Housing Specialist

Base Pay Range

$25.47/hr - $25.47/hr

We are seeking a Housing Specialist who will be responsible for permanent housing placement for all housing‑ready individuals in the shelter. The Housing Specialist will have an assigned caseload and will be responsible for the successful placement of these individuals by DHS' contractual requirements. The Housing Specialist works with community organizations, government agencies, and property owners to secure living arrangements and negotiate rents, deposits, and move‑in terms on behalf of their clients.

The position involves various tasks that increase housing options for people who are trying to transition to permanent housing.

• Assesses housing needs of client upon referral from other providers.
• Helps clients apply for various housing programs, i.e., HRA-1995; SROs, Section 8, and follows‑up on applications.
• Develops and maintains housing resources and assists clients in finding permanent, affordable housing.
• Facilitates weekly client groups related to housing needs, terms, etc.
• Completes and maintains housing applications and copies of identification information (birth certificate, non‑driver , social security, etc.) to secure entitlements.
• Assists with follow‑up and tracking client housing retention at 90‑day retention.
• Works closely with intake specialists and other staff to obtain housing retention goals.
• As needed, educates and assists clients on eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, public assistance, SSI and other benefits.
• Coordinates services and communicates to the team about clients’ housing progress and participates in case reviews and case conferences.
• Maintains documentation of client progress in case records according to all contractual & regulatory standards.
• Develops and maintains relationships with outside agencies such as housing providers, realtors, HRA and Section 8.
• Participates in team meetings and other meetings as needed.
• Keeps abreast of developments of the impact of welfare reform, public assistance, SSI and effects of substance abuse and criminal justice clients via meetings, conferences, training and literature.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Associate's Degree required (Bachelor's degree preferred)
• 2 years of direct experience housing assistance to underserved
• Knowledge of DHS rules and regulations required
• Comfortable communicating with clients and professional staff
• Understanding of low‑income and homeless individuals and their specific needs
• Knowledge of crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution techniques; match such techniques to particular circumstances and individuals.
• Must be comfortable working in a Hotel or Shelter
• Bilingual is a plus

Entry level

Full‑time

Other

Non‑profit Organizations, Hospitals and Health Care, and Medical Practices