Resident Services Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The employee is responsible for planning, program outcomes, advocacy, community collaboration, fundraising, outreach, locating grant funding and other potential funding sources, and performing a variety of professional and technical tasks in the assessment of participant needs, the coordination of support service providers, and for monitoring the provisions of program services. These tasks are to be performed at a level that supports the Commission’s efforts to achieve the highest rating on HUD’s evaluation systems. The duties listed below illustrate of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements regarding duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment in association with this position.

Responsibilities

• Undertakes and performs the following and all other work-related duties as assigned.
• Develops and implements Resident Services Delivery Model in planning programs and services. Collaborates and coordinates resources that will enable clients to access services to promote independence, safety, security, self-sufficiency, and wellness.
• Assists residents in completing and submitting forms for housing and services.
• Assesses clients’ ability to acquire skills or behaviors and / or acquire services in order to remain or gain enough independence to reside in affordable housing. Performs preliminary and initial assessments with new residents.
• Familiarizes residents on availability of services, application procedures, client rights, provides advocacy and makes recommendations for acceptance or non-acceptance for various services.
• Works with clients to develop micro and macro case management plan and maintain appropriate records / case notes on progress / barriers. Identify, link and coordinate resources for the support of positive social and / or medical services needed.
• Maintains case records, compiles data, prepares reports and provides other required information as needed in a secure / confidential manner.
• Evaluates client’s progress on a continual basis, monitors ongoing client needs and matches appropriate community services to facilitate personal well-being in order to maintain housing.
• Builds liaison relationships within the community and develops a comprehensive Commission resource network. Assists clients in accessing supportive services in the community.
• Coordinates volunteer efforts and donations to meet a specific resident’s needs.
• Assesses and monitors clients’ ongoing needs and provision of services from community agencies; identifies follow-up services that may be needed; and assists clients in accessing these services. Coordinates community partner visits to site for resident education. Assists community agencies in the delivery of services to residents.
• Participates in eviction prevention requirements and or recommend eviction of tenant when violations of rules and / or requirements preclude its necessity. Creates eviction prevention plans and may connect resident with outside resources to help them meet their goals. Provide referral sources for alternative housing if eviction is deemed.
• Responds courteously to calls, written requests, and e-mails from participants, service providers, and other authorized agencies and representatives to answer questions, and provide information and assistance as appropriate.
• Assist with forming and maintaining resident councils to facilitate the flow of information related to life situations and to improve the quality of life for Commission residents. Attends council meetings to provide information and guidance. Where applicable, reviews resident council financial records to monitor positive HUD subsidy expenditure.
• Attends community council meetings and maintains contact with community agencies for the provision of services and assists program participants in accessing appropriate public or private community agencies to obtain specialized types of assistance.
• Provides, or makes provision for, participant counseling in life skills areas including parenting, employment, education, financial management, public assistance, nutrition, etc. Educates participants regarding how to access resources.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with participating families to assist them in achieving program and family goals.
• Collects information and prepares reports regarding program participant demographic data that can be used in applying for grants or developing procedures and policies that better meet the needs of those served. Identifies, defines, and acquires / develops funding sources in both the private and public sectors to support existing and planned program activities. Prepares proposals and applications for funding / grants for resident services programs and submits in a timely manner.
• Prepares, submits, and files regularly scheduled reports as required on program activities, accomplishments, and operational indicators in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintains detailed case management files on participants and processes files in accordance with Commission procedures and HUD regulations, including completing and securing all files on a daily basis while practicing and following HIPAA, Confidentiality and Privacy Act.
• Plans and organizes appropriate resident activities and special events (e.g., open lab, after-school programs, 4H, health fairs, job fairs, etc.) Tracks monthly progress of the outcome of activities and events to substantiate grants and evaluate programs / activities relevancy.
• Assists in organizing agendas, creating informational brochures / flyers, newsletters, and conducting meetings to inform interested and / or selected participants about resident services programs.
• Actively participates in various Commission and committee meetings, serves on community boards, attends workshops, seminars, and conferences related to areas of responsibilities.
• Supervises and maintains food pantry and prepares and distributes monthly and quarterly food commodities for residents.
• Ensures privacy and maintains security of confidential materials pertaining to activities and participants.
• Accountable for consistent adherence to strong Commission standards regarding the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, care, and safeguarding of Commission materials, supplies, resources, and other assets.
• Engages in the evaluation and quality assurance functions for department including assessment of applicable legal and professional requirements including make appearances in court.
• Supervises interns, nursing students, and volunteers, providing ongoing assistance to support a positive and productive working environment. Evaluates, and trains assigned staff,
• Facilitates the on-site crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and debriefings to identify the immediate needs and barriers for clients, co-workers, and community organizations. Interviews individuals and / or their families to assess and review their needs / situation. Works with individuals who are participants in the community services and addresses concerns
• Completes the involuntary psychiatric hospitalization legal process with Community Mental Health, the police department and hospital.
• Investigates and reports critical issues such as natural disasters, and child and elderly abuse.
• Works with all Grand Rapids Housing Commission staff members to assure successful communication and coordination of services between programs and / or departments.
• Works and functions as a part of a multidisciplinary team and participate in strategic planning.
• Assesses and monitors housing searches and landlord mediations.
• Process the SSI / SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) applications for eligible adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness, medical impairment, and / or a co-occurring substance disorder.
• Facilitates discharge planning with hospitals to promote self-determination.
• Makes appearances in court to advocate in court cases

Education and Experience

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with four (4) years’ Bachelor level experience in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Social Services, Human Services, or closely related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to fulfill essential position functions may be considered.

Knowledge and Skills