Housing Stabilization Specialist at DESC

Burien, Washington, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

10 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

12 Nov, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Housing Retention, Client Engagement, Teamwork, Advocacy, Community Resources, Independent Living Skills, Documentation, Multi-disciplinary Team, Mental Illness Support, Substance Use Disorders, Transitional Care, Lease Violation Mitigation, Creative Problem Solving, Communication, Behavior Management, Goal Setting

Industry

Mental Health Care

Description

Description Days Off: Saturday, Sunday Shift: Day (8:30am - 5:00pm) Insurance Benefits: Dental, Life, Long-term Disability, Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage) Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement Plan Union Representation: This position is a part of a union and is represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW. About DESC: DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a nonprofit organization working to help people with the complex needs of homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness achieve their highest potential for health and well-being through comprehensive services, treatment, and housing. Our vision is a community where no person is abandoned, ignored, or experiencing homelessness. As the region's leading provider of services to multiply disabled adults who have experienced chronic homelessness, DESC serves almost 3,000 people each day. Our integrated service model is designed to help people secure and maintain appropriate, safe and affordable housing. DESC is recognized nationally and regionally as an innovator in developing solutions to homelessness. JOB DEFINITION: When it comes to housing retention and independent living skills, some Permanent Supportive Housing tenants need more support than can be easily brought to bear by their care team. This innovative position, in partnership with the existing care team, will create and implement client-centered housing stability plans and assist residents with achieving goals that align with their stability plan. Support will range from managing challenging unit conditions, mitigating lease violations, to supporting community building events and activities. This position will be part of the CSS team at the location, although will not have a defined caseload, but instead work directly tenants how have extra support needs in doing “whatever it takes” to promote housing retention. This role seeks to heighten positive engagement with individuals with high medical needs, persistent mental illness and substance use disorders, frequent institutional contacts and treatment stays, or simply more intensive support. It’s the perfect position for someone who wants high client engagement; likes creativity, independence and teamwork; and wants to see long-term, tangible results! MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team providing on-going services to adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Advocate for consumers' access to community resources and services, ensuring that consumers' needs are met and rights maintained; consult and collaborate with community providers to ensure continuity of care. In collaboration with residents and their treatment team, complete the Housing Stability Plan and help clients achieve their short and long-term goals. Assist with unit inspection preparation in collaboration with the treatment team. Regularly review and modify each client’s Housing Stability Plan to address housing retention barriers. Provide transitional care when residents are discharged from an inpatient setting. Assist with accessing supports to preserve independent living. Assist residents with communicating with landlords and other housing staff. In partnership with other staff members, help facilitate or lead activities that contribute to long-term housing success and improve independent living skills. Complete documentation on all client interactions according to agency standards and prepare and submit documentation of services. Other duties as assigned. Requirements MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) license in WA soon after hire. Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of behavior. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Relevant Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related behavioral science, OR A combination of 1 year* of relevant paid work experience and demonstration of the ability to perform required job duties *Internal applicants in direct, client facing positions can substitute 6 months of experience in lieu of 1 year PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS: Valid Washington State driver’s license and insurable driving record PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required sit for long periods of time, communicate with other persons by talking and hearing, required to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds and to operate computer hardware systems. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: DESC is committed to diversity in the workplace and promotes equal employment opportunities for all staff members and applicants. The Agency will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, caste, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability in any employment practice, unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification. Minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

The Housing Stabilization Specialist will create and implement client-centered housing stability plans and assist residents in achieving their goals. This role involves advocating for clients, collaborating with treatment teams, and facilitating activities that promote long-term housing success.