The Housing Specialist is responsible for assisting clients in securing and maintaining stable housing. This role involves conducting housing needs assessments, developing individualized housing plans, and working closely with clients, landlords, and other service providers to facilitate housing placements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in housing services, case management, or a related field, and a passion for helping vulnerable populations. This position will be reporting to the Clinical Operations Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Client Intake and Assessment:
- Conduct comprehensive housing needs assessments covering housing history, financial status, family composition, and special needs.
- Document findings in an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system or housing management software.
- Assessing housing history and independent living skills of clients.
Develop Housing Plan:
- Create individualized housing plans in collaboration with case managers, social workers, and healthcare providers.
- Obtain and document client consent for housing services and information sharing.
- Help clients in identifying any negative credit history that may impact their apartment search or issues with brokers and landlords
- Identifying available housing resources and maintaining an up-to-date directory of these resources
- Individual meeting will focus on tenants’ rights, home maintenance/upkeep, and landlord/tenant relationships.
- Develop and update housing stability plans to assist participants to obtain or maintain permanent housing. Identify household’s strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
Ongoing Support and Case Management:
- Monitor housing stability through regular check-ins and home visits.
- Coordinate with other service providers to ensure a holistic approach to client support.
- Identify and make referrals to community resources including but not limited to preventive services, long-term case management programs, benefits assistance, SSI/SSDI, mental and physical healthcare, pantries, hospitals and Homebase to maintain stable housing.
Compliance and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in EHR or housing management software.
- Ensure compliance with HUD regulations and reporting requirements.
- Prepare and submit reports for HUD grant compliance.
- Perform additional tasks as required, supporting the organization's ongoing operations.
- Carry out other duties as assigned by Senior Care Coordinator and/or Managing Program Manager.