Housing Specialist (State Voucher)

Housing Specialist (State Housing Vouchers)

Under the supervision of a leadership team member, the Housing Specialist (State Housing Vouchers) will be responsible for all voucher administration and program compliance phases. This includes program participant eligibility, inspections (Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and NSPIRE), participant and landlord engagement, and data entry. The Housing Specialist is responsible for providing supervision of the youth both on-site and at off-site activities, case management, group facilitation, youth assessments, crisis phone counseling, client data collection, documentation, file maintenance, reporting maintenance issues, and ensuring that the program is facilitated in a manner that meets Urban Peak's mission. The housing specialist will work with youth at the shelter or a housing program. Urban Peak serves a wide variety of youth in shelters and/or housing that are experiencing homelessness. The continuum of needs ranges from high-functioning youth to youth with severe behavioral health concerns. This position will ensure that interactions, interventions, and environments at Urban Peak are trauma-informed and emphasize the physical and emotional safety of youth and staff. The SHV will report to the Housing Director and the Division of Housing (DOH).

Who You Are:

• A master's degree in social work, psychology or a related field AND a minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth OR a bachelor's degree in human services or a related field AND a minimum of three (3) years of experience working with youth, OR a High School diploma or equivalent with a minimum of five (5) years full-time experience working with high risk youth.
• Certified in the Division of Housing Database Program Elite or able to complete training within the first 45 days of employment.
• Certified Housing Quality Inspector of ability to become certified within the first 45 days of employment.
• QMAP certified or eligible for QMAP certification.
• The ability to connect well, work effectively and communicate in a culturally responsive manner with a diverse youth population.
• An understanding of trauma informed interactions and/or a willingness to learn and adopt this approach.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and to assess and change priorities based upon agency and client needs.
• Data collection and the ability to maintain accurate and thorough client files and HMIS database.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in negotiating and mediating, particularly in sensitive situations.
• Able to make sound decisions, using available information while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Ability to work autonomously at off-site housing locations.
• Experience with transitional housing programs preferred.
• CAC II certification preferred.
• Ability to use second language in written and verbal communication desired (Spanish, Vietnamese, ASL) preferred but not required.
• Lived experience reflective of the youth we serve is encouraged but not required.
• Team-oriented and able to coordinate with various departments and staff.
• Computer proficient and possess experience of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Must be insurable as a driver on Urban Peak's auto liability policy to conduct business on behalf of the agency or transport youth using an Urban Peak vehicle and an approved personal vehicle.
• Ability to pass both federal and state background checks.
• Ability to pass pre-employment TB Screening and a pre-employment physical examination.
• Provide proof of education (HS Diploma OR Official Transcripts).

What You Will Do:

The job duties of this position are performed personally, in cooperation with your supervisor, and/or in coordination with other staff. Additional work functions and duties may be assigned.

All Case Manager positions will be responsible for performing the general work duties listed:

• Administer vouchers and maintain the voucher program within the requirements of the Division of Housing.
• Work closely with private property owners, management, leasing agents, and participating households to maximize communication and improve housing voucher utilization.
• Perform subsidy calculations and determine tenant eligibility within the periods established.
• Administration of waitlist and portability/transfer requests.
• Oversee, implement, and conduct annual and interim recertification in adherence with program requirements. Conducts one-on-one and group voucher briefings conducted in person and virtually.
• Complete all paperwork required for DOH or other programs on a timely basis.
• Act as liaison between tenant and landlord.
• Provide information on vacancies, help to negotiate leases with landlords, and fill vacancies in a timely manner.
• Assist in assuring housing quality standards.
• Respond to issues raised by tenants, landlords, and clinical staff relating to housing issues.
• Monitor housing needs.
• Help youth facilitate resolutions of landlord disputes and evictions.
• Provides personal interest and attention to each youth, remaining sensitive to the objective of supporting each youth in social, emotional, and intellectual development.
• Provide guidance to youth that is based on the principles of trauma-informed care and positive youth development.
• Assists youth and other involved people in facilitating safe and stable housing for the youth, working with youth to develop individual service plans and aftercare plans to achieve their goals.
• Conducts and/or participates in teaming with people involved with youth.
• Provides weekly counseling sessions with each youth participant to review progress towards action plan objectives, revise plans, and provide support and accountability.
• Acts as a positive role model to further Urban Peak's goals.
• Attends all required training, staff meetings and client reviews, being prepared to address client issues.
• Collaborate with other agencies for service delivery needs, staying current on resources and developments in this area of specialization.
• Works with parents, legal guardians, or family members towards reunification, if appropriate.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

Milieu Supervision:

• Provide milieu supervision through a trauma informed approach, working to ensure the physical and emotional safety of the youth and their environment.
• Provide youth with direction on their service plans.
• Provide programming that supports the building of healthy relationships.
• Work with youth to maintain cleanliness of their environment.
• Provide direction and support to youth on the completion of daily chores and other milieu activities; maintain a welcoming presence; and support youth who enter the program.
• Provide crisis intervention, phone counseling and support of milieu as necessary.
• Distribute medications per QMAP standards, if applicable.

Documentation:

• Accurately document all services including assessments, case notes, service plans and specific services received by clients in HMIS and Salesforce.
• Collect and maintain accurate data on an ongoing basis.
• Document relevant and significant events that occur during the shift in the Communication Log.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with other staff regarding clients.
• Work to ensure client confidentiality.
• Enter interims, annuals, and moves into the Division Of Housing Database Elite.
• Oversees and administers a comprehensive filing system and computerized database for all program participants to ensure that all documents, letters and reports are sent out and updated on a timely basis.
• Responsible for entering data into multiple software programs including Elite.

Intakes & Assessments:

• Complete thorough intakes in a manner that begins to establish comfort and trusting relationships
• Assess the level of need and intent of youth and make recommendations regarding youth's involvement in Urban Peak. Establish plans with youth, ensure follow-through, and make appropriate referrals.

In addition to being responsible for the general work duties listed above, the Housing Specialist may also:

• Develop relationships with homeless and runaway youth to encourage and assist them in moving off the street into housing.
• Contracts with youth and other involved people in facilitating the youth's exit from street life. This person will coordinate all aspects of grants related to the specific housing program. These responsibilities will include report generation, attending meetings and monitoring visits related to this project.
• Actively represents Urban Peak in the community to persons interested in the issue of homelessness for education, funding, and advocacy purposes.