Prevention Specialist

Who We Are

Solid Ground (SG) is an award-winning nonprofit organization whose proven, holistic approach helps families build the strong foundations they need to emerge from homelessness into a brighter future. Through safe, affordable housing and innovative supportive programming, Solid Ground helps families transition to a higher-level of self-sufficiency and break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for the next generation.

At the heart of Solid Ground is the belief that housing stability is fundamental to the healthy development of children and to a family's ability to be contributing members of the community. Solid Ground currently runs eight programs in suburban Ramsey and Washington Counties and houses over 660 individuals annually. Our mission is to prevent and end homelessness for families with children in the communities we serve through housing, resources, and opportunity.

$23.00 - $24.00 per hour;
Paid vacation time, sick time, plus ten paid holidays and two floating holidays; competitive health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings account (HSA), and options for flexible spending accounts (FSA). There is employer paid basic life insurance with the option for additional coverage paid by the employee. The employer pays the premiums for Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and long-term disability insurance.

SG sponsors a retirement plan with automatic enrollment at 3% and a 3% employer match after one year of service, plus immediate vesting.

Solid Ground is hiring a Prevention Specialist to assist tenants and landlords and work together to prevent homelessness and preserve tenancies.

• Accepting referrals from the Prevention Manager.
• Processing requests for Prevention Assistance.
• Entering the appropriate information into the HMIS and Client Track within one business day of funding approval.
• Handling intakes, assessment calls, and callbacks from the prevention phone line in a timely manner.
• Assisting in completing funding requirements and applications for funds.
• Conducting interviews and assessments leading to program qualifications.
• Counseling tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities.
• Providing referrals to other social service agencies, if necessary, to assist participants in achieving the goal of zero balance.
• Collaborating with community partners and other stakeholders to inform people about the programs and to identify potential participants.
• Participating in Eviction Court Collaboration as needed.
• Following up with participants as indicated by grant guidelines.

• You hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field, with at least one year of experience in a social service advocacy position, or you have a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge.
• It is preferred if you are bilingual in Spanish and English.
• You have experience working with diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds in homeless or housing settings, or related environments.
• You have experience working with underserved communities and families experiencing behavioral and/or mental health issues, chemical dependency or substance abuse, homelessness, and/or other barriers that affect participants.
• You have knowledge of laws governing rental housing and have the ability to locate affordable housing for program participants.
• You understand and are committed to the "Housing First" philosophy and Trauma‑Informed practices.
• You have knowledge of community resources and community outreach programs.
• You are skilled in crisis intervention.
• You are self‑directed and able to work collaboratively within a team.
• You possess excellent time management and organizational skills.
• You possess strong computer skills, including competency with Microsoft Office applications.
• You have knowledge of poverty, welfare reform, affordable housing, and other issues affecting program participants to ensure that programs and services meet participants' needs.
• You are able to communicate effectively and persuasively in oral and written communication on both interpersonal and group levels.
• You have…