Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) is an intensive and highly integrated approach for community mental health service delivery. The multidisciplinary team shares a caseload of individuals who experience symptoms of the most serious forms of mental illness, predominantly but not exclusively the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Many individuals also experience substance abuse, victimization and trauma, psychiatric hospitalizations, arrests and incarceration, homelessness, and additional significant challenges. The symptoms and complications of mental illnesses lead to serious functioning difficulties in several areas of life, often including work, social relationships, residential independence, money management, and physical health and wellness.

The PACT Housing Specialist utilizes the SAMSHA Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Evidence Based Practice to provide housing assistance to individuals enrolled with PACT. The PACT Housing Specialist works collaboratively with perspective landlords, clients and the team to identify, obtain and sustain safe, affordable housing enrolled individuals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES includes but are not limited to the following:

• Contribute to out-reached based, consumer-centered treatment, rehabilitation, and support. 75% of services must be provided on an outreach basis in the community.

• Develop and sustain collaborative relationships with key housing providers and serve as the primary liaison between housing resources and the PACT team.

• Identify safe, affordable housing resources and serve as the expert on eligibility criteria, application process and lease signings and conditions.

• Serve as the PACT expert on; housing subsidy programs, Section 8 housing, rental assistance programs, Shelter Plus Care and other housing related resources.

• Support clients in resolving conflicts with neighbors or landlords, including issues related to maintenance, safety, quality concerns, rent payment and other problems that could otherwise lead to loss of housing.

• Track and delegate tasks/deadlines required to obtain or sustain housing for PACT clients.

• Work collaboratively with PACT team members to provide treatment, rehabilitation, and housing support retention services needed for PACT clients to live independently in the community. 

• Demonstrate teamwork and goal-oriented productivity.

• Support team in achieving direct service goals.

• Participate in daily multidisciplinary staff meetings.

• Work with individuals and their family members/significant others to become collaborative partners in the treatment process.

• Participate in inpatient discharge planning with the goal of troubleshooting housing related barriers.

• Complete clinical paperwork (progress notes, reports and clinical reviews) in a timely, accurate and legible manner using FBH format.

• Complete required administrative paperwork, FBH charting requirements, correspondence, and other paperwork in a timely, accurate and legible manner.

• Help consumers become less socially isolated and more integrated into the community by encouraging participation in community activities.

• Assist in collecting and maintaining data as required by ASO and University of Washington.

• Participate in peer review, supervision, in-house educational and administrative meetings as indicated.

• Comply with all state WAC requirements and FBH policies and procedures.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL HAVE:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work or related field from accredited college or university.

• Must apply for Agency Affiliation within 30 days of hire.

• Must have reliable transportation, insurance and an active driver's license and be willing to use personal vehicle in the course of work.

PREFERRED:

• Two years of experience working with psychiatrically impaired populations preferred.

• Experience working with homeless individuals and knowledge of individuals impacted by homelessness and the criminal court system.

• Knowledge of housing resources, housing rights issues, and the continuum of care for homeless persons.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate and engage effectively with individuals of varied, backgrounds, trauma experiences, cultures, education level and socio-economic status.

PHYSICAL, SENSORY & ENVIRONMENTAL:

The 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.

• May be required to lift 10 - 20 pounds. 

• Work may be performed out of office and travel may be needed to outside areas.

• Blood-borne Pathogen Category III - No predictable exposure to blood-borne pathogens.