Case Specialist

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Housing Manager, the Housing Specialist is responsible for assisting families and individuals in identifying and accessing supportive services on a long‑term basis. The role provides support with landlord relationships and case management, housing-based education, credit/budgeting and basic skills counseling, health and wellness supports, and linkage to appropriate community resources. The specialist must develop strong working relationships with the client population, relate to individuals making significant life decisions, and support increasing independence.

The position also entails compiling data and reports per the guidelines of EOHLC, funders, and the Cities of Lawrence, Amesbury, and North Andover.

Housing Counseling

• Works with clients to develop individualized housing plans
• Provides case management services to the caseload
• Assists clients with housing applications, completes supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, surveys the rental market for affordable housing, and advocates for clients with prospective landlords
• Develops housing listings for clients in Lawrence and surrounding areas and coordinates moves to permanent housing

Maintains Client Records

• Maintains accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with program and agency guidelines
• Maintains client‑related data and case notes in the ENGAGE system or any other data system required by the program
• Prepares case management related reports including outcomes, challenges, successes, and other relevant metrics

Home Visits / Client Follow‑up

• Continually monitors and evaluates each client’s progression through their housing case management plan and develops corrective action revisions to the plan as needed
• Maintains a working relationship with all landlords and management companies where clients reside
• Provides tenant training for clients

Support and Referral Services

• Provides financial assistance by referring clients to the RAFT program and other special rental assistance grant programs
• Completes RAFT, ESG, Home Base, and other housing applications/processes
• Assists in completing Section 8 applications, rental applications, leases, and letters to tenants, landlords, housing authorities, or housing courts
• Refers clients to community resources such as WIC, LIHEAP, SNAP, furniture, clothing, and food pantries
• Ensures compliance with all agency policies

Other tasks as required by the position

• Preferably a bachelor’s degree in human services, education, communications, or a related field
• Required associate’s degree in human services or related field
• Five years of experience providing services to low‑income populations
• Experience in the provision of housing services preferred
• Knowledge of housing‑related resources and housing rights issues
• Must be bilingual in English and Spanish
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Skills in human relations and counseling
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office and familiarity with maintaining a database
• Committed to providing effective customer/client service and demonstrates self‑initiative
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to interact with highly diversified clientele and work in a high‑volume office environment
• Must have a suitable CORI & SORI completed within the first thirty (30) days of employment
• Must have own transportation and a valid driver’s license
• Will work toward a social work license, LSWA, or LSW within one year of being hired
• Ability to work effectively with and meet the needs of people from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, cultures, nationalities, and languages that make up the rich complexity of GLCAC, its consumers, and partners in the community

Supervisory Responsibility: May work with student interns and volunteers

Travel: Must have reliable transportation.

Physical Demands: This job regularly requires the employee to sit, walk, and stand as well as use hands repetitively to handle or operate standard office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, crouch, or crawl and must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The employee will also enter clients’ homes.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement – This position is a veterans’ preference position.