Summary:

This position will provide support and assistance to individuals in finding suitable housing in the community. The Mental Wellness Housing Specialist will be instrumental in helping clients secure affordable, permanent housing. The responsibilities of the Mental Wellness Housing Specialist include liaising with community organizations, government agencies, and property owners to source resources and negotiate terms that enable clients to rent suitable housing. This individual will interact with staff from throughout the Mental Wellness Division, support staff, elders, their loved ones, and service providers throughout the community.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in social work, mental health counseling, or marriage & family therapy is preferred.
• Experience as a housing counselor preferred.
• Strong analytical, mediating, and negotiation skills.
• Working knowledge of social service agencies and community services.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and property management.
• Positive attitude and the ability to relate well with others.
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication.
• Excellent attention to detail and exceptional follow-through
• Must be flexible and adaptable to rapid changes in the daily work environment and be resourceful in solving problems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Computer Software with excellent computer skills
• Strong work ethic and mature demeanor; must be reliable in attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and have a high level of personal motivation.

Essential Functions:

• Evaluate and manage eligibility and suitability process for prospective clients by established procedures to transition to the community, Ex: ALF, Nursing home, group home, or independent living.
• Assist clients in understanding housing eligibility requirements and financial entitlement programs that will lead to meeting his/her goal of independent living.
• Complete case notes into the EHR system as required, regarding individual clients' progress.
• Coordinate with the NEFSH transitioning team, mental wellness team, DMM team, and family/support members.
• Communicate timely with NEFSH staff, tour guide coordinators, and prospective clients to ensure a smooth transition to the community.
• Assist clients with the search for available properties and negotiating terms on behalf of clients.
• Collaborate with government agencies, community organizations, and property owners.
• Ensure clients understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
• Assist with investigating and resolving client and landlord issues.
• Provide clients with information and refer them to additional support programs or services.
• Prepare and maintain daily logs, records, activity documentation, and reports.
• Understand and adhere to program rules and restrictions.
• Assist with the discharge and closure of successful transition.
• Monitor service delivery and provide crisis intervention.
• Cross-train with other case manager position duties as necessary.
• Will participate in case conferences and performance improvement activities such as infection control tracking, incidents, and rejected referrals.
• Perform related duties as required.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend meetings and training as required.
• Complete all appropriate monthly and annual report forms.
• Maintain a complete working file providing activity documentation and copies of all corresponding paperwork.
• Complete other projects as assigned such as client statistical research.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30-5:00 p.m.
• Due to circumstances that may arise, overtime may be required at times. In all cases, overtime must be pre-approved by your supervisor.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position in a stationary position 50% of the time. Requires sitting at a computer for up to eight hours a day.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity equipment such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with office staff who have inquiries or questions. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.