Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist

Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist

This is a benefited, time‑limited position. The work involves providing direct customer service to people in housing crisis, assisting clients as they navigate housing resources for homelessness prevention, emergency support involving shelter, and permanent housing.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Housing Helpline & Outreach Coordinator, with leeway to exercise independent judgment within applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Background Check required.

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• Good knowledge of homelessness principles, challenges, practices, and philosophies, including information gathering, counseling, assessment, and intervention methods.
• Good knowledge of trauma‑informed care and client‑centered practices.
• Good knowledge of social, economic, and environmental factors influencing poverty, unemployment, and homelessness.
• Good knowledge of social and health service functions and interrelationships among county, government agencies, and community resources, plus the ability to make appropriate referrals.
• Good knowledge of laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations related to homeless services (e.g., HEARTH Act, McKinney Vento Act, CoC Interim Rule).
• Skill in being customer‑focused, adept at problem solving, and collaborating with others.
• Skill in interviewing clients, gathering information, and using clinical assessment tools to evaluate needs, summarize findings, and develop assistance alternatives.
• Skill in communicating effectively with individuals in difficult and emotional situations.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness, and maintain an ethical standard of care.
• Ability to understand challenges faced by individuals in housing crises and communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to solve problems, handle difficult situations, make complex decisions, and respond calmly and quickly to emergencies.
• Ability to interpret and apply county, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with clients, service providers, county staff, agencies, and community groups.
• Ability to organize information, maintain records, prepare reports, and complete assignments accurately and timely.
• Ability to use computer applications (spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e‑mail, database software) for records, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.

• High School or GED plus three (3) years of direct work experience in housing, human services, or homelessness programs; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Prior experience working with individuals impacted by housing crises is strongly preferred; experience with housing programs is preferred.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the vehicle or equipment operated.
• Offers of employment are conditioned upon successful clearance of a background check. Employment cannot commence until clearance is obtained.

Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affinitive Action Employer.