Housing Specialist

Job TitleSupport families and individuals experiencing homelessness while supervising Housing Support Workers and Cooks. Provide direct case management services to assist shelter guests in transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing, utilizing a Housing First philosophy. Collaborate with clients to identify and develop plans that address and resolve various housing challenges. Act as a link to community resources and service providers. Partner with Waterbury community providers to ensure the success of the Coordinated Access Network (CAN). Assist the Housing Program Coordinator in operating The Salvation Army's housing programs. Serve as an on-call supervisor and emergency contact for the shelter.ResponsibilitiesAssist participants in developing a strength-based, solution-focused, and individualized housing plan that promotes the acquisition and maintenance of permanent housing.Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice; apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients on their rights and responsibilities.Attend workshops and training.Be knowledgeable of all HUD definitions and requirements for ESG and CT RRP assistance.Be on-call for staff emergencies.Collaborate with households to identify barriers to housing stability and assist guests in overcoming these barriers by connecting them to available resources and support.Collect and report program data, including but not limited to HMIS and funder-required data and utilization reports.Complete 90-day and annual performance evaluations of staff.Complete monthly statistical reports.Conduct case management and document.Conduct intake interviews to determine clients' needs, goals, and eligibility.Connect guests to services to ensure timely school enrollment and access to resources for homeless students in compliance with the McKinney-Vento Education Act.Connect guests to supportive services, including workforce development, financial literacy, childcare, and transportation, and arrange for tenancy classes and/or skill-building in preparation for clients assuming the rights and responsibilities of a lease.Develop a housing plan within twenty-one days of shelter entry.Develop an effective and timely referral network, providing information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and community programs.Engage with community partners, including assisting clients in attending appointments, providing transportation, or utilizing virtual telehealth services.Ensure Housing Support Workers engage with shelter guests and participants relative to advancing their goals for stable housing.Ensure new staff requiring HMIS access are trained within 30 days of employment.Ensure ongoing staff development opportunities and staff credentials are up to date.Ensure that confidential case records are maintained.Ensure that participants' cases are accurately tracked and achieve program outcomes.Establish staff schedules to ensure all services are provided for 24-hour staffing and staff-client ratios are maintained.Input all information into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).Maintain an accurate attendance record system and ensure accountability. Process bi-weekly payroll and ensure accuracy.Mediate and advocate with landlords/housing providers on the client's behalf to develop a Client Housing Plan (Workable Plan). This includes inspecting housing units to meet HUD quality standards and guidelines.Participate in program development and implementation as requested.Per contract requirements, maintain accurate and timely case notes, monthly outcome reports, and files for each client.Professionally represent The Salvation Army at community meetings as requested.Promote and ensure a Housing First philosophy.Recruit and interview qualified candidates, provide training and supervision for staff, ensuring mandatory training is completed.Serve as a backup when the program is understaffed.Support a low-barrier, trauma-informed environment for families and young adults.Use shelter diversion techniques, including mediation throughout a household's shelter stay, to assist in self-resolving their housing crisis. If it does not self-resolve within two weeks of entry, complete a VI-SPDAT to be added to the by-name list.Use the harm reduction model and trauma-informed approach through service delivery with each household.Work to increase the number of households that exit to permanent housing.Work to reduce households' average length of stay in emergency shelters.QualificationsA degree in human services or a related field and two years of case management or at least five years of case management experience is required.Two years of administrative and supervisory experience is highly preferred.Ability to collaborate with other personnel, service providers, or professionals.Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries.Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work environment.Ability to manage multiple tasks and effectively relate to a diverse client population experiencing a crisis.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work well under pressure.Able to work evenings and weekends as required.Commitment to empowering others to solve their problems.Commitment to racial equity and inclusion.Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.Excellent communication skills, mainly listening, meditation, and writing.Experience working with at-risk populations and people experiencing homelessness.Fluency in the English language is required. Spanish speaking ability is preferred.High level of organizational skills.Knowledge and belief in the "Housing First" philosophy and strategies preferred.Must complete KeepSAfe and other required training upon hire.Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served.Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite programs required.A valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle or access to transportation are required.Will respect and promote the interests of The Salvation Army. The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith, but they are required to promote and respect the mission of The Salvation Army.The Salvation Army is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits program to full-time employees who work at least 30 hours per week, including...Comprehensive health care coverage, including dental/vision/hearing, with low-cost employee premiums, co-pays, and deductiblesEmployer-funded pension plan (100% vested after five years of eligible service)Telehealth/online doctor visits$20K Basic Life Insurance including grief counseling services, funeral planning services, and will/power of attorney/legal document preparation (no cost to employee)Voluntary life insuranceShort-term disability coverage (no cost to employee)Long-term disability coverageSupplemental insurance coverage options (Aflac, homeowners, auto, and pet insurance)Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care403(b) tax-deferred annuity planGenerous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, and marriage leaveEligibility for the federal government's Public Student Loan Forgiveness ProgramMost importantly – a job with a great purpose, inspiring you to make a difference every day!An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.