The Supportive Services for Veterans Families program seeks a full-time Housing Specialist to work in collaboration with the SSVF Case Managers in finding appropriate permanent housing and/or eviction prevention interventions for veterans of the program. The SSVF 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.
The Housing Specialist will work with the SSVF Case Managers 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
- Knowledge of current HIPAA certification standards
- Knowledge of local area housing resources
- Understanding and basic knowledge of mental health symptoms and diagnoses, psychosocial stressors, and chemical dependency issues
- Able 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 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative
- Crisis intervention, de-escalation, and conflict resolution skills
- Good listening, written, and communication skills
- 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
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.
