Housing Support Specialist

Housing Support Specialist

Make a difference where it matters most. You can help individuals experiencing homelessness take meaningful steps toward safety, stability, and housing! Gateway West is the City’s largest shelter, serving an average of 600 people per night, with more than 700 individuals seeking shelter during cold winter nights. The shelter provides a safe and welcoming environment for men and women experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque.

Open year-round, Gateway West offers meals, a warm bed, secure under-bed storage, daily shuttle service, and low-barrier, trauma-informed overnight beds designed to support individuals as they transition to housing.

Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) is a nonprofit organization and one of the largest Hispanic Community Development Corporations in the United States. Founded by student and community activists in 1967 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1969, CPLC is committed to empowering individuals and communities through health and human services, housing, education, and economic development.

As a Housing Support Specialist, you will provide collaborative and intensive support to female residents experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and other challenges. You will oversee resident activities, support compliance with shelter policies, and help create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. You will provide comprehensive case management and individualized support strategies to assist guests with accessing and maintaining health, behavioral health, housing, and vocational stability.

You will work directly with residents to develop and execute individualized plans, connect them with community resources, and support their progress toward safe, stable housing and long-term independence.

You are compassionate, non-judgmental, and committed to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. You understand that trauma can significantly impact a person’s experiences and behaviors, and you know the importance of creating an environment built on safety, trust, respect, empowerment, and healing. You can remain calm and professional in stressful situations, handle conflict constructively, and balance independent work with collaboration. Most importantly, you are passionate about helping individuals navigate challenges and move toward greater stability and recovery.

Minimum Qualifications and

Competencies:

• 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, community organization, or social service setting is a plus
• Understanding of homelessness issues and familiarity with available community resources
• Possess a clear understanding of the critical importance of trauma-informed care in supporting participants
• Be equipped to recognize the impact of trauma on individuals’ experiences and behaviors, and actively implement practices that promote safety, empowerment, and healing
• Foster an environment of trust and respect that plays a vital role in helping the participants navigate their challenges and work towards stability and recovery
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping and reporting
• Compassionate and non-judgmental attitude towards individuals experiencing homelessness
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle conflicts constructively
• Previous experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or in a supportive housing setting is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles and a commitment to applying them in practice
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural competency
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
• Proficiency in basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office and client management…