Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

We are currently looking for a Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist within our Housing Retention Services department. This is an excellent opportunity to join the Housing Retention Services team, where you can gain a deep understanding of our business , make a difference in people's lives every day, and advance your career.

Who We Are

Burlington Housing Authority serves the greater Burlington community with housing that is affordable, rental assistance, and support services. Our mission is to provide low-income, vulnerable members of our community access to safe, affordable housing and retention support services in ways that encourage stability, improve quality of life, end homelessness, and foster vibrant neighborhoods.

BHA serves a diverse population of tenants and partners with a variety of community agencies. To most effectively carry out our vision of delivering safe and affordable housing to all, we are committed to cultivating a staff that reflects varied lived experiences, viewpoints, and educational histories. Therefore, we strongly encourage candidates from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and women to apply. Multilingualism is a plus!

Position Overview 

The Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist (PSHS) position provides assistance to community members within Chittenden County who are without housing and have significant medical/mental health barriers to locating and securing housing in Burlington Housing Authority’s service area.

The PSHS works collaboratively with community service agencies and providers in addition to Chittenden County’s Coordinated Entry System, and reports to the Director of Housing Retention and Services.

Work Location and Other Requirements

This position is in person in Burlington, VT. 

A valid driver’s license along with reliable personal transportation, with vehicle insurance and registration, is required to fill carry out the duties of this position.

Qualifications

While all applicants need to demonstrate a passion for supporting our residents and helping advance Burlington Housing Authority's mission, we recognize that some applicants may not possess all qualifications listed. We are willing to consider individuals who demonstrate comparable life experience and education in lieu of specific requirements, and/or the will, ability, and initiative to grow into new areas of responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responds to referrals from Coordinated Entry to assess need for housing search services and level of support needed to secure housing
• Provides direct retention services which includes home visits, supportive counseling, making referrals on behalf of household, accompanying member(s) of household to appointments, providing/coordinating transportation when needed, coordinating services which may benefit the household, and work to stabilize the housing as necessary
• Supports households in meeting with landlords and attending showings in BHA’s service area
• Supports the household’s awareness of resources, increases overall resiliency, and promotes stability and proactivity over crisis management
• Collects and maintains required data and case notes in centralized database
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Housing Retention and Services

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred. 
• Previous experience in direct service and advocacy required. 
• Exhibits effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Knowledge of the social services network is required.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and internet navigation required.  
• Excellent time-management skills and the ability to work independently are required.  

Physical Requirements

Occasionally:

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in carious environments including tight and confined spaces
• Remaining in stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods 
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 20 pounds in all directions

Constantly: 

• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers 
• Operating motor vehicles
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned

Environmental Conditions

Occasionally:

• Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind

Physical Demands

Occasionally: 

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds

Total Compensation

Base wages Pay range is between $26.00 - $27.00 per hour.  Plus a $2,000 sign on bonus. (paid in two installments)

This is a full time position with benefits. 

Benefits 

• Health Insurance (BHA covers between 80% to 83% of the premium for employees) or a $6,000 opt-out payment in lieu of health insurance (proof of other health insurance coverage is required)
• Health Reimbursement Account. BHA pays 90% of the deductible as the insurance is being used. That's up to $2,880 for single enrollment and up to $5,760 for two-person and family.
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
• Dental and vision insurance (Voluntary plans offered at a discounted group rate.)
• Short and long term disability coverage (BHA pays 50% of discounted group rate)
• Basic life insurance and accidental death (provided at no cost to employees)
• Retire plan is a defined contribution plan.  BHA makes annual contribution equal to 10% of base wages
• Section 457 plan. BHA employees can contribute to this retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Generous time off policy including 12 days of paid time off and 12 days of sick time in the first year. In addition to the paid time off, BHA recognizes 13 (paid) holidays and 2 (paid) floating cultural holidays.
• Annual Performance Bonus 

Other

This is a full time (40 hours per week) non-exempt position 

  BHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer