What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Stability Specialist position at Caritas of Austin?
Job Title: Housing Stability Specialist
Department: Client Services
Reports To: Housing Stability Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time
Position Summary
The Housing Stability Specialist provides rapid re-housing services to low-income individuals and families that have experienced homelessness, with the ultimate goal of stabilizing them in their housing situation. Direct service responsibilities include determination of eligibility for housing services; assessment of needs; intensive case management; supportive services and referrals to appropriate agencies that can address program participants’ needs related to housing, income, and well-being. The Housing Stability Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate financial assistance records, service delivery records, and reporting requirements.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):
Education
Department: Client Services
Reports To: Housing Stability Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time
Position Summary
The Housing Stability Specialist provides rapid re-housing services to low-income individuals and families that have experienced homelessness, with the ultimate goal of stabilizing them in their housing situation. Direct service responsibilities include determination of eligibility for housing services; assessment of needs; intensive case management; supportive services and referrals to appropriate agencies that can address program participants’ needs related to housing, income, and well-being. The Housing Stability Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate financial assistance records, service delivery records, and reporting requirements.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):
- Consistently interact with program participants using person-centered and Strength’s based approach while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Collaborate with community partners to identify families and/or individuals who are experiencing homelessness (or at-risk of homelessness).
- Conduct screenings and determine if families or individuals meet program eligibility requirements.
- Assist in housing identification, applications, move-ins, and housing sustainability.
- Communicate professionally and appropriately with property managers to maintain strong partnerships.
- Provide comprehensive case management services for diverse populations living in poverty, including people with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
- Meet regularly to assess participants’ needs and provide appropriate case management to address those needs linking clients to Caritas of Austin’s programs and other agency programs.
- Ensure that participants are safe and linked to appropriate resources following any crises.
- Facilitate and coordinate access to mental health, substance abuse, and physical health services.
- Develop and monitor individualized housing services plans with a general goal of housing stability.
- Maintain a caseload of up to seventeen households.
- Once the client is housed, 50% or more of meetings will be held within the client’s home or in a community space.
- Transport clients to agencies and services, as needed.
- Provide crisis intervention, as needed.
- A minimum of 10% of time will be spent on developing and maintaining relationships with groups in the local community or elsewhere that can assist with client resources.
- Prepare and conduct presentations about Caritas of Austin services in relation to housing stability program(s) to internal and external audiences.
- Be actively involved in community meetings pertaining to housing and other supportive services in the Austin/Travis area.
- Work with Caritas of Austin’s Landlord Outreach Specialists and community housing programs/landlords to identify and secure safe, affordable housing for clients.
- Build relationships with other service providers to enhance service-delivery.
- As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas of Austin’s Employment Specialists to link clients to employment. Research and stay informed about other local employment resources.
- As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas of Austin’s Education Specialists to link clients to education programs. Research and stay informed about other educational resources.
- Attending program collaboration meetings and training sessions, internally and externally, as requested by the supervisor.
Education
- Required: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Social work or related degree preferred.
- Preferred: Master’s Degree in social work or related field and social work license.
- Minimum 1 year employed as a professional case manager assisting low-income, diverse, and underserved populations in a social services agency required.
- Past case management experience in housing programs or with people experiencing homelessness preferred.
- Crisis management experience preferred.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 30 days of employment.
- Experience with internet, MS Office, and databases required. HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) experience preferred.
- Bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish or other language) preferred.
- Base Salary Range: $45,166 – $51,490
- The salary offered will follow Caritas of Austin salary guidelines based on candidate's education and experience.
- Employer paid health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance for employees.
- 14 Paid Holidays per year.
- 20 days of accrued PTO in year one with increases up to 31 days per year.
- Retirement plan with employer match.
- Discounted Rates on Gold’s Gym and Legal Shield memberships.
- Mileage Reimbursement.
- Monthly Phone Stipend.
- Monthly Paid Parking for employees who office from Downtown Location.
Salary : $45,166 - $51,490
