Housing Support Specialist

Women's Housing Navigation Center

Women's Housing Navigation Center offers a safe and welcoming environment to women experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. The center is open year-round and offers meals, a warm overnight bed, and secure under-bed storage. The shelter provides low barrier, trauma-informed case management, job searching, and other supportive services. The team works to guide guests through a successful exit from the shelter to safe, stable housing, and a plan for ongoing support.

The Housing Support Specialist is a multifaceted position responsible for delivering trauma-informed, client-centered support to female residents at the Women's Housing Navigation Shelter. This role combines housing case management and intake coordination to ensure a seamless service experience for guests entering and residing in the shelter. Responsibilities include intake assessments, data entry, crisis intervention, individualized service planning, connection to community resources, and ongoing support to promote housing stability and self-sufficiency.

The Housing Support Specialist ensures compliance with shelter policies while fostering a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Specializations:

• Intake Assessment:
  Conducting initial intake interviews, assessing needs, and completing records in HMIS.
• Trauma-Informed Care:
  Creating a safe, supportive environment that acknowledges trauma and promotes healing.
• Case Management:
  Developing and implementing individualized service plans; providing wraparound support.
• Data Management:
  Maintaining accurate guest records in HMIS; generating reports and census data.
• Crisis Intervention:
  Responding to guest emergencies and using de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Policy Compliance:
  Enforcing rules related to safety, behavior, and cleanliness.
• Pet Coordination:
  Managing pet care agreements and ensuring safety of animals at the shelter.
• Conflict Resolution:
  Skills in mediating disputes among residents and promoting peaceful coexistence in the shelter environment.
• Mental Health Awareness:
  Understanding of mental health issues that may affect residents, enabling appropriate support and referrals.
• Cultural
  
  Competency:
  
  Ability to work with diverse populations, understanding and respecting various cultural backgrounds and experiences.
• Community Resource Navigation:
  Knowledge of local resources, services, and programs available to assist residents with housing, employment, and healthcare needs.
• Safety and Compliance:
  Familiarity with health and safety regulations specific to shelter operations, ensuring a secure environment for residents.
• Group Facilitation:
  Skills in organizing and leading group activities that promote social engagement and support among residents.

Primary Duties and

Essential Functions:

• Intake and Guest Support:
  Conduct intake interviews and complete intake assessments for new guests. Enter and maintain guest data in HMIS and City Emergency Bed Tracker. Assist guests in completing VI-SPDAT assessments and connecting with Coordinated Entry. Address immediate needs during intake and provide crisis support if necessary. Explain shelter expectations and rules during intake.
• Case Management and Housing Navigation:
  Assess client strengths, needs, and housing barriers. Develop and implement individualized service plans focused on housing, employment, and life skills. Provide emotional support, encouragement, and referrals to internal and external services. Support long-term housing goals, follow up on appointments, and help clients navigate systems of care.
• Resident Oversight and Shelter Operations:
  Monitor dormitory areas and conduct rounds to ensure resident safety. Enforce shelter rules including curfews, quiet hours, cleanliness, and behavior expectations. Address and document conflicts or incidents; provide de-escalation as needed. Support residents with accessing supplies, meals, transportation, and scheduling.
• Community Building and Engagement:
  Encourage resident participation in group activities, workshops, and support circles. Build trusting relationships with residents using empathy and a non-judgmental approach. Promote a community culture rooted in safety, accountability, and respect.
• Administrative and Reporting:
  Maintain complete documentation of services, assessments, incidents, and daily logs. Track and report key metrics for internal and external stakeholders. Report safety issues, maintenance needs, and critical incidents to supervisory staff.
• Other Duties:
  Assist with facility cleanliness, guest transport scheduling, and pet coordination as needed. Perform any other duties as assigned to support shelter operations and guest outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications and

Competencies:

• Education/Background:
  High school diploma or equivalent; in lieu of education equivalent experience in social services or related fields will also be considered. Certified Peer Support Worker preferred. Prior experience working in a shelter,…