Housing Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Housing Specialist

Reports to: Coordinated Entry System Manager

Location of Job: Visalia, CA

Employment Category: Full-time, non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Housing Specialist (HS) will assist with the day-to-day operations of connecting people to housing interventions throughout the bi-county region. The HS will conduct initial telephone screenings with clients, process applications for vouchers and other services, and serve as the coordinator for pop-up navigation centers.

The HS will also provide support to managers and employees of Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance and manage the company’s general administrative activities.

Driving may be necessary for business. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Work hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

BACKGROUND

The Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance (Alliance) is a non-profit organization made up of community partners working together to address housing and support service needs of homeless families and individuals in Kings and Tulare Counties. The mission of the Alliance is to coordinate and leverage policy and resources that empower community partners to address homelessness in Kings and Tulare County.

To fulfill our mission, the Alliance engages in a range of programs and services such as administering the Federal and State funding applications to increase funding availability to local agencies, managing the bi-county

Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Coordinated Entry System (CES), as well as organizing the Point in Time homeless census and Project Homeless Connect events.

The Alliance continually works to increase general awareness of solutions to homelessness, promotes and supports “Best Practice” services to end homelessness, shares resources with partner organizations and the community, and engages stakeholders and the community in strategic initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

• Conduct initial telephone screening with clients.
• Process Housing Choice Voucher applications and prepare complete packet for approval.
• Process Housing Flex Fund requests including security/utility deposits, wish lists, etc.
• Enter, update, and maintain data in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Attend monthly Case Management Roundtable meetings.
• Maintain the Housing Priority List in HMIS.
• Coordinate and participate in Local Initiative Navigation Center (LINC) events throughout bi-county region. Conduct initial screenings and collect required documents for housing placement.
• Maintain accurate daily records, reports, and files.
• Complete general clerical duties including but not limited to: answering phones, photocopying, scanning, filing, mail management, office organization, etc.
• Maintain all common areas.
• Set-up for meetings and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLSAND ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain professional relationships with diverse groups and community representatives.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Data collection and reporting skills.
• Ability to maintain a calm and sensitive demeanor in stressful situations.
• Motivational interviewing and Stages of Change, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Trauma Informed Care.
• Crisis de-escalation skills.
• Knowledge of social issues related to homelessness and poverty.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must possess reliable, insured transportation with minimal auto insurance coverage as required by law. Must possess a valid California driver’s license and be able to use personal vehicle in the course of routine job duties.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Completion of an Associate’s Degree in Social Work or related field and one year related experience. May substitute additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the degree requirement.
• Two years’ experience working on issues related to homelessness, families in crisis, immigrant and refugee communities, domestic violence, mental illness, and/or addictions.
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office Suite.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Indoors in atypical office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes.
• Outdoors with exposure to noise, heat, and cold.
• Computer use at a workstation for up to two hours at a time.
• Regular movement (walk or drive) from one location to another.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to continuously sit, stand or walk.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to travel via car, train or airplane.

ADA/FEHA: The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO: The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $23.00/hour

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have any life experiences that would make you valuable to this program?
• What have you learned through your own use of services that you think would be useful to your work here?
• What skills will you bring to the job that will allow you to advocate for people while being in partnership with other staff members?
• If you were working with someone who has become resigned to the idea that his or her life will always be limited because of a psychiatric diagnosis or other challenges, how would you try to support that person?

Ability to Relocate:

• Visalia, CA 93291: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Visalia, CA 93291

Salary : $23