MSC Housing Specialist

Position

Housing Specialist

Reports To: Manager of Housing

Status: Full Time Hourly

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Housing Specialists, the Housing Specialist will provide housing‑focused specialized services to homeless individuals and families. The Housing Specialist will implement a housing‑first approach with best practices in all interactions, following low‑barrier guidelines to create a safe and stable environment for guests. The role requires high ethics, compassion, professionalism, commitment, flexibility, accountability, and adaptability to uphold Coalition values and maintain a dignified environment.

• Maintain a caseload of 25 to 35 guests.
• Facilitate immediate connections for housing, relocation, family reintegration, and other needs; connect guests with mainstream benefits and employment opportunities.
• Evaluate cases in HMIS to identify options such as chronic homelessness, disabilities, diversion services, double‑dipping, HOPWA eligibility, and other services.
• Attend HSN registry meetings for chronic homelessness and rapid rehousing as required.
• Coordinate meetings with newly assigned or transferred guests.
• Develop Housing Personalized Plans (HPP) with guests based on preferences and strengths.
• Complete monthly exit reports in U Drive based on case summaries.
• Adjust Housing Plans as goals progress and new steps arise, ensuring ongoing follow‑up.
• Empower guests to set and pursue their own housing goals.
• Document every face‑to‑face, telephone, or email contact within 24 hours.
• Enter all individual service transactions in HMIS.
• Schedule appointments to keep guests on target with their Housing Plans.
• Maintain and submit data for monthly reports, including VOCA and referrals.
• Distribute referrals and monitor follow‑up information from agencies.
• Collaborate with programs and staff to provide team‑oriented, guest‑focused services.
• Maintain client files to meet grant requirements: case notes, plans, income, budget, housing, etc.
• Bring staffing case notes to supervisor for advocacy and presentation.
• Read communication book daily and respond to guest matters promptly.
• Follow up on dorm inspection findings regularly.
• Model effective teamwork and communication skills.
• Support other guests as needed (fill‑in).
• Maintain strict confidentiality of agency information.
• Investigate and document incident reports involving guests.
• Complete discharge cases before 3 PM.
• Assist with general operations as directed by the Director of Case Management.
• Adhere to Coalition policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent college credits in a social services field.
• For applicants from other disciplines, evidence of prior experience necessary to perform duties; minimum 3 years of documented case management or housing experience.
• Two or more years of experience in homeless services qualifies applicants without a degree.
• Preferred experience:
  
  homeless services, case management, mental health, permanent supportive housing, or rapid rehousing.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to serve a diverse population with conflict resolution, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Bi‑lingual candidates and veterans encouraged to apply.

• Manage work schedule and meet appointments.
• Problem‑solve, make decisions, resolve conflicts, and listen.
• Work under pressure and tight timelines.
• Computer skills:
  Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word; willing to learn new programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills; maintain confidentiality and compassion.
• Organize and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Analyze and complete documentation accurately.
• Communicate effectively in all contexts.
• Compute basic mathematics as required.
• Build rapport with staff and guests.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties performed by the employee in this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and perform other job‑related duties requested by any authorized person. This description excludes the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to essential job duties. All duties, responsibilities, and requirements are vital to the job.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at‑will" employment relationship.