What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist (30096) position at New Narrative?
Description
Purpose:
The Housing Specialist will work with adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) as part of a multidisciplinary team in an outpatient clinic. The primary role is to support participants who are unhoused or precariously housed in finding, applying for, and securing appropriate housing. The Housing Specialist will also assist participants in accessing housing vouchers and other relevant resources to facilitate stable housing. Once housed, the Housing Specialist will remain the key point of contact for ongoing voucher support. Additionally, the Housing Specialist will lead a Rent Well Group to provide participants with essential skills for securing and maintaining housing.
Key Responsibilities:
Positions Reporting: (Listing of job incumbents reporting into this position)
None
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Purpose:
The Housing Specialist will work with adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) as part of a multidisciplinary team in an outpatient clinic. The primary role is to support participants who are unhoused or precariously housed in finding, applying for, and securing appropriate housing. The Housing Specialist will also assist participants in accessing housing vouchers and other relevant resources to facilitate stable housing. Once housed, the Housing Specialist will remain the key point of contact for ongoing voucher support. Additionally, the Housing Specialist will lead a Rent Well Group to provide participants with essential skills for securing and maintaining housing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist participants who are unhoused or precariously housed in finding appropriate housing options, including temporary, transitional, and permanent housing.
- Support participants in applying for housing programs, including low-income housing, supportive housing, and Section 8 housing vouchers.
- Serve as the primary contact for participants with housing vouchers, offering ongoing assistance and ensuring they meet the necessary requirements to maintain their housing.
- Collaborate with landlords, housing authorities, and other agencies to advocate for participants and address any housing-related issues.
- Conduct housing assessments to identify participants' needs and preferences, ensuring individualized housing plans.
- Help participants gather necessary documentation (ID, income verification, etc.) and complete applications for housing programs.
- Provide in-person and remote support for housing-related appointments, inspections, and move-ins.
- Host a Rent Well Group for participants, offering education on tenant rights and responsibilities, budgeting for housing, maintaining positive landlord relationships, and other key skills needed to secure and maintain housing.
- Coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure that housing support aligns with the participants’ broader care plans and overall wellness goals.
- Monitor and document participants’ progress in securing and maintaining housing and follow up as needed to provide ongoing support.
- Stay current on housing resources, regulations, and community programs to ensure participants are informed about available options.
- Advocate on behalf of participants facing housing challenges, including issues related to discrimination, evictions, and habitability.
- Manage New Narrative’s housing information in multiple databases including HMIS, HSRN, and PowerBI.
- QMHA designation or ability to obtain this through a Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, 3 years experience in the field, or combination.
- Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to build relationships with participants, landlords, and housing agencies.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing housing applications, documentation, and follow-up.
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating effectively to support participants’ whole health.
- Flexibility and adaptability in meeting the diverse and evolving housing needs of participants.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to assist participants in attending housing-related appointments, as needed.
- Previous experience in housing services, case management, or advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
- Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, preferably in the context of housing assistance.
- Familiarity with housing challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.
- Experience leading or facilitating support groups, such as a Rent Well or similar tenant education program.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal housing programs, including low-income housing, supportive housing, and voucher programs (Section 8).
Positions Reporting: (Listing of job incumbents reporting into this position)
None
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
