Housing Specialist

Position Summary The Commonspace Housing Program utilizes a multidisciplinary, team-based approach to support individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in achieving and maintaining stable housing. This role provides peer-centered housing support and service coordination to help individuals achieve service plan goals, secure and maintain stable housing, and access essential community resources. The position emphasizes outreach, advocacy, documentation, collaboration, and the use of evidence-based practices to promote safety, independence, and community participation. Key Responsibilities Participant Engagement and Service Planning Conduct outreach, engagement, intake, and assessment activities to build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness and identify service needs. Develop, implement, monitor, and update participant-driven service and housing plans. Support participants through each stage of their plans with consistent follow-through, and timely assistance. Advocate for participants and strengthen independent problem-solving, coping, and care coordination skills. Apply evidence-based and person-centered practices, including peer support, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, progressive engagement, and Housing First principles. Connect participants with mainstream benefits and community resources, including income support, food assistance, health care, legal services, employment resources, education, and substance use treatment. Community Collaboration and Resource Coordination Represent organization professionally in the community and actively participate in agency initiatives, collaborative efforts, and organizational events. Foster a mission-driven, person-centered approach grounded in harm reduction and Housing First principles. Build and maintain strong working relationships with participants, team members, landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community partners. Maintain current knowledge of housing opportunities, community resources, and benefit programs to support participant housing stability and self-sufficiency. Cultivate a network of landlords and property managers and support their understanding of the housing process and program goals. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, housing partners, social service agencies, and other community stakeholders to support participant goals and continuity of care. Housing Navigation and Support Provide peer support-based service coordination to help clients secure and maintain stable housing. Assist participants in accessing benefits, healthcare, employment, education, transportation, legal services, and other community resources identified through their service plans. Coordinate between property owners/management, relevant housing authorities/nonprofits, and participants during and after unit lease-up and move-in. Support participants in moving into housing and offering any needed support through this transition. Assist participants with housing navigation, including housing applications, affordable housing programs, benefits, and community resources. Collaborate with the other team members (peer support specialist, occupancy specialist) to offer coordinated support to participants following successful housing placement. Documentation and Reporting Compliance Maintain accurate case notes, service records, and required documentation in compliance with program, agency, and funding requirements. Support file quality assurance processes and follow agency procedures for reimbursements and other financial documentation. Conduct program assessments (SPDAT), intake paperwork, Plan of Care, and monthly documentation. Complete entries in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and ensure data quality. Participate in regular supervision and maintain required trainings and certifications. Demonstrate commitment to cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. Maintain knowledge of and compliance with agency policies, procedures, and legal obligations. Maintain monthly documentation in electronic health record of services provided to participants. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field preferred. Relevant lived experience and/or equivalent professional experience will be considered. Environment & Expectations Primary work takes place in Cumberland and Lincoln counties, with travel required between locations. Regular interaction with participants, staff, and community partners is expected. Must possess a valid Maine driver’s license and reliable transportation for work use. Physical Requirements Commonspace’s basic physical requirements include: Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods. Ability to ascend, descend stairs and lift up to 15 pounds as needed. Why You’ll Love Working Here Purposeful Work: Be part of a team changing lives through housing and hope. Supportive Culture: Collaborative, peer-led, recovery-oriented environment. Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive pay, health coverage, and time-off benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer Commonspace is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, creed, disability status, protected military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law. Our Mission Commonspace is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that exists to help improve the lives of d members who have been impacted by mental illness, substance use, homelessness, trauma, and poverty. Commonspace works to create shared spaces of care, justice, and recovery in all its forms. We witness and celebrate recovery every day, working towards a society where all people are valued, nourished, loved, and appreciated for their unique contribution to their shared and mutually dependent existence. #J-18808-Ljbffr