Housing Solutions Specialist 1

A Housing Solutions Specialist connects our neighbors to housing and hope. As part of the Rapid Rehousing team, the Housing Specialist will provide progressive case management and support services to unsheltered individuals and families as they take the next step in their journey to stable housing. Housing Specialists provide ongoing case management support that is tailored to the individual client needs, connecting them to community-based services and opportunities with the goal of long-term housing stability. Works as key team member in Housing Solutions Team for intake and assessment with clients at outreaches, in homes and in office. Performs case management for 20+ clients, crisis intervention services, assessment, linkage to resources and services within CAC and in the community.

Direct client services work, refers to appropriate staff and services after initial screening, maintains strict participant confidentiality, professional objectivity and boundaries.  Maintains and develops information about available community resources and human services. This position is under the supervision of the Housing Solutions Coordinator

Case Management Functions

• Perform case management services including client assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, referral, and resource coordination. 
• Demonstrates care toward clients by using a trauma-informed & strength-based approach to assist clients in ending the cycle of homelessness. Supporting them as they move from being unhoused to appropriate housing and accessing necessary resources while using a Housing First philosophy.
• Provide individualized client support, using evidence-based case management tools, through the entire journey by assisting each client as they develop a plan to address their individual barriers. Helping them increase their income and maintain and sustain permanent housing.
• Provide consistent contact with clients based on assessed needs, program policies, and funding guidelines. Client visits may include home visits once housed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client files and records to include required documentation and confidential case management notes.
• Ensure client documentation in HMIS database complies with agency, COC, and HUD guidelines and expectations.

Direct Client Services

• Develop knowledge and proficiency with CAC client database system to facilitate effective tracking, referral and follow-up of client services.
• Assist with maintaining up to date record-keeping system for client intake including intake related to crisis intake, community services, family development and family self-sufficiency case management.
• Attend Balance of State Continuum of Care and other meetings as assigned
• Participate in our annual Point – in- Time count
• Actively engage in the Coordinated Entry System and familiarize oneself with county resources
• Work collaboratively with the community services provider to identify programs and resources that will increase client skills and establish goals (life management, education or career goals, financial management skills, health and wellness goals and decision-making skills)

Program Support Functions

• Coordinate services with other program areas of the CAC and functions as a team member.  Participate in and attends staff meetings and training as scheduled.  Communicate mission of agency and team to other agencies and the community. 
• Assist the Housing Solutions Team by disseminating updated information on all services provided by the agency to social service organizations, community groups, and others impacted by CAC services to explain and promote agency activities.
• Assist in program development and quality assurance activities as directed by the Housing Coordinator
• Develop knowledge and proficiency with CAC client database system to facilitate effective tracking, referral and follow up with clients
• Responsible for reading all logs/emails promptly to ensure you are up to date with current dept & agency information
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Complete monthly reports and assigned administrative tasks on time
• Administrative duties as required, including monthly budget reports
• bide by and maintain compliance with the department program and agency policies and procedures
• Submit time sheets, time off requests, and other personnel documents in a timely manner and by pre-determined dates
• Other duties as assigned by Housing Coordinator.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree from accredited college or university with specialization in social work, human services, education or closely related field; OR highschool diploma with a minimum of two (2) years experiences in the field of human services, perferably invloving resources coordination, crisis intervention services, and case managment and one (1) to two (2) years of experience working directly with individuals or families experiencing homelessness.

Knowledge of:

• Microsoft suite programs, Excell, general computer knowldege
• Knowledge or familiarity with harm reduction and motivational interviewing concepts and strategies, and using a strength based approach to engage clients
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and abiltit to meet deadlines consistently
• Familiarity with area resources and supportive services in Whitman County
• Bi lingual is a huge plus

Ability to:

• To provide compassion and empathy for people who are struggling with a variety of challanges, including homelessness, menatl illness, and addiction
• To practice/ learn the key communication skills with someone in crisis; calm actions, measured speech, requests over reasinign and the ability to recognize both verbal and non verbal ques from people in crisis
• Outstanding capacity to build strong relationships with a diverse range of clients, colleagues, and community memebers
• To multitask and manage competing priorities effectively
• To work effectively as part of a TEAM as well as individually
• Flexiable and adaptable work style

EEO: CAC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming enviroment for all employees

This job description is a general description os essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duites someone in this position may perform. All employees of Community Action Center are expected to perform task as assigned by their supervisor/management personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties.

M/D/V first full month of employment- 90% employer pay

HSA of $500 a year- employer paid

13 paid Holidays a year

Sick accrual of 8 hrs a month

Generouse PTO after 6 months in position