Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist
Join our team at FSS and enjoy comprehensive benefits including but not limited to:

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Well-Being Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Bereavement Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Discounts
• 401k Plan with 3% Employer Contribution

The mission of Family Support Services of North Florida is to be the leader in providing safety, stability, and quality of life for all children by working with the community to strengthen the family unit.

Job Summary:

The Housing Specialist will provide support to current and former foster care youth, ages 18-23, seeking safe, affordable housing options while also developing life skills. This position will start working with the youth prior to them reaching the age of majority on housing options. This position involves collaborating with community partners to identify suitable housing placements that offer continued support, guidance, and opportunities for personal development. The Housing Specialist will also be responsible for providing 24-hour crisis management to youth participating in Extended Foster Care.

Job Duties:

• Assist current and former foster care youth in securing safe and affordable housing options that promote independence and personal growth.
• Work closely with community partners to identify housing placements that provide ongoing support and life skills development for young adults.
• Provide guidance and support to young adults in developing essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and maintaining a home.
• Offer 24-hour crisis management for youth participating in Extended Foster Care, ensuring they have access to immediate assistance when needed.
• Monitor and support the adjustment of youth to their new living arrangements, making referrals for additional services as necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of housing placements, services provided, and crisis interventions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, regulations, and best practices in housing and independent living services.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelors degree in the Human Services field or at least 3 years of professional experience providing services to teens and young adults.

Experience: At least three years experience coordinating projects, working with community partners and managing staff. Minimum three years experience working in the child welfare system work with high-risk youth. Experience working with youth and young adults preferred.

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration: Valid drivers license. Child Welfare Certification preferred but not required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to:

• Represent self and the organization in a professional manner
• Work independently with little direct supervision
• Think and write creatively
• Assess a situation and make appropriate recommendations/decisions
• Research, organize and analyze data
• Solve problems and to think through critical, time sensitive issues
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Work collaboratively with staff at all levels in the organization
• Follow through on commitments, projects and responsibilities
• Speak effectively before small and large groups
• Calculate figures and amounts
• Maintain confidential information

Knowledge of:

• State Statutes and Codes
• Recruitment and retention practices

Skills:

• Strong Written and Verbal Communication
• Strong follow-up and follow through
• Strong organizational and time management
• Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word

Other Requirements:

• Clear a Level II background screening
• Clear a reference check
• Clear a local background check from the County in which you reside
• Clear a substance abuse screen
• Provide a copy of all degrees prior to your first day of employment
• Clear a Motor Vehicles Records check and must be insurable under the companys automobile policy.
• Provide copy of automobile insurance.
• Provide proof of and maintain a minimum personal auto liability insurance level $100,000/$300,000 if deemed to be a driving risk.
• Clear an E-Verify check to substantiate that the successful candidate meets the Department of Homeland Security authorization requirements to work in the United States (for more information visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify)

FSS is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. FSS is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at c6.hr@fssnf.org.