Housing Stabilization Specialist (Full-Time)

Housing Stabilization Specialist

This position is responsible for promoting tenant independence for individuals who are experiencing or who have experienced or on the verge of experiencing?homelessness. Through skill development and building on participant’s strengths you?will assist the client in maintaining their housing. Emphasis will be on teaching skills required to maintain tenant responsibilities, landlord negotiation, household management, cooking and nutrition; supportive services to assist with basic living and social skills, monitoring overall well-being and problem solving; and employment supports to secure or maintain employment, improving physical, mental or chemical health, moving toward self-sufficiency, and achieving personal goals.

You will be assigned a caseload and meet with your clients in their homes, or out in the community in the Elk River and surrounding areas. With each client, you will identify the barriers that are perpetuating their cycle of housing instability or homelessness and create a plan to address those barriers to get them on the path to housing stability. Some of the barriers you will address may include finances, credit problems, prior criminal history, prior evictions, and poor rental history. Once you create a plan, you will work in close contact with case managers and other agencies to connect your clients with the resources they need to move forward.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of client housing needs and barriers that affect stabilization including financial, legal, mental health, substance abuse, employment, health care, and housekeeping
• Develop, review, and implement client self-sufficiency plans
• Coordinate support services, initiate referrals, and provide advocacy, crisis intervention, and supportive counseling to clients
• Work closely with client's case managers, social workers and other members of their care team.
• Obtain housing placements and work collaboratively to support the transition process, including proactively identifying and mediating issues between clients and owners/landlords
• Conduct regular home visits and monitor progress in meeting goals while in shelter and during stabilization
• Complete progress notes when due.

Employment expectations include

• Using a person-centered approach in assisting clients make informed housing decisions.
• Effectively communicate with clients and their care team to locate, plan and execute housing search and placement.
• Accompany clients to housing-related appointments and advocate for them if need be.
• Keep client files organized and updated.
• Meet with clients to discuss, evaluate and work coordinate their application for housing and other community needs thereby promoting independent living.
• Assist clients with understanding the terms of their lease agreement as well as monitor housing and other acquired services in order to maintain stability.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Holiday Pay
• Vacation/PTO
• Sick pay
• YMCA Discount
• Mileage Reimbursement at the end of the month
• Mobile Reimbursement after 90-day probation period

Hiring Requirements/Preferences

• Minimum of an associate degree or currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in a social service-related field.
• 1 year or more experience in the Human Services field.
• Experience working in Microsoft Office applications, and comfort learning new technologies
• Ability to assess priorities, organize, and operate in a flexible manner while retaining a high level of attention-to-detail
• Demonstrates clear, effective, and prompt communication skills when interacting with internal staff, clients, and constituents.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; reliable vehicle & valid comprehensive auto insurance
• Successfully completed CORI/MVR checks.
• Passion for enhancing the lives of the individuals we serve
• Ability to pass a Department of Human Services background check