Housing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

In accordance with the Agency’s mission statement, policies and procedures, professional Code of Ethics, State of Michigan licensing and Council on Accreditation standards; the Housing Specialist serves as the primarily resource for navigating permanent housing, landlord engagement, and coordination with housing partners for each resident of the transitional housing continuum.

Tasks of the Position

·         Partners with each resident to assess further housing needs during their admission into the transitional housing continuum. 

·         Connects residents to services as identified for support readiness for permanent housing.

·         Maintains regular contact with each resident and coordinates housing partnerships in preparation for independent living readiness.

·         Serves as the primary resource to assist with navigation of the permanent housing process.

·         Assists residents through landlord engagement protocols.

·         Supports each resident with timely transition plans to permanent housing opportunities.

·         Works directly with each resident in the early stages of living independently and will work collectively with other team members to ensure proper life skills are in place.

·         Works collectively with each resident and transitional housing continuum team members to ensure housing related resources and community support is established prior to discharge. 

·         Works collectively with the Quality Department and other agency partners in developing and reporting relevant outcomes to delivering successful discharge to permanent housing services. 

·         Work with community partners to build resources for transitional housing continuum.

·         Attends team meetings as designed.

·         Works collectively with other transitional housing continuum team members in the best interest of each resident.

·         Plans and organizes work to meet all job requirements according to Vista Maria standards, various funding contracts, and professional standards.

·         Performs all other duties as requested by the Clinical Program Manager keeping within the scope of this position, or as professional development.  Stays informed on current practices, policies and resources related to transitional housing and permanent housing opportunities.

Knowledge/skills/abilities

• Demonstrated computer literacy skills as required.
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively in a culturally diverse environment.
• Effective organizational and communicative skills (both written and verbal).
• Demonstrated effective time management skills.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Demonstrates personal and professional integrity and demeanor in accordance with Vista Maria standards and expectations. Previous experience with survivors of human trafficking and the veteran population.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Minimum Required

• Bachelor’s degree in any human service-related field from accredited university or college.
• Two (2) years’ experience working with the homeless population, transitional living, or residential care in some capacity.
• One (1) year experience working in a role responsible for housing navigation in any capacity.
• Computer literacy with demonstrated knowledge of information technology.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license without relevant restrictions.

Preferred

·         (3) three years’ experience working with homeless population, transitional living, or residential care in some capacity.

·         (2) two years’ experience working with the veteran population.

·         (2) two years’ experience working with the human trafficking population.

·         (2) two years’ experience working with the incarcerated population, or community reentry from incarceration.

·         (2) two years’ experience working with individuals in recovery or impacted by substance recovery efforts.

We foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable individuals and their families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success.

Company Description

We foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable individuals and their families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success.