Prevention Specialist

Solid Ground
White Bear Lake, MN 55110, USA

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.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

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 housing 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.

Wages

$23.00 - $24.00 per hour depending on qualifications and level of experience

• Paid vacation and sick time
• 12 paid holidays
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and options for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Long-term disability insurance – the employer pays the premiums
• Employer-paid basic life insurance with the option for additional coverage paid by the employee
• Voluntary benefits:
  Accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, short-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.

Because Solid Ground is a member with Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC) who partners with St. Mary’s University, Solid Ground employees and their spouses are also eligible for the following benefits y’s University:

• Discounted tuition for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs
• Access to advancement (internships, job placement, field practice)

Job Summary

Solid Ground is hiring a Prevention Specialist to provide essential program support and collaborate with tenants and landlords to prevent homelessness and preserve tenancies.

Responsibilities

• Accept referrals from the Prevention Manager.
• Process requests for Prevention Assistance.
• Enter the appropriate information into HMIS and Client Track within one business day of funding approval.
• Handle intakes, assessment calls, and callbacks from the prevention phone line in a timely manner.
• Assist in completing funding requirements and applications for funds.
• Conduct interviews and assessments leading to program qualifications.
• Counsel tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities.
• Provide referrals to other social services agencies, if necessary, to assist participants in achieving the goal of zero balance.
• Collaborate with community partners and other stakeholders to inform people about the programs and to identify potential participants.
• Follow up with participants as indicated by grant guidelines.

What You Bring

• You must have (or be in the process of obtaining) a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services or a related field, plus at least one year of experience in a social service advocacy position; or you bring a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge.
• Previous experience working with individuals that come from diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds in homeless or housing settings, or you have related experience.
• Previous experience working with underserved communities and families experiencing behavioral and/or mental health issues, chemical dependency/substance abuse, homelessness and/or other barriers that affect participants is preferred.
• Knowledge of laws governing rental housing and the ability to locate affordable housing for program participants.
• An understanding and commitment to Housing First philosophy and Trauma Informed practices.
• Knowledge of community resources and community outreach programs.
• Strong skills in crisis intervention.
• You are self-directed with the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• The ability to manage…