdoors in sunlight and higher temperatures on occasion. Must have the physical, emotional, and spiritual stamina to handle job-related issues and stress. Must be able to lift 20 lbs. or more.

Other:

Must demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States. Must pass required background pre-employment screening. Must be able to communicate effectively in English. Requires a valid driver's license, a car, a clean driving record, and the ability to qualify for the Ministries' driving program.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.

Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 813-209-1083 or via email at Daryl.Belluccia@Metromin.org