SMI Housing and Benefits Specialist

About this position

Join Valle del Sol in our commitment to providing quality, culturally sensitive integrated primary care and behavioral health services to adults, children, and adolescents in need. Valle del Sol offers a diverse work environment, competitive pay and benefits, and the opportunity for training and advancement.

The SMI Housing and Benefits Specialist assists individuals enrolled in Valle del Sol's Serious Mental Illness (SMI) program in obtaining, maintaining, and maximizing access to safe, stable housing and public benefit programs that support recovery, health, and independence. This position serves as the organization's subject matter expert in housing resources, entitlement programs, and benefits navigation while addressing social determinants of health that impact overall well-being.

Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented, and person-centered approach, the SMI Housing and Benefits Specialist collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to reduce barriers to housing, financial stability, healthcare access, and community integration through advocacy, education, resource coordination, and ongoing support.

• Assist members in locating, applying for, obtaining, and maintaining safe, affordable, and appropriate housing.
• Conduct housing needs and housing readiness assessments.
• Assist members with housing applications, required documentation, and eligibility requirements.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and community housing providers.
• Conduct home visits, housing inspections, and tenancy support activities as appropriate.
• Monitor housing stability and intervene early to reduce the risk of housing loss.

Join Valle del Sol in our commitment to providing quality, culturally sensitive integrated primary care and behavioral health services to adults, children, and adolescents in need. Valle del Sol offers a diverse work environment, competitive pay and benefits, and the opportunity for training and advancement.

The SMI Housing and Benefits Specialist assists individuals enrolled in Valle del Sol's Serious Mental Illness (SMI) program in obtaining, maintaining, and maximizing access to safe, stable housing and public benefit programs that support recovery, health, and independence. This position serves as the organization's subject matter expert in housing resources, entitlement programs, and benefits navigation while addressing social determinants of health that impact overall well-being.

Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented, and person-centered approach, the SMI Housing and Benefits Specialist collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to reduce barriers to housing, financial stability, healthcare access, and community integration through advocacy, education, resource coordination, and ongoing support.

• Assist members in locating, applying for, obtaining, and maintaining safe, affordable, and appropriate housing.
• Conduct housing needs and housing readiness assessments.
• Assist members with housing applications, required documentation, and eligibility requirements.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and community housing providers.
• Conduct home visits, housing inspections, and tenancy support activities as appropriate.
• Monitor housing stability and intervene early to reduce the risk of housing loss.

• Assist members in applying for, maintaining, and renewing AHCCCS, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, SNAP, ALTCS, and other federal, state, and local benefit programs.
• Assist members in obtaining required documentation including identification, Social Security cards, income verification, and medical documentation.
• Educate members regarding employment incentives, work supports, and the impact of earned income on public benefits.
• Track benefit renewal deadlines and proactively prevent interruptions in coverage.
• Complete or coordinate SOAR applications when applicable.

• Collaborate with Case Managers, Mental Health Therapists, Care Coordinators, Peer Support Specialists, nurses, psychiatrists, and community providers.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Support development and implementation of housing and benefits goals within the ISP.
• Advocate for members experiencing barriers to housing or benefit eligibility.
• Coordinate referrals to community resources supporting housing stability and financial independence.

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with housing authorities, HUD-funded programs, landlords, behavioral health providers, entitlement agencies, legal aid organizations, and community partners.
• Maintain current knowledge of housing resources, benefit programs, eligibility requirements, and community supports.
• Identify opportunities to expand housing…