The Housing Specialist is responsible for overall advocacy and support services to eligible families and individuals. Also, he/she will provide housing assessment and stabilization services to families who qualify, and is responsible for crisis intervention counseling and extensive coordination between the family, the landlord and all other housing-related community resources. This position will work extensively with the community agencies which are collaborative partners with our program.
- Work with families and individuals to confirm eligibility and conduct assessments of needs over the phone.
- Coordinate a housing stabilization plan for families which includes:
- A financial cover sheet of budget information to help the qualified families.
- Develop a balanced family budget to guarantee future payment of rent
- Recommend payment plan for families
- Obtain the proper documentation from the Landlord
- Communicate with the Landlord and explain procedures of our intervention
- Help client obtain permanent housing through accessing security deposits and housing referrals.
- Provide crisis intervention and/or short-term case management services to clients including:
- Accurate and timely referrals
- Mediate for family with landlords or property managers to obtain the necessary paper work
- Mediate with Landlords and/or Landlords Counselors/Attorneys to obtain the necessary paperwork and avoid the eviction Process.
- Redirect Legal Cases to the appropriate agencies, and continue the follow up until case is settled.
- employer advocacy
- Maintaining good and clear communication with client’s attorney or legal representative to get a better success when case is are already in court
- Access to public benefits such as CalFresh, MediCal, etc.
- Do immediate intervention to assist family when they are facing eviction at the level of Lawful Detainer or dealing with attorneys or client’s attorneys with other agencies to expedite the case and immediately request to issue a RUSH check.
- Assess, assist and close cases annually in order to meet program service objectives.
- Maintain proper client notes and program documentation.
- Submit the Check Request on timely manner with Program Director/Manager.
- Verify Clients information on CARES and City System Program to avoid duplication cases.
- Complete data entry of new clients’ information in CC Systems as well as the City System, also update information of duplicate clients’ in both systems.
- Scan complete client’s signed and Excel file and uploaded to the RAP Intake Form in the CC System
- Follow Up payments status with Accounting Department.
- Compile reports as requested.
- Conduct follow-up to monitor ensure housing stability.
- Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience :
- BA degree and one year of experience preferred or AA degree and three years related experience.
- Previous experience locating and maintaining affordable family housing.
- Experience working with families in crisis.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :
- Strong coordination skills.
- Knowledge of community resources for families transitioning from homelessness.
- Strong knowledge of substance abuse and mental health issues and treatment models.
- Ability to assess emergency situations and react accordingly by accessing appropriate medical/social systems.
- Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Products.
- Ability to speak Spanish or Cantonese required.
- Knowledge of mandatory reporting requirements for people working with children.
- Knowledge of issues facing homeless families.
- Must be able to read and write English
- Ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written forms.
- Ability to prioritize tasks with strong organizational skill.
- Ability to design systems and processes to track data and monitor progress.
- Achievement-oriented
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Client-centered
- Organizational awareness
- Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
Clearances Required Prior to the First Day of Employment:
Fingerprints: Required
TB Screening –
Negative Tuberculosis Test: N/A
First Aid
Certificate: N/A
COVID-19
Proof of Vaccination: Required
Is responsible for accurate and timely data entry that aids Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) reporting and case record reviews.
Is responsible for accurate and timely submission of case records.
Serves on a quarterly case record review committee for Performance and Quality Improvement
Serves on department or program Performance and Quality Improvement PQI Committee responsible for monitoring goals and reporting.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequent Bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
- Frequent Lifting, pushing, and pulling.
- Frequent Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
- Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
- Driving is not required for this position.
If driving a car is required for the position, incumbent must have a valid California driver's license and be able to provide proof of DMV record and personal insurance (if required.)
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- May need to enter private residences during the course of client home finding/housing search.
- Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
- Noise level in work environment is usually moderate.
- May include contact with clients with mental health issues who demonstrate behaviors such as use of profanity, shouting, running away, self-harm and violence.
- The worker is occasionally exposed to perfume or scents in personal care products used by employees, clients, and visitors.
- The worker is subject to outside environmental conditions: No effective protection from weather.
- The worker is subject to noise: Noise level in work environment can be moderate to excessive.
- Occasional need to interact with clients that may be expressing anger both appropriately and inappropriately, and to manage the client environment in a way that will avoid further escalation of any inappropriate behavior
- The work environment includes traveling using various modes of transportation.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Catholic Charities SF, the not-for-profit service arm of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, is one of the Bay Area's largest human services organizations. Catholic Charities SF provides programs and services for 70,000 people in need within the three-county regions of San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo Counties. Catholic Charities SF's programs include a full spectrum of services for families and youth, single parents, aging adults, persons living with HIV, refugees, and immigrants, homeless and those at risk of being homeless, individuals with physical disabilities, and incarcerated adults and youth. In conjunction with Mercy/Charities Housing Inc., Catholic Charities SF is also a recognized leader in a not-for-profit housing development.