Housing Specialist
Posted on: September 19, 2014Application deadline: November 19, 2014
Posted by: Services for the UnderServed
COMPANY OVERVIEW
As a leading provider of residential and support services to individuals with special needs,Services for the UnderServed provides the resources you need to build on your experience amidst our culture of team support. Ongoing training and attention to your development help to ensure your success. Your achievements and leadership are rewarded by advancement opportunities. Our commitment to continuous quality improvement impacts the lives of our clients and communities while contributing to the development of our employees.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Housing Specialist, SSVF works a member of the social service team to provide Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention services to veterans/veteran families; functions as a bridge between veterans and housing providers to empower program participants to overcome barriers and meet the goals identified on their individualized housing stability plans; identifies safe, affordable permanent housing options for clients; fosters relationships with landlords and to link each program participant with appropriate community supports to ensure their housing stability.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Engage program participants by maintaining regular contact to monitor and track progress and response to services, including home visits and field work.
- Establish linkages and maintain solid working relationships with permanent housing providers, real estate brokers, managing agents, and landlords as a resource for participants.
- Develop a housing bank of available units and housing opportunities for qualified veteran families.
- Assess veteran families' barriers to obtaining affordable permanent housing.
- Provide supportive social services including individual and group counseling, workshops, education, referrals, and escorting in an effort to prepare veterans for successfully securing and maintaining permanent housing.
- Assist veteran families with identifying and securing permanent affordable housing.
- Prepare and assist participants with the housing application/interview process.
- Provide accurate, complete, and timely documentation of the provision of supportive services and participant progression/regression toward the goals of securing permanent affordable housing.
- Track, monitor, and report housing placement rates for all participant families.
- Assist the social service staff in developing and implementing individualized housing stability plans with veterans/veteran families to address identified housing barriers for Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing services.
- Complete all necessary documentation to ensure compliance with funding requirements, and agency quality assurance standards.
- Advocate for veterans/veteran families at service providers and agencies in the community.
- Coordinate the provision of Temporary Financial Assistance with third-parties and agency personnel.
- Cultivate positive relationships with relevant funding and monitoring entities, faith based organizations, social service providers, and other community partners.
- Participate in appropriate community collaborations and activities.
- Participate in SSVF and Veterans Services team meetings.
- Respond to client needs promptly, accurately and with courtesy and respect. Model appropriate behavior. Represent the organization in a positive and appropriate manner to outside resources.
- Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality for clients and staff, restricting information to those who need to know only.
BENEFITS
We offer attractive compensation with comprehensive benefits including: Medical/Dental/Prescription/Vision/Life Insurance;403(b); Credit Union; FSAs; Short-and-Long-Term Disability; Transportation Plan; Generous Paid Vacations and Holidays
REQUIREMENTS
- BA in Human Services or related field and one year experience in housing services or a combination of education and experience.
- Experience with homeless families and/or veteran services highly desirable.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required.
- Experience with electronic database systems (such as the AWARDS system) is preferred.
- Strong ability to network and negotiate with housing providers a must.
- Solid organizational skills/strong communication and writing skills required.
- Willingness to attend occasional events outside of normal business hours, including Veterans Day.
- High energy level to complete assigned work and meet deadlines.
SUS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
HOW TO APPLY
