Supportive Services Specialist

The VeraCruz Village Supportive Services Specialist will serve as the on-site case management support for VeraCruz Village, the City Housing Authority’s 28-unit apartment development for very-low and low-income individuals. The Supportive Services Specialist will report to New Beginnings and will meet with tenant clients to provide supportive services and to promote housing retention, community integration, life skills, coordination with other community providers, and improved mental health and wellness.

Position Duties:

• Facilitate the connection and enrollment of tenants into eligible and applicable community programs and resources;
• Support tenants, collaboratively working with the on-site VeraCruz Village property manager, neighbors, and existing case management providers as needed in order for the tenants to thrive within their housing;
• Strive to recognize the best in each client and to support them through building relationships and utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and strength based case management techniques;
• Provide client engagement by welcoming the tenant client to their new community, addressing basic needs, establishing trust and assisting the client with understanding the services that are available to them;
• Meet with tenants on a regularly scheduled basis and document growth and strength in progress notes and in HMIS;
• Provide home and field based services as appropriate and transport tenants as needed to essential appointments that support their well-being as able while following COVID guidelines;
• Assist client with navigating and abiding by their lease obligations;
• Support tenants with learning and practicing fiscal responsibilities;
• Work with community partners and volunteers, and the housing authority to provide and coordinate on-site wellness activities, instructional, skills-building and social activities;
• Assist client with their physical and mental health needs by providing Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports to provide support and linkage to appropriate services;
• Triage any emergent situations; and
• Participate in client review meetings and provide input to the Housing Authority and community partners as appropriate.

Expected Competencies:

• Previous experience working with the unhoused, chronically homeless, low-income, marginalized populations, the aging population, and/or individuals living in permanent supportive housing is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree or higher in Human Services or related field preferred; a minimum of one year case management experience; licensed or pre-licensed mental health professional a plus, e.g., LCSW, MFT, LPCC, Psychologist, Psych Assistant, etc.
• Knowledge of HMIS and Housing First model preferred but not required;
• Experience with homeless, vulnerable and/or diverse population and the knowledge surrounding poverty and social factors involved;
• Ability to understand the needs of formerly homeless people with disabilities and to develop collaborative goals towards greater self-sufficiency and independence in the greater community;
• Respond to all persons in a calm, supportive and professional manner;
• Knowledgeable of the dynamics of chemical dependency, mental disorders and the effects of homelessness;
• Excellent verbal and written skills; and
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, computer literacy and willingness to learn other applications.

Work hours are Monday - Friday, 9-6 although there may be some occasional night time or weekend hours to facilitate property activities, attend and/or table community events and/or to manage any off-hour client crises that may arise. Must have a working vehicle with liability insurance and pass a background check.

This position is hourly, non-exempt with a pay range of $31.00 to $32.00 per hour with medical, vision and dental benefits provided, 403b match, Aflac participation, as well as generous paid time off. Position begins immediately.

Send resume, cover letter and a list of three professional references to hr@sbnbcc.org. If we feel you are a good match for the position, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ancestry; national origin; religion/creed; sex/sexual orientation; gender; gender identity/expression, transition; political affiliation or beliefs; disability, medical condition, generic information, marital status; military/veteran status; pregnancy and conditions related thereto.; or any other characteristic protected by law (as defined by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act -- Government Code Section 12900-12996), except where such discrimination is based on a bona fide occupational qualification.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $31.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you now, or will you in the future, need sponsorship for an H-1B Visa?
• Do you have experience working with the homeless?
• Do you have case management experience?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $31 - $32