Housing Specialist

The Housing Specialist, Supportive, is responsible to provide initial assessment, ongoing functional assessments, coordinating community support services to individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI) or those dully diagnosed with ID/DD related disorders in Permanent Supported Housing (PSH). Promotes housing stability, proactively engages participants of the PSH program in a flexible and comprehensive array of supportive services, without requiring participation in services as a condition of ongoing tenancy; effectively coordinates with key partners to address issues resulting from medical, cognitive limitations, substance use, or mental health and other crises, with a focus on fostering housing stability and recovery-oriented practices; responsible for being a supportive liaison between property owners and PSH participants through providing on call, triage, and response to housing-related crisis. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Maximum of Eight) Enable served persons to independently care for their own health, safety, and well-being while that person is in their respective residence or community; some tasks may including ensuring a safe environment by performing such tasks as fire drills, fire prevention, security checks, and monthly fire extinguisher checks. Aid in coordination of or when applicable ensure safe transportation to and from medical appointments, social and recreational activities and other agency programs, and as needed, to assist in menu planning, meal preparation and grocery shopping. Coordinate with Department of Social Services (DSS); Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) assessors; clinical, rehabilitation, and recovery support providers; representative payees; and family and natural supports; and other relevant parties. Respond directly to housing-related crises and coordinates with other emergency response systems to prevent and address other recipient crises. Facilitate landlord-tenant communication and monitors basic lease compliance. Provide support and independent living skills training as needed; ensure apartment adheres to ongoing compliance with habitability and affordability standards. Provides education, linkage, and referral to mainstream benefits, community resources, and supportive services including treatment and skills training. Develop supportive housing plan and conduct in-home visits at least monthly to assess housing stability and progress toward supportive housing plan goals. Assist with relocations and moves, when/if necessary. Good oral and written communication skills. Basic knowledge of mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse conditions. Knowledge and know how to effectively teach independent daily living skills training. Patience and ability to deal with various disabilities. Ability to interact with persons in a supportive and therapeutic manner. Ability to work as part of a team. Strong ability to manage diverse duties and multiple priorities.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services, Business Management, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent education and/or experience is acceptable. QMHP credential preferred. Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mount Rogers Community Services Board