Housing Specialist - Youth Resource Team; YRT

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Background
Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities. The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs. The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St.

Joseph of Carondelet. St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Job Summary
The Housing Specialist works closely with members of the Youth Resource Team (YRT) to help provide housing support and resources to the YRT clients. This position will ensure the delivery of quality care in accordance to the program’s rules and regulations established as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide housing supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness in SPA 5.
• Develop and maintain strong ties to the community, law enforcement, the Coordinated Entry System (CES), and other homeless service providers.
• Link clients to appropriate bridge/interim housing programs and assist them in completing required paperwork to enroll them in permanent housing-related programs.
• Apply a "whatever it takes" approach to advocate for youth and families and ensure they are connected to the services they need for success and well-being.

Essential Duties:

• Provide case management to meet the needs of each individual.
• Build trust and rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness. Assess homeless individuals utilizing the Vulnerability Index (VI) SPDAT.
• Link clients to physical health, mental health, and other supportive services. Assist clients to enroll in mainstream benefits and obtain identification (i.e. California Driver’s License, Social Security Card).
• Keep highly organized files for each client and enter appropriate data into the electronic health records (Exym) and/or homeless management information system identified.
• Provide transportation assistance as needed.
• Participate in SPA 5 case conferencing meetings and other community meetings.
• Participate in regular Santa Monica Youth Resource Team meetings as well as agency and/or funders.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter. The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff. Must have excellent organizational skills and the capability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of homeless services and resources. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First.

Experience:

• At least one year experience providing services to highly vulnerable populations.
• Experience with working with the TAY population is preferred.
• Experience with housing individuals is preferred.

Education:

• Degree from an accredited college or university in social work, human services or a related field; a combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Direct Reports:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Valid California Class C Driver License in order to meet clients in the field.
• Valid automobile liability insurance.

Travel Requirements:

• To and from work site(s) and to off-site meetings and trainings as needed.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative…