Housing Specialist

Position: Housing Stability Specialist – Walk-In Services Location: Council Bluffs, IA Remote Status: On-Site Job Id: 197 # of Openings: 1 Position Summary The Housing Stability Specialist plays a vital role in addressing housing instability by providing walk-in housing problem-solving assistance to individuals and families in Council Bluffs. This position focuses on early intervention, identifying barriers contributing to housing instability, and helping participants develop practical solutions to maintain or secure stable housing. The specialist will work directly with participants to assess immediate housing needs, connect individuals and families to community resources, and facilitate problem-solving strategies related to rental assistance, utility assistance, landlord communication, and housing stabilization. The role also includes collaboration with community agencies, landlords, case managers, and other housing professionals to ensure coordinated and sustainable support. This position operates as a smaller-scale extension of Together's Housing Stability Clinic model, providing accessible, prevention-focused walk-in services tailored to the needs of the Council Bluffs community. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Participant Assessment and Housing Problem-Solving Conduct assessments of participants’ housing situations, financial status, and underlying issues contributing to housing instability (e.g., eviction risk, utility shutoff, financial hardship, landlord conflict, or loss of income). Develop tailored housing problem-solving strategies to address immediate barriers and support housing stabilization. Utilize a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to empower participants in identifying and resolving housing-related challenges. Walk-In Service Delivery Provide in-person walk-in housing stability support during designated service hours. Assist participants with housing-related problem-solving, prevention planning, resource navigation, and referrals. Help participants identify practical next steps to address immediate housing concerns. Maintain a welcoming, person-centered environment for individuals and families seeking assistance. Resource Navigation and Referral Guide participants through the process of accessing housing-related resources, including rental assistance, utility assistance, emergency housing resources, financial aid, legal services, and tenant education. Connect participants with community-based services and supports to address barriers impacting housing stability. Ensure participants receive accurate information regarding available resources, eligibility requirements, and next steps. Advocacy and Problem Resolution Advocate on behalf of participants with landlords, property managers, utility companies, and housing-related systems when appropriate. Provide problem-solving assistance related to lease concerns, eviction prevention, landlord-tenant communication, and housing stability barriers. Support participants in understanding tenant rights, responsibilities, and available options. Collaboration with Community Partners Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local housing agencies, government programs, legal services, nonprofit organizations, shelters, and other community resources. Facilitate communication and coordinated referrals between participants and partner agencies. Attend relevant community meetings, trainings, and collaborative discussions to remain informed about available resources and community needs. Documentation and Reporting Maintain detailed and accurate participant records, including assessments, referrals, problem-solving interventions, and outcomes. Complete required documentation and data entry in a timely and accurate manner. Assist with reporting related to service utilization, outcomes, and program activities. Follow-Up Support and Resource Coordination Conduct short-term follow-up communication as needed to support housing stabilization efforts. Assist participants in understanding next steps, accessing referred resources, and resolving barriers identified during walk-in engagement. Coordinate with community partners to support continuity of services when ongoing support is needed. Crisis Intervention and Housing Solutions Provide immediate support and problem-solving assistance for participants at risk of eviction or homelessness. Assist participants in developing short-term stabilization plans and identifying available housing-related resources. Engage in creative and practical problem-solving to support housing stability whenever possible. Community Outreach and Engagement Support outreach efforts to increase awareness of walk-in housing stability services in Council Bluffs. Assist in educating community members and partners about available housing stability resources and services. Promote a coordinated and accessible approach to housing problem-solving within the community. Operational Flexibility While this position is primarily based in Council Bluffs, the Housing Stability Specialist may be assigned to provide support at Together's Omaha Housing Stability Clinic or other program locations as needed to meet operational and participant service needs. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to work effectively with participants, landlords, community partners, and other stakeholders. Knowledge of housing instability, homelessness prevention, tenant rights, and housing-related community resources. Ability to think critically and creatively to resolve housing challenges. Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple participant needs simultaneously. Empathy and cultural competency in working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data entry systems. Ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Education Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in place of formal education requirements. Experience Experience working in housing assistance, homelessness prevention, social services, case management, or related community-based services preferred. Experience working with vulnerable or low-income populations is strongly preferred. Knowledge of housing assistance programs, eviction prevention services, and community resources is an asset. This job description is designed to provide an overview of the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the Housing Stability Specialist – Council Bluffs Walk-In Services position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned as organizational needs evolve. Please note that duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, based on organizational priorities and operational needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr