Housing Stability Specialist

SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Client Services and Housing Program Manager for Baltimore City, the Housing Stability Specialist will be responsible for locating housing for homeless young adults and families. The Specialist is required to work quickly and independently in the fast paced housing market in Baltimore City in order to secure housing for young adults and families. In addition to locating housing, you will conduct housing inspections, negotiate, and build relationships with landlords, collaborate with community partners, as well as be personable and informative about the SCS programs when engaging with the public.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Implement rapid rehousing model for all enrolled clients

· Identify appropriate rental housing in the community for clients that is aligned with their needs and goals.

· Develop and maintain inventory of appropriate units for clients and their families.

· Engage Landlords to build and sustain relationships with SCS and our clients.

· Network with landlords, renter’s associations, property management businesses, and county wide permanent housing providers.

· Educate community members about the housing needs of clients and the importance of supportive housing.

· Provide direct assistance to clients with housing search.

· Guide and educate clients on how to search for, secure and maintain permanent affordable housing, including tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.

· Provide assistance to clients with completing housing forms, applications and obtaining required verifications to determine eligibility.

· Inspect units to ensure they meet housing quality standards

· Prepare and process all required documents for financial assistance.

· Provide financial assistance for move in costs, deposits and/or delinquent rent.

· Follow agency policies and procedures regarding financial documentation and reconciling all requests.

· Maintain thorough and accurate progress notes, files, and correspondences in the appropriate database

· Maintain regular contact with clients, monitor progress.

· Coordinate with Case Managers to ensure clients’ needs are being met.

· Participate in scheduled weekly team meetings which includes the director of client services, case manager, therapist, and other key partners to discuss youth, progress and challenges.

· Attend monthly supervision with the Director of Baltimore City Services and the Chief Program Officer to assess program goals, measure success and strategize for ongoing enhancements to ensure we are meeting the needs of our clients.

· Other duties as assigned.

GENERAL DUTIES

· Provide RRH and direct care services to transitional aged youth ages 18-24 with a history of emotional and or behavioral difficulties.

· Responsible for acting as a liaison for youth and landlords as they navigate the housing search, identification, unit selection process and assisting in any ongoing mediation or disputes to ensure youth remain stably housed.

· Effectively use HUD tools and ensure compliance with data standards and record keeping as required by HUD.

· Perform certifications, annual re-certifications and housing quality inspections for each client and accurately update files as necessary.

· Maintain statistics regarding service delivery and other services provided to vulnerable families and individuals as necessary.

· Maintain awareness of community resources.

· Manage tasks as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

· Bachelors Required, Masters in Social Work or Human Services Preferred.

· A minimum of two years of experience working with youth ages 14-24 as a resource coordinator, case manager, counselor, therapist, guidance counselor, social worker, or other similar position;

· Knowledge of and ability to work with persons of diverse backgrounds.

· Knowledge of crisis counseling skills.

· Real estate or property management experience preferred but not necessary

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of clients, collaborative agencies or employees of the Agency.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Basic math skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Driver’s License Required

Safe Diving Record

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• working with youth ages 14-24: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $26