POSITION SUMMARY: The Shelter Housing Specialist is responsible for coordinating housing services for assigned cases identified by the Coordinated Assessment system. This includes but is not limited to developing a housing plan for each family in these programs, networking between clients and potential landlords, managing lease options, and overseeing apartment inspections before leasing, and annually, with the goal of a quick transition for families to move from emergency shelter to leased apartments.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service

• Coaches program participants in developing and implementing a mutually agreed upon action plan for securing housing while residing in the BHS Emergency Shelter program.
• Conduct HQS inspections of properties and ensure all units pass Rent Reasonableness as defined by HUD.
• Maintains a continuously updated knowledge and awareness of the current availability of permanent affordable housing in the community, including expanding a working list of property owners and contacts as BHS agency resources and advocates on behalf of the program participants in unsafe or neglected property.

• Coaches program participants on seeking, locating, and maintaining secure, permanent, affordable housing within established time frames and per mutually agreed upon housing goals.
• Advise clients on communication with property owners and educate them about tenant/ landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Collaborates with the Assistant Shelter Director and the Shelter team regarding unique concerns, difficult client situations, and ongoing case management.
• Communicate effectively and promptly with clients, property owners, staff members, and outside agency personnel regarding any matters related to the continuity of housing.
• Assist clients who need help completing and executing all necessary paperwork during the housing search and after a suitable unit is located, including rental applications, leases or rental agreements, house rules, etc.
• Maintainsregular contact with clients, case managers, property managers, and owners and contact with the staff of collaborating social service agencies working with families experiencing homelessness.

Documentation

• Provides required program statistics within established time frames, including HMIS-required data.

• Develop fliers, pamphlets, and other written materials to recruit new owners into BHS’ housing programs and market case management services to owners.
• Accurately document case notes in the organization’s data systems, HMIS, and supply data for reports as requested.
• Maintain accurate and updated client files.
• Other duties as assigned.

Team Participation

• Maintain family confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
• Participate in training, supervision, and team meetings.
• Works effectively with co-workers, participants, and others by sharing ideas constructively and positively; listening to and objectively considering the ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; addressing others by name, title, or other respectful identifiers; and respecting the diversity of our workforce in actions, words, and deeds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in a related field. Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, psychology, sociology, or related field a plus
• A minimum of 1-2 years experience working with families who are at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• An ability to meet adults and children where they are and an understanding of the impacts of trauma on human development.
• Ability to provide healthy role modeling.
• Understanding/sensitivity to various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds of the clients the agency serves.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries in the workplace.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience with technology, Office 365, and reporting software applications.

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Reliable and regular attendance
• Requires a valid driver’s license and ability to meet BHS’s vehicle insurance requirements.
• Successful completion of BHS criminal background checks and drug tests.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Essential physical requirements of the job: kneeling, standing, pulling, climbing, balancing, crouching, walking, lifting, stooping, tactile sense, hearing, reaching with hands and arms, grasping, pushing, fingering, repetitive movements, talking.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Specific vision requirements: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Normal office environment; inside environmental conditions.
• Duties will also be carried out in a variety of settings including client homes, schools and in the community.
• Moderate noise level.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The position requires extended use of a computer.

• Hours of Work: Generally, 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday. However, sometimes it may be necessary to work weekend hours and/or stay longer during weekdays due to business needs.