Stablilization Specialist

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Housing Stabilization Specialist provides assistance with Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing services, engaging in a collaborative process of assessing, planning, facilitating, and advocating to meet the needs of individuals experiencing a housing crisis. This role entails coordinating various housing services, collaborating with community partners, and monitoring program compliance.

This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team. The Housing Stabilization Specialist also works to improve the quality of services by providing support to tenants by conducting home visits, maintaining accurate records, and addressing tenant and landlord concerns.

• Initiating housing-focused case management services for all enrolled participants.
• Complete intake and assessments with program participants
• Meet with clients in their homes to assist clients with their Activities of Daily Living and refer to appropriate resources.
• Conduct a review of program participants’ needs and connect them to appropriate resources to meet them.
• Utilize crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and problem-solving techniques to engage and establish rapport with participants.
• Build and maintain partnerships with landlords, management companies, and non-profit providers to identify and secure and maintain affordable housing within Arlington County for participants.
• Assist program participants with mitigating barriers to housing.
• Determine program participants goals using a person-centered, strengths-based /solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self- sufficiency.
• Develop individual service plans (ISP) for individuals (includes the goals, objectives, steps and timetable participants will follow to secure and maintain housing).
• Review case plans regularly and provide participants with the information, resources and encouragement necessary to complete plans.
• Maintain accurate case notes, client data (HMIS) and other records according to agency and professional standards.
• Provide referrals and educate participants about available resources, to include but not limited to transportation, food, housing, behavioral health, physical healthcare, etc.
• Advocate on behalf of Path Forward/participants as needed to help them access essential social services and other programs that will improve their ability maintain housing.
• Approach challenging program participants with understanding, optimism, and compassion.
• Assist in tracking program participants’ outcomes and service trends to promote on-going evaluation and improvement of services.
• Work with Housing Locator to assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice, within reason.
• Work with Intake & Data Quality Coordinator to ensure correct intake information and assessments for program participants
• Work collaboratively with Path Forward staff to address program participants needs and offer resources and expertise, as needed.
• Keep supervisor up to date and aware of program participants interactions and progress of the program participants.
• Review participant cases on a bi-weekly basis to ensure progress towards permanent housing.
• Maintain a complete working file providing activity documentation and copies of all corresponding paperwork.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations, and community groups to collaborate on housing needs, whether individually or organizationally.
• Always maintain a professional atmosphere.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor, colleagues, and stakeholders, relaying necessary/essential information.
• Attend training and professional development opportunities regularly.
• Support team building and teamwork opportunities and events.
• Perform other general duties to support the organization’s mission, as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

• None.

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
• Able to prepare written reports.
• Proficient knowl