Sample Job Description of DBHDD Housing Support Specialist

Housing Support Specialist Sample Job Description

This position is critical to the provision of Permanent Supportive Housing and DBHDD’s commitment to the Housing First philosophy as well as the Evidence Based Practice model developed by SAMHSA.

This is not a position which provides treatment and does not require licensure.

Based on the following sources:

• DBHDD departmental experience and needs analysis.
• SAMHSA’s Evidence Based Practices Toolkit for Permanent Supportive Housing
• National Alliance to End Homelessness sample job description
• Job descriptions from other agencies with similar positions were also referenced:

Housing Specialist Job Duties:

Schedule, coordinate, and facilitate housing opportunities for consumers through housing development activities:

• Provide outreach to landlords and consumers to market the Georgia Housing Voucher Program;
• Help complete applications of various rental housing resources, primarily the Georgia Housing Voucher Program, as well as HUD-funded programs administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).

Help consumers secure and maintain affordable housing:

• Housing search activities include the following:
  • Contact prospective landlords to schedule showings of rental units;
  • Schedule housing interviews for consumers;
  • Assist with the rental application process;
  • Help consumers make informed decisions.
• Assist with transportation and system navigation skills to access documentation necessary to qualify individuals and families for housing. Navigation may include transporting clients and walking alongside them to obtain birth certificates, ID’s, TB tests, income verifications, and mental health evaluations.
• Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client’s behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing.
• Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice.

Provide housing advocacy and other supportive services to consumers:

• Help consumers meet tenancy obligations such as timely rent payments and other lease requirements;
• Help mediate landlord-tenant issues;
• Advocate on behalf of tenant.
• Provide follow up services to consumers in maintaining their homes by providing periodic in-home visits;
• Provide referrals and help clients maintain contact with services for disability applications and employment, such as working with the SOAR program for SSI/SSDI
• Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs.
• Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e. tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors and creditors).
• Assist in development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through pro-active housing and budget counseling sessions; provide budget counseling and education to assist clients in establishing payments plans for bills and past debts and to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining their housing.
• Assist participants in development of a strength-based/solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, timely referral network in order to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed.
• Identify participant strengths and barriers to stability and assist participants to reducing barriers and linking to resources and services.
• Provide pro-active follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to assist with reintegration of participants in the community.
• Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate daily logs records, monthly outcome reports, and files for each client.
• Transport clients as deemed necessary. Transportation requirements should be limited to housing and job searches and occasional visit to relevant social service agencies.

Other responsibilities:

• Complete all appropriate monthly and annual report forms.
• Maintain a complete working file providing activity documentation and copies of all corresponding paperwork.
• Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings with Regional Field Office and central Office of Supportive Housing, group supervision, and individual supervision as required by the program
• Attend and participate in trainings as required to promote ongoing professional growth and development
• Complete and submit incident reports to the Supervisor within 24 hours of an incident occurring as required by the program
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires knowledge and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies (or a commitment to develop knowledge via training during first 6 months.)
• Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, mediation, and writing skills.
• Possess strong organizational skills with ability to meet a demanding workload.
• Detail oriented to complete requirements of files and contract compliance.
• Creative thinker/adaptive personality.
• Knowledge or understanding of tenant’s rights and responsibilities as well as “strengths based” case management.
• Concentrated record keeping, budgeting, and mathematical skills; ability to produce required reports to federal, state. and local government agencies and funding sources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.
• Fluency in the English language is required. Spanish speaking ability is an added asset, but is not required.
• Experience with computer and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license and a car.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served.
• A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems.
• A conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
• The ability to establish and set appropriate limits with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.
• The capacity to maintain a role to empower clients and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree, in social work or related field strongly preferred. Proven experience can be substituted for formal education.
• Certified Peer Specialists are strongly encouraged to apply
• 1-3 years working in homeless services is required; at least one-year experience working in street outreach with unsheltered individuals strongly preferred
• 1-3 years working in the behavioral health and/or substance abuse field is preferred
• Certification in Addiction Counseling is a plus
• Proficiency with Client Track and Coordinated Entry (CE) preferred
• Microsoft Word and Excel proficiency are required
• Access to a personal vehicle and valid state ID required
• A passion for connecting with people experiencing homelessness is a must

Skills Needed:

• Customer Service
• Organization and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Georgia state and local housing resources and programs.
• Experience in the human services or social services field.
• Experience providing housing services and/or community mental health services.
• Minimum of one year’s experience working with individuals with behavioral health disabilities.
• Availability to work flexible hours to provide on-call support and respond to after-hours concerns and emergencies.

Details for Job Posting or Contract Details

Position Characteristics:

• Job Type:
  • Permanent, Full-Time
• Case Load:
  • 20-25 per staff person interacting with clients
• Travel:
  • 80%, locally within region