Position Summary:

The Client Support Specialist is responsible for providing support to clients in need of services from the organization’s housing programs. A portion of the duties of this role involve providing support to the individuals residing at TruEvolution’s Project Legacy transitional living program. The Client Support Specialist will be responsible for fostering a positive and inclusive living environment, promoting residents' well-being, and addressing clients’ needs and concerns by conducting assessments, developing client plans, and providing ongoing assistance and advocacy. Another portion of the Client Support Specialist’s duties will be to provide case management to clients who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability to assist them in securing housing resources and other supportive services. The Client Support Specialist will work with clients to develop a plan to address their barriers, increase their income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing. This includes providing information, referrals and linkages to any needed wrap-around services, as well as specialized emergency services, such as rent and utility assistance as needed. Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Position Responsibilities:

Project Legacy Resident Support

• Conduct screening interviews, complete intake documentation (which may include eligibility requirements prior to rendering services) and coordinate move-in and exit of Project Legacy program participants
• Assist with administrative duties, including maintaining resident records, managing check-in and check-out processes, distributing mail and packages, and maintaining inventory for common areas
• Develop positive relationships with clients residing at Project Legacy and serve as a point of contact for their needs, questions, and concerns
• Serve as a resource and support system for residents experiencing personal challenges or academic difficulties; Offer referrals to counseling services, academic resources, or other appropriate support programs available on campus or within the community
• Plan and execute programs and activities that promote social engagement, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among residents
• Mediate conflicts and facilitate constructive communication between residents, promoting a peaceful living environment; Address disputes between residents, noise complaints, and other conflicts in a fair and impartial manner
• Implement appropriate strategies to prevent and manage conflicts effectively
• Promote awareness and adherence to residential and program policies, rules, and regulations; Educate residents on safety and emergency protocols
• Encourage responsible behavior and respect for shared spaces
• Provide accurate and timely reports on incidents, maintenance requests, and resident concerns
• Conduct regular rounds to monitor the premises and ensure compliance with safety regulations
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with appropriate authorities as needed
• Collaborate with other client support specialists, housing staff, and administration as necessary to address broader residential needs

Housing Case Management & Supportive Services

• Manage a caseload of clients and provide case management for the organization’s housing programs including Project Legacy transitional living program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) contract, University of California at Riverside contract and Inland Empire Health Plan Community Support Services contract
• Perform comprehensive case management assessment for clients and develop a plan that addresses clients’ needs for housing, emergency housing services, supportive services, and continuity of care as needed to assist in reaching case plan goals
• Continually assess client needs; Help establish and evaluate goals and link clients to community resources, including partner services
• Foster an environment where clients are empowered to take responsibility for their individual goals and health
• Assist clients in obtaining housing through:
• developing individualized housing support plans
• tenant screening & housing assessments
• assisting clients in completing housing applications, completing supportive and subsidized housing paperwork and other required documentation
• surveying rental market for affordable housing
• securing resources for subsidizing rent
• Assist clients with obtaining benefits such as SSI and other documentation required to obtain housing such as birth certificate, social security card, etc.
• Identify appropriate permanent housing options for clients, such as, subsidized housing Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH, permanent supportive housing, affordable and market rate housing, and other housing opportunities
• Engage with prospective landlords and advocate on behalf of clients by:
• ensuring a safe and ready to move in living environment
• assisting with arranging for and supporting the details of the move
• assisting with reasonable accommodation requests
• assisting with disputes with landlords
• Assist eligible clients with expenses related to moving into housing including: security deposits, utility deposits, services necessary for an individual’s health and safety and other medically necessary services
• Assist with obtaining needed financial resources for daily living such as bus pass vouchers, gas cards and other emergency financial assistance
• Provide independent living and life skills such as budgeting, financial literacy, etc.
• Describe components of Medical Case Management services and referrals as appropriate to all HIV positive clients
• Educate clients about issues or conditions that affect ability or right to obtain or maintain housing such late rental payment, hoarding and substance abuse
• Maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date documentation of client interactions and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with federal, state, county and the organization’s guidelines, including eligibility documentation
• Maintain client related data tracking systems, including case notes and complete Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) entries; Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, AIDS Regional Information and Evaluation System (ARIES) and TheraNest entries
• Maintain client privacy and confidentiality

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

All staff are expected to:

• Attend scheduled staff meetings on time and prepared with requested updates or materials.
• Attend annual staff retreat (1x per year).
• Attend one (1) conference or professional development training per year.
• Attend all signature annual TruEvolution activations as requested, including: Youth United, Healthy Community Provider’s Summit, TruHero Gala, and other “key” events to the annual programmatic calendar.

Reporting: The Client Support Specialist will report to the Director of Housing

Position Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Education/Certifications: High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree or relevant certification in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Relevant experience as a housing or program coordinator, resident support, case manager or similar role. Experience working with marginalized populations. Knowledge of safety procedures and crisis management protocols preferred.

General Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of local community resources and referrals related to HIV, STDs, health care, substance use, basic needs and harm reduction
• Knowledge of HIPAA laws
• Ability to engage clients in a client-centered manner and create effective referrals
• A team player who views no task as too big or too small
• Exemplary interpersonal skills, including ability to to build relationships and resolve conflicts
• Basic administrative and computer skills for record keeping and communication
• Organizational skills to plan and coordinate events and programs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate complex organizational data into clear and simple messages for a wide range of audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities
• Ability to flex communication style to multiple cultural environments
• Demonstrated understanding of, commitment to, and prioritization of racial justice, social justice, and accessibility, as well as experience working effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple diverse communities in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process.
• A sincere commitment to the mission of TruEvolution and understanding of health equity, racial justice, and the rights of LGBTQ and underserved populations
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) (is a plus)
• Must have a valid California driver license
• Must have a personal car with valid registration and insurance; at time you will be required to use said vehicle for client support
• Must submit to Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background check
• Must have a clean driving record; no more than 1 point, no DUI

Knowledge and proficiency with the following:

• G Suite Applications (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Calendar)
• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook)
• Operating technology and software necessary for a virtual working environment including Zoom video conferencing and Microsoft Teams
• Airtable; Adobe; Electronic signature applications such as DocuSign
• Client electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Knowledge of Public Housing Authority and Housing subsidy is ideal (i.e., Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH
• Clarity - Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and services to homeless individuals and families and persons at risk of homelessness

Physical Requirements/Demands:

• Sedentary work including prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite building to another
• Occasionally performing medium work that includes moving objects 20-35 pounds
• Ascending or descending sets of stairs or ramps when other means of movement are not available

Job Location: Riverside, CA

Travel:

All positions at TruEvolution may require travel on a regular basis or periodically. Where the need arises for business travel, appropriate compensation as outlined by the Fair Labor Standards Act will apply.

Position Type: Full time nonexempt

Rate of Pay: $23.00-24.00 per hour

Benefits (for Full-Time Staff):

• Health insurance, including medical, dental and vision plans
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Sick and vacation time
• Retirement plan
• Professional development assistance

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

TruEvolution provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

We strongly encourage people of color, transgender and non-binary people to apply. TruEvolution is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone, including non-LGBTQ people, to join our team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Riverside, CA 92501: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person