Housing Specialist

Breaking Ground’s Street to Home programs makes regular contact with more than 2,000 street homeless individuals and connects more than 500 individuals to housing, medical and mental health services, substance abuse counseling, and other essential supports each year. The caring, individually tailored attention clients receive at each stage of their journey from street to home ensures that more than 95% of people who Breaking Ground places remain stably housed.  The Housing Specialist works closely with clients, members of the city contracted outreach teams, and partner agencies to prepare clients for permanent housing. The Housing Specialist will help achieve program targets by expediting the housing placement process by assisting residents in achieving housing readiness, establishing eligibility profile, seeking out and matching permanent housing opportunities. In coordination with the Clinical Coordinator and case management team, the Housing Specialist helps complete and submit housing applications, secure housing interviews, assist with mock interviews, conduct housing related groups, escort clients to appointments, and assist in move-ins.  This position has a 35-hour work week.  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Ensure clients are prepared for the housing process by conducting mock interviews, groups, escorts to housing interviews, and ensuring that all necessary documents for housing applications have been Help prepare and review HRA 2010e and other appropriate housing Clearly communicate with case management staff regarding upcoming interviews, sent applications, and follow-up with housing providers, via progress notes, staff meetings and weekly Track clients progress towards housing Identify and maintain a wide array of housing options and resources, including building relationships with fair market landlords and rented rooms when Ensure that clients are matched and placed in housing appropriate to their Escort clients to appointments as Perform other related duties as MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience   Substance abuse, homelessness, motivational interviewing, mental health conditions, Two years’ experience, preferably in a non-profit or real estate environment, knowledge of supportive housing and DHS housing programs Previous experience working with homeless/formerly homeless populations, adults with substance abuse /dual diagnosis Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving Strong writing and verbal communication Bilingual in Spanish and English Proficiency with Microsoft Experience with HRA 2010e, AWARDS /Foothold and CARES Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced, dynamic team environment and willingness to shift easily between various responsibilities with diverse Must be able to use public transportation to accompany clients to appointments. Must be willing and able to engage in moderate physical activity to engage with street homeless individuals. Such activities include and are not limited to moderate walking and climbing

Salary : $26