Benefits and Housing Specialist

Job Description for Benefits/Housing Specialist

Job Title: Benefits/Housing Specialist

Location: Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, Tampa, FL and Lakeland, FL

Job Type: Full-Time (9AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday)

Program Description:

The Second Chance Heroes: Veteran Employment & Support Services Program is dedicated to supporting returning veterans by facilitating their reintegration into society. The program provides comprehensive services aimed at achieving self-sufficiency, including employment support, housing assistance, and mentoring.

Objective:

To secure stable housing and ensure benefits access for participants, while fostering community relationships that enhance program effectiveness and support participant success.

Position Purpose:

The Benefits/Housing Specialist is pivotal in assisting homeless or at-risk veterans by facilitating access to housing and benefits, ensuring they meet eligibility requirements, and maintaining high retention and success rates through effective service provision.

Principal Responsibilities:

Housing and Benefits Coordination:

• Assess housing needs and secure stable, affordable housing for participants, aiming for at least 70% successful placement of participants who are homeless upon release.
• Assist participants in applying for and maintaining eligibility for numerous benefits programs, including VA benefits, social security, and other relevant aid.
• Develop and maintain a detailed resource manual that includes updated information on community housing and benefits resources.

Community Partnership Development:

• Develop and maintain effective community partnerships to enhance service delivery.
• Increase collaborations by at least twelve per year, formalized through Memoranda of Understanding with partner organizations.
• Work closely with the Program Manager and Program Assistant to ensure the development and updating of community resources.

Program Support and Participant Retention:

• Support case managers in achieving at least 80% participation retention by providing necessary documentation and support for intake and ongoing eligibility verification.
• Recruit mentors and coordinate mentorship activities to support participant reintegration.
• Provide nurturing skills training to parent participants to assist with familial reintegration and stability.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Ensure all participant documentation is completed accurately and timely for intake and ongoing program participation.
• Maintain accurate records of housing placements, benefits access, and mentorship activities.
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure compliance with program guidelines and goals.

Communication and Reporting:

• Regularly communicate with community partners, program staff, and participants to ensure needs are met and services are effectively provided.
• Prepare reports on housing stability, benefits provision, and community partnership outcomes for program management and funders.

Key Goals:

1. Community Partnership Development: Increase community partnerships by twelve each year, as evidenced by executed Memoranda of Understanding.
2. Housing Placement Success: Achieve a minimum of 70% housing placement rate for participants who are homeless upon release.
3. Participant Retention: Assist in maintaining at least an 80% retention rate of participants in the program.

Competencies:

• Community Engagement: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations and resources.
• Program Management: Strong organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions.
• Empathy and Support: Demonstrated ability to understand and empathize with the challenges faced by returning veterans.

Requirements:

• Experience in housing services, benefits administration, or a related field.
• Knowledge of veterans' services and benefits is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with data management and reporting systems.

This role is essential for supporting the housing and benefits needs of participants in the Second Chance Heroes: Veteran Employment & Support Services Program, ensuring they have the stability and resources required for successful reintegration into society.

Salary : $16 - $18