RPH Housing Specialist

• Remote-based (telework position), with the majority of work performed in the community with clients; some work will be performed in the office (e.g., required meetings and trainings, etc.).  See job description (“Work Environment”) for more details.
• Position closes 2/28/25 or until position is filled.  
• IMMEDIATE ONBOARDING UPON CANDIDATE SELECTION.

 If you require accommodations as an applicant, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@region5systems.net. Equal Opportunity Employer

Why Join Us?

YOU can make a real impact! We welcome your experience, talent, and skills you would bring to this position!  Our onboarding training will provide you with the necessary preparation to hit the ground running for this important role in our community. 

Region 5 Systems is looking for a passionate individual who wants to be a part of the innovative solutions to end homelessness in our community. If you have compassion for helping others, thrive in an organized environment, and embrace flexibility, we’d love to hear from you. Ready to work with purpose and be a force for positive change? Region 5 Systems would be a perfect fit for you!

Region 5 Systems was voted a 2024 Lincoln Best Places to Work employer, making this the 5^th time to be honored for this award.  The top 5 words our employees use to describe our work culture are:  Flexible, Supportive, Caring, Collaborative, and Friendly.

We pride ourselves on a professional work environment that supports our team members to reach their full potential while recognizing flexibility and fostering fun teambuilding and comradery makes for a healthy work life.  If you are looking to make an impact, explore the possible, and work in an awesome team environment, then Region 5 Systems could be the perfect place for you! 

What You’ll Do!

Our Housing Specialist serves an important role to support consumers in our Rental Assistance Program (RAP) in accordance with the Nebraska Health and Human Services’ system’s model and the grant standards of the Rural Permanent Housing Program (RPHP).  Responsibilities include: 

Case Management

• Case management for participants of RPHP in accordance with program policies and procedures including outreach services, housing support services, and collaboration with community service agencies and landlords to serve program participants in southeast Nebraska and the counties of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster.
• Participate in coordinated entry meetings including prioritization of housing resources within Region 5 Systems and across the state. 
• Coordinate intake processes with consumers and service providers, including completion of applications, unhoused verifications, housing plans, verification of incomes, and all related documentation.
• Complete move-ins of tenants, including signing of leases, rights and responsibilities, and all related documentation, conduct tenant orientation to RPHP and property, and coordinate furniture delivery as needed.
• Work with program participant to develop, implement, and monitor housing and service plan/plans of care with goals for housing stability using the VI-SPDAT tool for guidance.
• Conduct regular home visits with program participants indicated by level of need (ranging from daily to monthly) and/or coordinate provision of in-home case management with community service providers.   Assist program participants with maintaining a link to other essential services including physical and behavioral health providers within the community. Advocate for participants’ needs and provide referrals.
• Case management in accordance with HMIS and internal Housing Electronic Health Record (EHR) data entry requirements, program funding, and internal file processes.
• Conduct RPHP annual participant reviews/assessments in the established program timeframes.
• Conduct participant enrollments and discharges, as needed.

 Housing Support Services

• Conduct Housing Quality Standard inspections and related documentation following funder and program required timelines and procedures.
• Conduct regular walk-throughs and annual inspections of RPHP housing units to assess maintenance/repair needs and tenancy issues, including housekeeping and lease violations.
• Assess and problem solve tenancy problems such as late or unpaid utility payments, damage or lease violations, and financial assistance needs.
• Act as mediator between landlord and tenant to mediate housing related issues.
• Create safety plans; review/revise as needed. 
• Complete Region 5 Systems RAP application for eligible program participants to access utility payment support; send application documents to designated housing email and upload to internal housing database.  
• Provide program informational presentations and distribute program marketing materials.
• Clean Region 5 Systems’ leased empty units in preparation for participant move ins and move outs. 

See job description for full range of responsibilities.

What You’ll Have!

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field.  Extensive experience (3 or more years) in related human services field may be substituted for degree.
• Experience providing case management, outreach, or similar experience.
• Experience working with people who are unhoused or near unhoused.
• Experience working in programs related to subsidized housing.
• These areas will soar you to the top of our list:  Completed training in HMIS, Housing Quality Standard Inspections, HUD Lead-based Paint Visual Certification, VI-SPDAT assessment tool, and RentWise.
• Ability to work remotely as described in “Work Environment” section of job description.
• Possess technology skill set to independently work in a remote environment, including ability for proficiency with collaboration tools like video conferencing platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom, comfort level with use of electronic health or shared documentation and network drives).
• Strong documentation skills.
• Strong communication skills, effective meeting facilitation, and prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Ability to coordinate with external agencies that are also working with your consumers.
• Sound judgment in handling confidential information.
• Ability to assess effectiveness of services and resources.
• Ability to engage with diverse cultures, socioeconomic, and developmental levels.
• Personal, reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory background investigation is required.
• See job description for detailed abilities and skills expectations.

What We Offer!

• Annual Compensation Range at Hire: $19.95/hour ($41,500 annually) - $20.85/hour ($43,386 annually), commensurate with experience and other desired criteria.  
• Support. We provide a positive work environment, preparing you for success with training and continuing education opportunities and strength-based performance reviews.
• We value a work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules. 
• A fun, casual work environment (casual dress allowed, including jeans Monday through Friday). 
• Health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska (traditional and high-deductible plans).
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending account (Section 125 for childcare and medical expenses).
• Health Savings Account.
• Retirement – 457(b) Plan.
• Paid vacation, 13 paid holidays, and paid sick leave (vacation day accrual based on years of service!)
• Paid bereavement leave.
• Paid community service leave.
• Aflac.
• Life insurance and voluntary term life insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Work-issued cell phone for business purposes.
• Work-issued laptop and related equipment for business purposes.
• Free parking when working from the office.    

Who We Are!

Region 5 Systems, one of six Behavioral Health Regions in Nebraska, is responsible for the development and coordination of publicly funded behavioral health services within its 16-county service area (southeast Nebraska). 

Our Mission:   

Support the wellness and recovery of people through the ongoing development and coordination of the behavioral health system of care.

Our Vision:

People experiencing, affected by, or at risk of, mental health or substance use challenges receive care and enhance personal wellbeing.

Our Values Promote:

• Wellbeing, embracing the four dimensions of recovery:  health, home, purpose, and community
• Collaboration and inclusion
• Access to a continuum of care where every door is the right door for welcoming people with behavioral health needs
• Innovation and flexibility
• Data and quality driven standards of excellence
• Multidimensional culture of learning