General Statement of Duties:
The position will work with participants to secure permanent housing, including providing assistance with housing vouchers, submitting housing applications, the leasing process and tenancy-related matters. The position is responsible for outreach and enrollment of participants into the PSH program and on-going monitoring of participants’ involvement and adherence to the PSH program policy and procedures. In addition, this position is responsible for forming relationships with other community partners who are also addressing homelessness in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham Community and developing relationships with local landlords to provide affordable housing opportunities for individuals living in the community. The position involves some contact with associates in human service organizations, state and local government, professional organizations, and community advocacy groups.
The Housing Specialist is directly accountable to the PSH Supervisor.
Persons in this class are classified non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Major Essential Functions:
Supports and assists, as needed, with outreach and enrollment participants into the PSH program;
Provides back up, as needed to Program Supervisor and other team members on a variety of duties;
Actively forms relationships with local landlords to secure affordable housing for participants;
Completes all necessary documentation for participant’s involvement in PSH program, included but not limited to, housing stability plan, prioritization checklist, individualized service plans, contact notes, and annual certification paperwork etc.;
Collaborates and coordinates with other agency departments to help address housing needs of PSH participants;
Supporting client and PSH team with move in or move out process. Must be able to lift up to 25lbs.
Performs reviews of the rental assistance and tenant rent amounts on an annual basis or when participant experiences a change in income or household composition;
Meets monthly with PSH participants to review housing needs and as needed make referrals to other supportive services;
Assists other service providers or prospective participants with completing PSH referral documentation, including outreach to referrals with no connection to other support services (this may include some off-site work).
Participates in community meetings, coalitions, etc., focused on homelessness and affordable housing;
Conducts annual apartment inspections to ensure the housing meets Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Quality Standards for PSH participants;
Conduct inventory of HRCSB owned storage unit.
In collaboration with PSH Supervisor, completes all necessary data collection and submission responsibilities associated with PSH funding;
Participates in treatment team meetings for PSH participants as appropriate;
In collaboration with the PSH Supervisor, ensures the program is adhering to housing first principles and the permanent supportive housing model.
Uses Evidence Based Practices such as Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care in provision of services;
Makes effective use of available technology, including computers, e-mail, voice mail, and electronic health record;
Maintains effective relationships with co-workers and customers based on courtesy, compassion, and respect;
Perform other duties as agency needs require.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability concepts, especially as it relates to housing needs for adults with serious and persistent mental illness; familiarity with practices such as Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care; strong skills in community networking; ability to establish goals; ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other individuals and organizations; demonstrated effective communication skills; demonstrated good judgment and conflict resolution skills; ability to assume appropriate initiative. Computer literacy and word processing skills required.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in human services OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Other Information:
Work Equipment: Smart Phone, calculator, computer and related software.
Work Environment: General office environment with normal lighting levels, temperature, air quality, ventilation and noise levels.
Work Location: 1241 N. Main St. office and other community sites as necessary.
Work Hazards: Standard hazards associated with a mental health treatment environment. Standard hazards associated with human service residential environment including hazards associated with problem behaviors. Use of universal precautions required.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, regular office hours (8am-5pm); additional hours as needed to perform job requirements. Regular and reliable attendance is required.
HIPAA Access Level 2: Complete access to protected health information (PHI), limited to the minimum necessary, to fulfill agency management responsibilities (e.g., management of risk, quality, accountability, compliance, programs/services, etc.). Staff at Level 2 are allowed to seek out client PHI as necessary to perform their assigned duties, but are expected to exercise due precautions to limit exposure to any PHI which is outside the scope of their need to know. Utilization of information will be in accordance with HIPAA regulations regarding use limitation, disclosure and requests of PHI.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
HRCSB is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact recruitment@hrcsb.org.