Description

We walk with those who have fallen on hard times to help them find hope and a home.

Located in Ames, Iowa, The Bridge Home has been helping people since 1985 and serves the Two Rivers Region, five counties in central Iowa — Story, Marshall, Boone, Greene, and Hardin. The need is great.

The Bridge Home provides a continuum of housing programs to people experiencing homelessness. More than just a place of protection, it is also a source of hope and support, helping to prevent people from becoming or remaining homeless. Our programming is client-driven and provided in a trauma-informed manner by staff trained in mental health first aid, de-escalation, and motivational interviewing.

We are committed, passionate problem solvers who support each other and work together as a team. We value our employees and work with them to achieve our goals. We work in a professional, family-centered atmosphere and always remember to laugh and celebrate our “cowbell moments.”

JOB SUMMARY

This is a direct service position. The Housing Specialist conducts initial client assessment and intake from coordinated entry referrals into our HUD ESG funded Rapid Rehousing program. The position meets as scheduled with housing staff and assigned clients to assure client needs are being met.

Provides a variety of field activities to manage and monitor the agency’s five-county housing programs for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, performs direct client services, and compiles related documentation.

This position involves ongoing landlord relationship building, client advocacy and assisting clients in building life skills. The Housing Specialist leverages supportive services that assist households in finding, obtaining, and maintaining permanent housing. Work involves orienting all eligible participants to the program and providing supportive services to promote participants’ self-sufficiency, integration into the community, and permanency in housing.

It involves performing administrative tasks involved in the assessment, intake, review, maintenance, exit and follow-up of a caseload of program participants. The principle duties are performed in a general office environment, in homes, in the field, and throughout the Two Rivers Coordinated Services Region.

This position takes an active role in the Two Rivers region by participating in frequent meetings and leading subcommittees. Provides leadership for Point-in-Time counts twice per year.

Important: Frequent travel in a five-county region, home visits, as well as agency networking and advocacy are required.

HOUSING

 • Complete Fair Market Rent (FMR), habitability, lead-based paint and flood plain inspections on housing units along with rent comparison checklists. Turn in completed client file to the program supervisor for final approval prior to requesting payment.

• Conduct weekly meetings and assessments of client strengths and barriers to stability and assist participants in reducing barriers. Update client-centered goals as necessary.

• Complete necessary voucher requests to ensure timely payments of rent/utilities directly to the proper entity. Submit to the program supervisor for signature in a timely manner and communicate with landlord and/or utility with proper release of information.

 DATA ENTRY AND REPORTING

• Maintain current, accurate, and timely data entry in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Excel.

• Prepare data and reports as needed for monthly draws and agency leadership as requested.

• Complete objectively and professionally written file documentation on time as per best practice and funder requirements.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Promote a belief in Housing First, and that everyone deserves a safe, stable, affordable place to live.

• Observe confidentiality and ethical guidelines as per best practice and legal requirements.

• Review annual goals and objectives of housing program.

• Participate in required professional development to increase skill sets.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to relate to individuals and families experiencing homelessness

• Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and the continuum of care for homeless persons

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities

• Planning and organizational skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Professional demeanor and proven ability to exercise mature judgment 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Strong skills in negotiation and the ability to overcome objections

• Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills

• Strong time management skills and the ability to switch tasks quickly as new priorities arise

• Strong computer analytical skills and abilities

• Proficient in computer operations as well Microsoft Outlook and Office

Experience and Requirements

• 1 or more years of case management work in a closely related field required

• Associate's degree or higher required, Bachelor’s preferred

• Bilingual Spanish a plus

• Driver’s license and adequately insured vehicle required

• Must maintain regular attendance

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We are a 501c3 non-profit organization.

A United Way Member Agency