Housing Support Specialist - GHVP

Overview

This position schedules, coordinates, and facilitates housing opportunities for consumers through housing development activities, including housing stability case management and skill-building, community integration supports, and advocacy toward access to mainstream service supports appropriate to each program participant.

• Help complete applications for various rental housing resources, primarily the Georgia Housing Voucher Program, as well as HUD-funded programs administered by the Department of Community Affairs and local Public Housing Authorities.
• Perform housing search activities: contact prospective landlords to schedule initial application processes; schedule housing interviews for consumers; assist with the rental application process.
• Assist with transportation and system navigation skills to help clients document what is needed to qualify for housing.
• Transport clients as deemed necessary. Transportation should be limited to housing and job searches and occasional visits to relevant social service agencies.
• Help consumers meet tenancy obligations such as timely rent payments and other lease requirements.
• Provide follow-up services to consumers to maintain their homes through periodic in-home visits.
• Provide referrals and care linkage to help clients maintain contact with services for disability applications and employment.
• Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs.
• Assist in developing and encouraging adherence to a personal budget through proactive housing and budget counseling sessions; provide budget counseling and education to help clients establish payment plans for bills and past debts to obtain and maintain housing.
• Assist participants in developing a strength-based/solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, timely referral network to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed.
• Identify participant strengths and barriers to stability and assist participants in reducing barriers and linking to resources and services.
• Provide proactive follow-up home visits to ensure stability and progress toward self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to aid reintegration into the community.
• Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients about their rights and responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, monthly outcome reports, and files for each client.

• Maintain complete working files with activity documentation and copies of all corresponding paperwork.
• Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings with the Regional Field Office and Central Office of Supportive Housing, group supervision, and individual supervision as required by the program.
• Attend and participate in trainings as required to promote ongoing professional growth and development.
• Complete and submit incident reports to the Supervisor within 24 hours of an incident occurring as required by the program.

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors level degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or other related field. Proven experience can be substituted for formal education. Certified Peer Specialists are strongly encouraged to apply. Must have access to a personal vehicle and a valid state Driver’s License.
• Preferred Qualifications: 1-3 years working in homeless services and/or working within the behavioral health field. Experience providing housing services and/or community mental health services. Knowledge of and/or proficiency with Client Track Homeless Management Information System and the Coordinated Entry process. A passion for connecting with people experiencing homelessness is a must.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None