Retention Specialist

Join to apply for the Housing Retention Specialist role at Community Support Services - Summit County

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Join to apply for the Housing Retention Specialist role at Community Support Services - Summit County

The Opportunity:

We are seeking to hire a Housing Retention Specialist to join our Homeless Outreach Team. This individual is responsible for aggressively managing cases of persons who are newly housed, mentally ill, and recently engaged with a mental health system. The Housing Retention Specialist will engage individuals who are newly housed in community services and assist with maintaining housing, entitlements, and community support.

• Continuously and independently provide case management to individuals exiting homelessness by assessing client needs, evaluating treatment options, coordinating care, and gauging progress in housing maintenance and stability.
• Assess persons who are homeless to determine appropriateness for service, and then either develop rapport to help persons to be served in their environment or connect them with other resources through referrals.
• Work closely with other social services agencies that provide services to those who are homeless or newly housed and at risk for homelessness, and accept referrals from these agencies. Provide consultation and education regarding behavior management, housing retention, and mental health issues.
• Participate in regular team meetings with outreach nurses, psychiatrists, other outreach workers, and residential staff.
• Request and/or schedule other necessary evaluations and assessments to identify strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of persons served.
• Schedule and participate with the person served in the development of an Individual Service Plan. Write up the plan and distribute to necessary participants for approval and sign‑off. Monitor and coordinate the delivery of services outlined in this individual service plan.
• Provide, coordinate, and/or assist in crisis intervention and stabilization services during regularly scheduled working hours and be available for after‑hours emergencies in accordance with established agency emergency services on‑call procedures and grant requirements.
• Maintain documentation and provide statistical reports in accordance with agency standards.
• This position is full‑time (40 hours a week) working normal business hours.

About Us:

For over 35 years, Community Support Services has been making a difference in the lives of countless individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Our nearly 300 employees are real‑life champions committed to quality treatment, collaborative care, and effective outcomes. Located in downtown Akron, Ohio, we serve as a leader in behavioral health care for the entire Summit County area.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field preferred; minimum of a high school diploma required.
• LSW preferred.
• Prior experience working with persons who have a severe mental illness and/or substance use disorder preferred.
• A car and a valid Ohio driver’s license and insurability through the Agency’s insurance carrier required.
• A deeply held belief in CSS’s recovery‑centered mission.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse challenged.
• Ability to utilize non‑conventional resources and methods to deliver service for the persons being served.
• Excellent organizational, attention to detail, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Commitment to confidentiality, following rules of HIPAA.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook.
• Skill in managing time and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work non‑judgmentally with individuals whose behavior and belief systems are in congruent with that of society and/or your personal beliefs.
• Perseverance in goals with individuals who may not improve or may only improve slowly.

• Working within a mission‑driven, highly engaged environment
• A supportive, professional workplace with excellent resources
• Engaging, autonomous atmosphere
• Professional Development Assistance and Education Assistance Program
• Program‑Site Eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• 401(k) with 5% employer contribution
• 10 paid holidays and 15+ days of PTO annually
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Subsidized membership to local YMCA branches
• Life insurance and short‑ and long‑term disability