Housing Specialist (Project Home SAFE)

at  Hope Solutions

ABOUT US

Founded in 1991, Hope Solutions, formerly Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, is a vibrant and socially responsive non-profit agency that provides permanent housing and vital support services to over 2,000 homeless or at-risk families and individuals in Contra Costa County. Over 40 faith-based communities support our work, although there are no religious requirements or affiliations to receive services.
Are you seeking a new role that fully utilizes your talents and potential—while helping to make the world a better place? If so, please read on!

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

The PHS (Project Home SAFE) Housing Specialist provides specialized home-based case management, ongoing assessment of consumer needs, and linkage to essential services for clients actively fleeing domestic violence. Collaborating with program partner STAND! For Families Free of Violence, along with other community agencies, the PSH Housing Specialist delivers individualized and flexible support, recognizing the varying needs of each client and their children.
The Housing Specialist provides an array of services to clients, including case management, housing navigation, advocacy, and financial support (including rent and move-in assistance), all in support of assessing client goals and matching clients with safe, sustainable housing options. The Housing Specialist conducts outreach and engagement with landlords and property owners throughout the county, matching clients with appropriate housing options and working with community resources that assist in the process of placing homeless individuals/families into suitable housing
Initial work involves a comprehensive needs assessment, collaboratively creating a participant-driven Housing Stability Plan, and accessing resources to achieve the goal of becoming/remaining housed. Housing Stability Plans may include time-limited financial support. All case management services are participant-driven, delivered with a strength-based, trauma-informed approach, and provided in the community or at the client’s home for convenience. Services offer a flexible intensity level and ensure warm hand-offs to other providers if clients need additional support post-housing stability.
Supervisory Responsibility: None

CLIENT SUPPORT:

• Meet with identified clients to complete housing needs assessments and create plans for obtaining safe, sustainable housing.
• Assist with data entry, rental subsidy, program incentive tracking for program participants, and tracking/reporting program data.
• Assist Team members on an as-needed basis with assessing client needs and service planning.
• Assist clients with “document readiness” (gathering and maintaining verification documents required for housing applications)
• Research and identify housing opportunities for clients as requested or needed.
• Assist clients in identifying and seeking desirable, appropriate housing options and mitigating screening barriers.
• Provide applicants with housing-related resources necessary to obtain and sustain housing placement, including information regarding tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Partner with Department staff and other community partners as needed to ensure coordination of care.
• Transport clients to meet with prospective landlords, complete housing applications, and inspect potential units on an as-needed basis.
• Apply knowledge of residential leases to educate clients regarding their rights and responsibilities.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.
• Passion for and demonstrated experience successfully supporting vulnerable populations, especially homeless clients with mental disabilities.
• BA degree in social work or related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in the human service field, preferably with housing retention barriers such as substance abuse, mental health, and/or income challenges.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn HUD requirements, including tenant certifications and/or experience working with HUD-funded properties.
• Bi-lingual in English/Spanish preferred.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer proficiency in the use of Microsoft and database applications.
• Must have an operational vehicle, auto insurance, valid California driver’s license, and be willing to drive for work.
• Must pass LiveScan screening and TB test.
• Salary contingent upon skill and experience.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS-

• The person in this position may make home visits to consumers who live on second or third-floor apartments (without elevators) and will need to be able to climb stairs.
• May accompany consumers on walks to local resources (grocery store, childcare, parks) up to ½ mile in distance.
• Must be able to work in a desk setting for up to 3 hours at a time to make calls to consumers, research resources on the internet, and collaborate with community providers with calls/emails.
• Office setting activities are required, such as typing on a laptop/computer to respond to emails, entering case notes into a database, and copying/faxing forms and documents on a copy machine related to maintaining or obtaining housing.
• Occasionally must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds, including furnishings for new residents, files, holiday gifts, and food donations.
• Ability to drive an automobile and transport oneself and consumers to appointments or meet at consumer homes, including driving at night.

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Professionally represent Hope Solutions in all circumstances.
• Comply with all legal/ethical professional guidelines for maintaining consumer confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA guidelines, protecting consumer rights, advocating on consumers’ behalf, and assuring consumer safety.
• Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations and Hope Solutions policies and procedures.
• Complete required administrative paperwork and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Attend all required meetings, including but not limited to Hope Solutions staff meetings, team meetings, consumer case conferences, and linkage meetings with other agencies.
• Complete required personnel-related paperwork and complete expenditure reports for food supplies, petty cash expenses, and/or mileage in a timely and accurate manner.
• Document all services provided in a timely manner.
• Assist with data generation for reports and funding applications as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• On-call, after-hours, and backup work may be required.