Housing Specialist

Job Title

DCM - Housing Specialist

Job Code

DCM

Status

Non-Exempt

Lines of Authority

This position is supervised by the Housing Coordinator

Special Population

SMI, Children/Adolescent, Substance Abuse, DD

Position Summary

The Housing Specialist will utilize SAMHSA’s Evidence Based Permanent Supported Housing model. The Housing Specialist will carry a caseload preferred 1:15 and not more than 25. Caseload members will be designated SMI and enrolled with AHCCCS. The Housing Specialist will work to help meet the individual needs of their member to choose, get, and keep housing with an end goal of life satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducting outreach to potential tenants
• Building ongoing relationships
• Upholding Tenants’ Legal Rights
• Helping Tenants Choose Housing, Helping Tenants Find Housing, Helping Tenants Secure Housing
• Advocating for Tenants
• Providing Flexible Support Services
• Visiting Tenants at Home
• Playing the Role of Life Coach
• Supporting Daily Activities
• Promoting Personal Recovery
• Helping, making Referrals to and Coordinating Care with Providers
• Making relationships with landlords
• Developing and Sharing Resources
• Picking up Food Boxes
• Providing Transportation for Appointments or other needs
• Assistant with Applications such as Social Security, Food Stamps
• Assist with moving
• Liaison with Housing Management
• Encouraging self-reliance.
• The Housing Specialist will provide a Wide Spectrum of Living Skills Training including but not limited to budgeting, house chores, keep home clean up to landlord standard, how to make and get to doctor appointments, proper nutrition, proper hygiene, shopping for groceries, cooking, understanding medication regimen, using coping skills for anxiety and depression, understanding appropriate boundaries, supporting sobriety, providing comfort during mental health, crisis, etc.
• The Housing Specialist will coordinate with and assist the AHCCCS Housing Department’s providers, ABC and HOM INC as follows: updating treatment plans; HOM Inc Briefing process, follow up documentation, HQS inspections, leases signings, housing resource identification searching other community resource applications such as Public Housing Authorities Section 8 and Local CoC HMIS sites and Shelters
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Housing Coordinator

The Housing Specialist must complete these trainings post hire: SAMHSA PSH EBP, Housing First, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Landlord Tenant, Fair Housing, Co-Occurring disorders, PSH EBP training, Case Management Best Practices, Time Management, and Self-Care/Burnout

Primary Contacts

· Frequent interaction with customers and their support system, usually their family.

· Interface as needed with peers and other clinical teams’ members.

· Collaboration, as appropriate, with other community resources/referral agencies, with the customer’s consent.

Position Requisites

Required:

· Associates Degree in any field; or High School Diploma; or General

Education Equivalency Certificate.

· Current Arizona Driver’s License.

· Fingerprint Clearance.

· Comply with a Drug Free workplace.

· Knowledge and ability to define the needs of the customer served.

• For Those Working With SMI:

1. Knowledge of symptoms related to qualifying diagnosis.

2. Ability to identify and communicate signs of regression and deterioration.

3. Knowledge of interventions to foster self care and ADL skill development.

• For Those Working With Children/Adolescent:

1. Knowledge and training in development stages and interface of

development with childhood disorder.

2. Knowledge of Behavior Management and ability to develop age-

appropriate interventions.

3. Able to communicate at an age-appropriate level.

• For Those Working With Substance Abuse:

1. Able to identify signs and symptoms of Substance Abuse and Chemical

Dependency.

2. Knowledge of range of treatment for dependence including relapse,

prevention, strategies and self-help groups.

3. Able to provide a diagnostic impression per DSM IV criteria for Substance

Abuse and Chemical Dependency.

4. Knowledge of history of substance dependence and of the

biopsychosocial influences and effects of dependencies.

• For Those Working With DD:

1. Knowledge of symptoms related to qualifying diagnosis.

2. Ability to identify and communicate signs of regression and deterioration.

3. Knowledge of Article 9 (customer rights) of State Requirements.

4. Knowledge of Customer Intervention Techniques relative to self care and

ADL skill development.

Preferred:

· One-year Behavioral Health experience.

· CPR and First Aid certification.

· Knowledge of entitlement process and local resources.

Required:

· Fluent in English, both verbally and in writing.

· Literate.

· Able to effectively employ analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Able to prioritize, handle multiple tasks with customer.

· Ability to accurately complete difficult paperwork in a timely manner

producing professional documents, charting in customers charts, and record

keeping using TJC, HCIC and DHS standards.

· Leadership skills

Preferred:

· Experience and training in crisis intervention.

· Familiar with psychotropic drugs and their side effects.

Working Conditions

Able to sit for extended periods of time.

Able to speak clearly in ordinary conversation and phone communications.

Able to hear ordinary conversation and phone communications.

Able to work with customers who are emotionally distressed, in crisis.

Able to work with individuals who have been abused or perpetrated abuse.

Able to work with customers who abuse substances.

Able to drive a vehicle.

Able to operate general office equipment.

Air conditioned and/or heated office setting.

Outdoors.

Will accommodate as appropriate and reasonable.

Confidentiality Level

I understand that State and Federal Laws strictly prohibit unauthorized access, use, modification, disclosure, or destruction of confidential, sensitive or protected health information. Penalties for violation may include ChangePoint disciplinary action, including termination of employment, and/or criminal or civil action.

I certify that I have read and understand my job description and the above Employee Confidentiality Statement

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16