Housing Specialist

Location: 

This is a remote position. Candidates must reside in Delaware and may be required to report to an Delaware office periodically based on business needs. Evening and weekend work may be required as operational demands dictate.

Summary of position: 

The Housing Specialist’s primary responsibility is to ensure program individuals avoid homelessness whenever possible, experience a smooth transition from homelessness to permanent supportive housing and/or permanent housing. Work includes apartment and site monitoring, community relations issues, and liaison related contacts, submitting all required county, state, and federal documentation, as well as maintaining all documents related to the client records. The Housing Specialist will provide advocacy and linkage with community resources to support success in housing. A significant aspect of work is to coach, mentor, and demonstrate building relationships with neighbors, landlords, and community members, as well as provide education, consultation, support, and coaching on the role, rights, and responsibilities of tenancy for individuals. The position works closely with the Case Manager, Case Manager Supervisor, and the State Program Administrator to embody and share vision, advance projects, and reinforce priorities within the State. 

Position Requirements: 

• A high school diploma with three years of human services related experience, such as work providing assistance to people and groups with issues, such as supporting individuals with disabilities, special education, sociology, vocational rehabilitation and/or employment, protection and advocacy, psychology, substance use, aging, healthcare, social work or other related field.
• Have an associate’s degree or higher in behavioral, social sciences or a related field OR a minimum of 1 year experience in health or human services support, which includes interviewing individuals and assessing personal, health, employment, social, or financial needs in accordance with program requirements. 
• Six months’ experience in case management which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individual’s human service needs. 
• Six months’ experience in making recommendations as part of an individual’s service assessment such as clinical treatment, counseling, or determining eligibility for health or human services/benefits. 
• Six months’ experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies & procedures. Six months’ experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete retrieve/inquire and report on data. 
• Six months’ experience in narrative report writing. 
• Have demonstrated ability to establish and maintain supportive relationships and experience and competence in supporting individuals and their families. 
• Have demonstrated experience and skills in conducting person-centered assessments and service plan development. 
• High level of initiative, self-direction and accountability for actions required. 
• Performance of principal duties and responsibilities requires the ability to travel if needed. 
• Must have and maintain a valid states driver’s license, maintain automobile insurance coverage, and have access to an automobile. 
• Mobile Worker: This is a mobile position, meaning that regular travel to different work locations is essential.  Will be exposed to weather conditions typical of the location and may be required to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Reside in the same territory they are assigned to work in; exceptions may be considered, due to business need.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Preferred: 

N/A 

 Essential Functions: 

• Acts as a liaison and fosters effective working relationships with VT’s Designated Agencies (DAs), state agencies, individuals, and other community agencies to support individuals with disabilities and brain injuries. 
• Always maintains confidentiality and integrity of the company, complying with HIPAA and Columbus Community Services Policies. 
• Maintains comprehensive electronic case records, summaries, statistical and narrative reports and completed required forms in accordance with state standards.
• Represent the program and agency in a professional manner and maintain positive community relationships in a proactive manner.
• Be the liaison between case managers and community contacts such as but not be limited to referral/funding sources, children and youth agencies, landlords, etc.
• Arrange for individuals to attend housing appointments for the purpose of looking at the available apartment and assessing whether the apartment or unit is suitable for the client.
• Provides weekly reports documenting the housing status of all clients currently being monitored.
• Assist individuals by identifying appropriate subsidy programs and facilitate the application and qualification process.
• Maintains and regularly updates a data bank of resources for housing referrals.
• Identifies apartments, buildings and/or real estate agencies for individual referrals.
• Maintains contact with Vermont State’s Housing Authority, public housing, and Section 8 Housing. Request applications and submit them with letter of support for assessment and possible certification.
• Networks with landlords and rental management agencies to obtain affordable housing and provide education regarding the benefits of supporting individuals with IDD and brain injuries.
• Participate in educational sessions, agency meetings and other professional training as assigned.
• All other duties assigned by the State Program Administrator or other authorized parties.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Proficient with Office 365 and other platforms. (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) 
• Knowledge of planning principles and report preparation. 
• Skill in interpreting, policies, and procedures. 
• Skill in analyzing situations, evaluating information and recommend a course of action.
• Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees and outside agencies. 
• Ability to evaluate issues, explain rules and regulations. 
• Ability to write reports and correspondence. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers and associates.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: 

N/A 

 The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time. 

AAP/EEO Statement: 

The Columbus Organization provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Columbus Organization complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

The Columbus Organization expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of The Columbus Organization’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.