Homeless to Housing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Homeless to Housing Specialist

This position complements a service team model to support people experiencing unsheltered homelessness find and sustain stable, safe, permanent housing. The H2H Specialist will conduct outreach to persons residing out of doors and in places not meant for human habitation to assist them in locating permanent housing; once housed, the program will continue to provide housing support services to ensure tenancy sustainability. This position will follow a “services follow the person” model of service delivery.

Full-Time / Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9am -5pm

Pay starts at $24.00

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field preferred, 2 years’ experience working with homeless population and/or lived experience required. Candidates with an Associate's degree plus a minimum of 3 years’ experience will be considered. CCB certification a plus. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and knowledge of community resources.

Knowledge of, or ability to quickly develop competency with, issues related to homelessness, effective intervention techniques, and a basic understanding of mental health and substance abuse issues.

Must be able to work independently and in the community, maintain good working relationships with organizational staff and partners, and represent the values and philosophy of McCall in all interactions.

Must be able to work effectively with populations that have experienced vulnerability, trauma, economic poverty, incarceration, substance use, developmental delays, compromised mental wellness, brain injuries, literacy and numeracy issues, and/or other conditions or situations that have impacted housing stability.

Ability to speak Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of time sitting at a desk, using the phone, and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.

Valid Driver’s license and daily use of a reliable, properly registered, and insured motor vehicle required.

BENEFITS

• PTO 4 weeks accrued biweekly, with annual increases
• Medical & Dental Insurance - with large employer-paid premium
• Life Insurance - 100% employer paid
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• AFLAC Voluntary Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• 2 Gym Membership Options

AGENCY OVERVIEW

The McCall Behavioral Health Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire hope and promote wellness and healing through a continuum of behavioral health services — prevention, treatment, recovery support, and community engagement — for individuals of all ages and families across Western Connecticut. For more than 50 years, we have reached out to those who often feel isolated in their struggles and have never turned anyone away for their inability to pay. Led by President and CEO Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, our passionate team of highly trained professionals is committed to helping individuals and families overcome adversity, foster resilience, and achieve wellness. With locations in Canaan, Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury, and Winsted, McCall serves over 3,500 clients annually, supporting individuals wherever they are on their recovery journey. At McCall, our mission is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that everyone in our community has equitable access to best-in-class care and the resources they need to heal and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with households to collect all personal identification and documentation, income verification, homelessness verification, and disability verification (all when applicable and appropriate) and upload them into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Ensure all clients are added to the By Name List (BNL) and work on developing a Housing Services and Sustainability Plan.
• Comply with all HMIS training requirements, including HMIS, maintain organized files, and adhere to timely data entry into HMIS, SmartSheet, and DDaP.
• Support the client in obtaining income through workforce development referrals or connection to a SOAR specialist (SOAR: SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery).
• Provide ongoing case management services, including connection to mainstream benefits, behavioral health services, and other identified needs (such as childcare, SNAP, etc.)
• Actively participate in the local CAN housing solution meetings to advocate for housing opportunities for the client.
• Coordinate housing search, landlord recruitment, and relocation assistance. Identify housing options in the community through ongoing housing search and cultivation of relationships with landlords.
• Provide information, referrals, and coordinating efforts to participating households for needed services such as, but not limited to: repairing credit and referrals for health, mental health, substance use services, and social services sources. Encourage early linkages to family and community support systems.
• Assist the client through the lease signing, tenant rights and responsibilities, and understanding of lease compliance.
• Once housed, complete required documentation, including DMHAS Acuity and Assessment Index, Housing and Sustainability plan, and assessment every six months.
• Conduct regular home visits and face-to-face encounters for long-term housing sustainability.
• Enter documentation into the electronic health record.
• Participate in staff meetings and in-service trainings as required to ensure the quality of care offered to clients.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Recovery Supports.