Housing Specialist (50594)

Housing Specialist

Fresno - 1850 N Gateway Blvd - Fresno, CA 93727

Overview

Salary Range $22.00 - $22.00 Hourly Position Type Full Time Education Level High School Category Nonprofit - Social Services

Description

Position Summary:

The person in this position will be responsible for assisting HOPWA HINT-eligible individuals and their families in identifying and transitioning to stable housing. The Housing Specialist will collaborate with the program's case manager to address the housing needs of the participant going through the Fresno-Madera Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System. Essential Job Functions include, but are not limited to, those listed below. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assess the housing needs for all referred clients and work with them to develop individualized housing plans and address any barriers to housing;
• Monitor and evaluate each client's progress through their housing plan, and revise the plan with corrective actions as needed;
• Create and maintain lists of available housing options for clients;
• Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords;
• Serve as a liaison between program participants and property management companies and/or owners;
• Responsible for completing unit inspections monthly and processing maintenance requests, as needed;
• Responsible for ensuring the clients are in compliance with pertaining housing rules and/or occupancy agreements;
• Process monthly rent payments, if applicable;
• Maintain client related data tracking systems, including case notes;
• Prepare case-related reports, outcomes, successes, challenges, and other reports as necessary and required;
• Outreach to realtors, landlords, housing developers and other housing providers to identify new and existing housing opportunities;
• Network with other agencies, coalitions, local community meetings, and attend outreach events;
• Actively participate in staff meetings, training, and outreach events;
• Work in collaboration with CRMC's Specialty Services Clinic, FMCOC, and other community-based organizations to effectively navigate and house individuals and their families;
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to the populations served.
• Knowledge of substance abuse and treatment is desired.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from LEIE, MSIL, and EPLS.
• A valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain successful background clearance.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.

Education and/or Experience:

• Demonstrate knowledge of housing services including one (1) year experience working in similar programs; working with the homeless population, substance use disorder and/or mental health care systems is required.
• Demonstrate knowledge of target population including one (1) year experience serving people living with HIV is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience implementing trauma-informed approaches is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience with data collection, data analysis, and confidentiality is required.
• Graduation from an accredited two-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a combination of out in the community and in an office setting;
• Some travel is required; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.