Permanent Supportive Housing - Service Coordination Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

General Statement of Duties:

This position performs a key role in assisting individuals with serious mental illness and possibly co-occurring substance use disorders, and/or physical disabilities who have experienced chronic homelessness. The position focuses on helping enrolled individuals of the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program to achieve stability and improve their quality of life by providing support and connecting them to necessary services.

The Service Coordination Specialist is directly accountable to the PSH Supervisor.

Persons in this class are classified non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Major Essential Functions:

• Conduct assessments to determine individual needs and goals.
• Develop and implement individual service plans, regularly assessing progress.
• Provide ongoing support to individuals to help them maintain housing stability.
• Assist participants with activities of daily living, such as budgeting, setting up appointments, transportation to food banks and health care appointments, and accessing healthcare.
• Link participants with appropriate community-based services including mental health, substance use treatment, medical care, employment services, and legal assistance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for individual housing staff and service providers.
• Monitor and ensure the participant is connected to necessary services and advocate on their behalf when needed.
• Address immediate concerns, such as eviction threats or personal crises, and respond to emergency situations
• Support clients and the PSH team with the move-in and move-out process.
• Provide or facilitate access to immediate support services in times of crisis.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to access benefits, resources or legal protections.
• Documentation and reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in compliance with program requirements and confidentiality regulations. Complete all necessary documentation for participants’ involvement in the PSH program, including but not limited to housing stabilization plan, individualized service plan, and contact notes.
• Track progress towards goals and document service delivery.
• Work closely with other PSH team members and support service providers to ensure comprehensive care. Serves as a backup to PSH Case Manager and Housing Specialists to ensure service continuity 
• Will be trained and certified as an SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) specialist.
• Conducts annual apartment inspections to ensure the housing meets Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Quality Standards for PSH participants.
• Demonstrates a desire and willingness to continue growing and learning professionally, as evidenced by participation in appropriate workshops, seminars, and conferences.
• Participates in treatment team meetings for PSH participants as appropriate.
• In collaboration with the PSH Supervisor, ensures the program is adhering to Housing First principles and the permanent supportive housing model.
• Uses Evidence-Based Practices such as Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care in the provision of services.
• Make effective use of available technology, including computers, e-mail, voice mail, and electronic health records.
• Maintain effective relationships with co-workers and customers based on courtesy, compassion, and respect.
• Perform other duties as agency needs require.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of community resources and housing-first models. Ability to work with diverse populations, including individuals with mental health and substance use issues.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and crisis management skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. Experience in case management, social services and/or supportive housing is preferred.
• Basic computer literacy and word processing skills required.
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs.

Additional Requirement:

• Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and current ability and willingness to transport clients in an agency vehicle.
• Willing to be trained in Mandt, Medication Administration, CPR Certification, and First Aid Certification.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services/related specialty OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Other Information:

Work Equipment: Smartphone, calculator, computer and related software.

Work Environment: General office environment with normal lighting levels, temperature, air quality, ventilation and noise levels. Community settings and client housing.

Work Location: 1241 N. Main St. office and other community sites as necessary.

Work Hazards: Standard hazards associated with a mental health treatment environment. Standard hazards associated with a human service residential environment, including hazards associated with problem behaviors. Use of universal precautions required.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, regular office hours (8 am-5 pm); additional hours as needed to perform job requirements. Regular and reliable attendance is required.