Problem-Solving Specialist - Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Problem-Solving Specialist

Sycamores provides a spectrum of equitable mental health services through various programs to multicultural populations of all acuities. Although it serves a variety of consumers, the agency focuses primarily on providing care to low-income, high at-risk youth.

The Problem-Solving Specialist provides short-term, housing-focused engagement with individuals and households experiencing or at risk of homelessness, consistent with funder prevention and diversion standards. This role uses brief, person-centered conversations to support consumers in identifying safe, immediate, and practical housing solutions to resolve a housing crisis.

In this program, the Specialist will work directly with adults, youth, and families who are at risk of losing their rental housing. The role includes assessing housing needs, identifying strategies to prevent eviction, working directly with landlords and property managers to resolve tenancy issues, and connecting participants to financial assistance and other resources available to help resolve the immediate crisis, as well as employment, benefits, and longer-term housing supports. The Specialist will help participants move from an immediate housing crisis toward a realistic plan for maintaining stable housing. This position is well suited to someone who enjoys direct problem-solving, connecting quickly with people in stressful situations, and finding practical solutions to complex housing challenges.

$23- $26 per hour (starting pay will be based on previous work experience and educational background.)

Job Qualifications

• 13 years' experience working with individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in human services or related field preferred.
• Ability to navigate electronic records systems for documentation.
• Understanding of homeless services systems, including Coordinated Entry System (CES).
• Experience in housing-focused case management, navigation, Problem-Solving, or similar support roles preferred; transferable skills from related fields will be considered.
• Maintains all required licenses and certifications.
• As this position requires regular and flexible travel between various client locations, driving is an essential function of this position. Candidate qualifications therefore include:

• Personal, reliable vehicle for travel to various locations.
• Valid California driver's license.
• Acceptable driving record as determined Agency policy.
• Proof of auto insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.

All candidates who are presented with a conditional offer of employment must satisfy a pre-employment background check, drug, and health screen.

Sycamores is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Further, Sycamores is a Fair Chance employer and complies with California Government Code Section 12952, Employment Discrimination: Conviction History.