Housing Specialist, Single Adult Shelter

Job Description

Job Description

Summary: The Housing Specialist provides housing search services relocate homeless individuals to safe and permanent housing. Conducts housing search of private market rate housing as well as various subsidized housing programs. Work with outside landlords and community providers to assist in the identification of affordable housing options for homeless, unstable housing, or low-income individuals.

Why Work for SMOC?

• Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
• Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide housing search assistance to clients referred by MassHealth Accountable Care Organizations or physician practices.
• Make referrals to supportive housing programs with care management resources and rental assistance as necessary.
• Conduct a housing barriers assessment with each client and work with the client and case management team to develop and carry out a rehousing plan.
• Develop relationships with local landlords to foster placement opportunities for disadvantaged homeless individuals.
• Provide assistance and advocacy with the subsidy application process for clients on fixed incomes.
• Assess housing and supportive services needs to determine which short-term financial assistance programs may be available to rapidly re-house the individual.
• Help clients to obtain all necessary documentation and complete paperwork for housing related applications.
• Work with client to complete applications for financial assistance programs such as RAFT, ESG or other transitional funding programs as they are developed by DHCD, as well as accessing available community funds or FEMA assistance programs.
• Evaluate need and process requests for client assistance funds such as first, last and security deposit, furniture, linens, etc
• Evaluate need and process applications for medically necessary home modifications such as shower grab bars, refrigerators, air conditioners, air filters, ramps, etc.

• Assist clients with completing housing applications and negotiating leases with landlords.
• Accompany clients as they view rooms or apartments as needed. Assist them in preparing for the application and interview process.
• Collaborate with CGRC staff to provide initial information and referrals for community-based resources such as education, job-training, fuel assistance, behavioral health, food, transportation, legal advice, medical care, and other services.
• Participate as a member of the CGRC team; attend all staff meetings and other required meetings.
• Maintain client files to include completed assessments, re-housing plans, referrals made, and services accessed.
• Gather required data and demographic information and enter into designated database.
• Communicate with clients through phone calls, email and face-to-face meetings either at the SMOC offices or offsite meetings near the client’s location.
• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• BA preferred and/or 2 years relevant work experience in social services or housing services with low-income, minority and disabled individuals preferred.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.
• Bilingual Spanish required.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation is required. If out of State Driver's License than applicant must provide driving record upon job offer.

Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to Program Director. Indirectly reports to Case Management Supervisor. Direct reports of this position are None. Indirect reports of this position are none.

Physical Requirement: Must be able to sit or stand for a prolonged period. Must be able to operate a computer and complete extensive paperwork. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Must be able to ascend and descend four sets of stairs, as some units are on the 3rd and 4th floor of apartment buildings.

Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Housing Specialist will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.