HOUSING SPECIALIST

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION

The Housing Specialist will use the Critical Time Intervention case management model to provide individualized, strength-based client support to a caseload of homeless participants, many of whom will have multiple barriers (i.e. serious mental illness, substance use disorders, chronic health conditions, frequent contact with law enforcement, etc.). The Housing Specialist will engage and develop relationships with participants, provide support services so that secure, stable, and permanent housing may be achieved. The Specialist services are directed by Housing First, Harm Reduction and Permanent Supported Housing principles.

Status : 1 Full-Time, Salaried Non-exempt

Starting Pay : $47,840 for Full-Time (Positions are grant-funded, anticipated renewal annually)

Benefits : Medical insurance is offered at 30 hours per week; Vacation & Paid Sick Leave begin accruing day 1

Reports to : Housing First Program Manager

Supervises : May provide Peer Leadership

 

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT

*Primary duties are in the community*

• Assess participant housing histories, barriers and resource/support needs (e.g. food, health, transportation, etc.) and opportunities (e.g. family, friends).
• Complete intake assessment, housing stability plan, and orientation to program.
• Complete Housing First Program Enrollment
• Complete and update HMIS as necessary
• Complete Releases of Information and program documentation
• Identify the need for interim or bridge housing, link as requested and available.
• Establish goals and objectives; monitor achievements through regular meetings.
• In consultation with client and partners, determine housing barriers, preferences, needs and goals.
• Work respectfully and effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Provide support services in a non-judgmental manner.
• Assist clients with procuring necessary documents and services such as identification card, birth certificate, social security income, and disability income.
• Coordinate and collaborate with partner agencies engaged in the client’s life and advocate for the client from a Housing First perspective. Provide trauma-informed case management utilizing motivational interviewing and strength-based techniques to assigned clients.
• Write clear, objective, and accurate client file case notes of significant interactions, including stability plans, and all other required forms and paperwork including logs, records, reports, and statistics, as requested.
• Identify barriers and steps necessary to overcome obstacles.
• Provide information, referrals, and direct advocacy as needed, utilizing internal and external resources.
• Link participants with services intended to address significant barriers to housing stability – e.g. mental health services, chemical dependency services, primary health services, housing services, employment and/or educational supports.
• Work with a supervisor to devise and implement corrective action plans for clients failing to meet goals.
• Mediate conflicts, provide de-escalation and crisis intervention, model appropriate problem solving, and refer to appropriate services as needed.

PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Maintain a favorable working relationship with all other company employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate.
• Project a favorable image of the organization to promote its aims and objectives and foster and enhance public recognition and acceptance of all its areas of endeavor.
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established company policies to achieve the overall objectives of this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Substantive working knowledge of the following evidence-based practices: harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based case management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local resources and services for individuals who are homeless or low-income.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in de-escalation, crisis intervention and stabilization skills.
• Promotes a team environment that values, encourages and supports differences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team particularly being able to exercise sound decision making in the absence of supervision, with strong collaboration skills.
• Ability to set and maintain boundaries in a professional manner.
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and follow through.
• Ability to follow agency policy and procedures to maintain safety and security within the facility.
• Ability to enter data accurately; create log entries and case notes; prepare written reports and generate statistical reports.
• Sensitive to and able to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse economic circumstances, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, physical and mental abilities, and sexual orientation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to communicate effectively about technical problems and solutions.
• Ability and aptitude with technology necessary for successful day-to-day functioning in a business environment including various databases, Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, etc., and Internet technology.
• Valid WA driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a driving record that meets KHOC standards, required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s degree required, in human services or psychology, a plus. Master’s degree preferred in social work or a related field.
• A minimum of 1-year experience in case management.
• 2+ years’ experience working in a human service setting related to housing and homelessness.
• Significant demonstrated knowledge and ability to assist clients and peers in navigating the complex housing system.
• Or any equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Demonstrated familiarity with issues of homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, sexual assault, and/or domestic violence, required.
• Experience building supportive and respectful relationships with individuals who have experienced homelessness, and who live with mental illness and/or addiction.

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.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, type, and reach with hands and arms; and requires the ability to occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry supplies up to 20 pounds.
• Work takes place in a social services environment where long periods of sitting, working on a computer, walking to various work areas, going up and down stairs, and standing are required.
• Travel to program sites and meetings outside the office and around the county as necessary.

Mental efforts like attention to detail, interacting with others in-person and through email, using critical thinking skills to strategize, develop and implement business plans, create and edit documents, listen and participate verbally at meetings. In compliance with the ADA Amendment Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is normal. KHOC programs are housed within a human services environment in the Greater Tacoma area. Our diverse tenant community includes many single, formerly homeless adults who lack any family support system. Compounding the constraints of poverty, our client community

includes the physically and mentally disabled, persons living with AIDS, those who struggle with chemical dependencies, veterans, and vulnerable, elderly adults.

Working at KHOC will mean that you will be in close proximity to the people we serve. This position is not eligible for remote work; it requires onsite work only.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Kitsap Homes of Compassion is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and treats all employees and applicants equally without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, disability, familial status, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, parental status, political ideology, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, use of section 8 certificate, use of service animal, and all other groups protected by law, and promotes diversity in its workforce. KHOC takes affirmative action to implement programs and maintain practices and policies that eliminate barriers to equal employment opportunity.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

All Kitsap Homes of Compassion employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their first day of employment. An employee is considered fully vaccinated once 14 days have passed since receiving the final dose of the initial vaccination series. Proof of vaccination must be shown.

Should an employee be unable to comply with this requirement, they may seek an exemption through the medical or religious accommodation process. To do so, please notify the Executive Director at the time of offer.

\nCompany Description

Kitsap Homes of Compassion (KHOC) is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to create affordable, permanent supportive housing and other resources for those experiencing homelessness, using shared housing.

KHOC envisions a future Kitsap County where homelessness has been eliminated and everyone has a safe, supportive, permanent home.

For the staff and volunteers of KHOC - this is not just a job - this is a passion and movement to change our community. We have a passion to literally put an END to chronic homelessness!

Company Description

Kitsap Homes of Compassion (KHOC) is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to create affordable, permanent supportive housing and other resources for those experiencing homelessness, using shared housing.\n\nKHOC envisions a future Kitsap County where homelessness has been eliminated and everyone has a safe, supportive, permanent home.\n\nFor the staff and volunteers of KHOC - this is not just a job - this is a passion and movement to change our community. We have a passion to literally put an END to chronic homelessness!