The Supportive Services for Veterans Families program seeks a full-time Housing Specialist to work in collaboration with the Case Manager and the Health and Social Services Program staff in finding appropriate permanent housing and/or eviction prevention interventions for veterans of the program. The Housing Specialist will utilize community-based partnerships with Supportive Housing Programs, VA VASH Voucher Program, and market-rate rental landlords to establish and expand housing resources and eviction prevention remedies. They will work with the Case Manager to ensure the smooth transition into permanent housing and maintain a supportive relationship with the veteran to sustain permanent housing within the community. This function includes being a resource for staff regarding housing placements and applications. This is a non-exempt position and reports to the SSVF Program Manager.
- Place program participants into permanent housing, coordinate eviction prevention services, review and append individualized housing stability plan as needed
- Maintain a working understanding of the readjustment problems of veterans, post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, alcohol and drug dependency and other mental health issues
- Adhere to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements; maintain knowledge of current HIPAA certification standards
- Maintain timely and appropriate documentation, including progress notes, group notes, housing stability plans, aftercare plans and discharge summaries
- Keep abreast of local housing resources and the client referral process
- Maintain case management functions, e.g., record keeping, client services
- Input HMIS/ETO data and record management
- Engage in group facilitation regarding housing retention and money management
- Participate in weekly client case conference meetings, weekly supervision with the Program Manager and other meetings as required or necessary to carry out the job functions
- Perform other related duties as required by the Program Manager and/or Director of Supportive Services
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of college courses and experience
- Three (3) years of experience working with “hard to serve” individuals, including homeless, substance abusers and those with mental health issues in areas of housing stabilization, placement and retention
- Translatable military experience and skills may be alternatively substituted
- Crisis intervention, de-escalation and conflict resolution skills
- Good listening, written, and communication skills
- Knowledge of current HIPAA certification standards
- Knowledge of local area housing resources
- Understanding and basic knowledge of mental health symptoms and diagnoses, psychosocial stressors, chemical dependency issues
- Ability to recognize relapse behavior
- Ability to sit for long periods of time
- Ability to travel for outreach to community resources, appointments, meetings, and housing inspections
- Ability to be work both independently as well as a team member
- Ability to perform all essential job requirements and responsibilities within what would be considered reasonable accommodation
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of personalities and be comfortable working with an at-risk client population, including embracing the agency’s Cultural Humility Initiative
Compensation is based on a competitive public interest salary scale. Swords to Plowshares offers a generous benefits package including the following benefits:
- Excellent medical and dental packages
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- 17 vacation days in the first year
- 12 holidays every year
- Wellness program
Please submit a thoughtful cover letter explaining your interest in Swords to Plowshares, where/how you found out about this career opportunity, and your salary requirement. Email the cover letter along with your resume to [email protected]
Please include the exact title for this position in the subject line of your email: Housing Specialist – East Bay.