Housing & Supportive Living Specialist

Housing & Supportive Living Specialist

Position Summary

The Housing & Supportive Living Specialist is responsible for supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and/or Autism in achieving and maintaining independence within their homes and communities. This role includes responsibilities of Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services (HTSS), Supported Living coordination, and leadership-level housing support services.

The Specialist provides direct support, tenancy stabilization, independent living skills development, crisis intervention, advocacy, coordination with interdisciplinary teams, and community integration services. This position also assists with training, mentorship, program development, and maintaining positive relationships with landlords, community agencies, families, and external partners.

The ideal candidate is flexible, compassionate, organized, trauma-informed, and knowledgeable in housing stability, independent living supports, and person-centered practices.

Essential Functions
• Provide Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services (HTSS) to individuals living independently or transitioning into independent living environments.
• Assist individuals with maintaining safe and stable tenancy.
• Recognize and respond to behaviors or circumstances that may jeopardize housing.
• Educate individuals on tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Support lease compliance and assist with maintaining cleanliness, organization, upkeep, and household management.
• Conduct health and safety visits and complete unit habitability inspections.
• Assist with annual housing recertification processes.
• Coordinate and update housing support plans and crisis plans.
• Assist in resolving disputes with landlords, roommates, neighbors, and community members to reduce risk of eviction.
• Advocate and connect individuals to community resources to support housing retention.
• Assist individuals in developing life skills necessary to achieve their highest level of independence.
• Provide coaching and modeling in cooking, budgeting, hygiene, transportation, communication, and household management.
• Encourage participation in social, recreational, educational, and community activities.
• Participate in ISP meetings, monitorings, and person-centered planning processes.
• Communicate effectively with support coordinators, families, landlords, providers, supervisors, and external agencies.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and mentoring new staff.
• Maintain accurate documentation and service records.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies in the home and community.
• Participate in on-call rotations as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
• Associate degree or higher in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Counseling, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of one year experience working with individuals diagnosed with IDD and/or Autism.
• Experience providing direct support, independent living support, counseling, education, healthcare support, or related services preferred.
• Experience managing caseloads and coordinating services preferred.
• Experience in housing, tenancy support, supported living, or community-based services preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong understanding of person-centered practices and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to teach, coach, and model independent living skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage crisis situations calmly and professionally.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Knowledge of community resources, benefits systems, and housing supports.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Therap, Relias, MyODP, EVV, and ADP.

Licenses & Certifications
• Valid driver's license with safe driving record.
• Ability and willingness to transport individuals using personal or company vehicles.
• Ability to complete all required trainings and certifications.
• CPR certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Successful completion of all required background checks.

Schedule & Availability
• Full-time position requiring a minimum 40-hour work week.
• Occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities may be required.
• Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas and surrounding counties as needed.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Employees are frequently required to sit, stand, bend, squat, pivot, walk for extended periods, climb stairs, and lift up to 30 pounds. Work environments may include office, community, residential, and medical settings.

Reports To

Senior Director - Community Programs and Clinical Services