Housing Support Worker I

Summary:  The principal purpose of this position is to provide housing advocacy, resource navigation and referrals, application assistance and support to families and individuals throughout Dakota County who are facing the eviction process. Position is language specific requiring bi-lingual in Spanish. Primarily a remote position with travel as necessary for department meetings and trainings. FT Monday-Friday primarily day hours. Qualifications include bachelor's degree from four-year University and two years related experience, or a minimum of four years related experience.  Benefits include health insurance options, dental, vision, life insurance, paid sick and safe time, flexible holidays and vacation, and an employer matching retirement account. 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission statement and core values at all times. The mission statement is “360 Communities delivers safety and stability that improves lives.”
2. Provide community resource support at the Dakota County Housing Clinic (DCHC) during initial eviction hearings at Dakota County courts. Supports may also be provided at various sites across Dakota County.
3. Provide access to housing advocacy, emotional support, ongoing support and follow-up with clients to support housing stability.    
4. Provide financial assistance navigation and application assistance for individuals and families facing eviction (e.g. navigate emergency assistance application process, refer client to other funding sources, or provide funding through 360 Communities financial assistance process). 
5. Work cooperatively, build, and maintain relationships with partner agencies, Dakota County and other organizations to strengthen client experiences with community resources supporting housing stability. 
6. Complete a thorough intake process with each client to determine appropriate services and referrals. 
7. Provide follow up and short-term case management with clients to identify goals related to their financial and housing stability (i.e. budgeting tool, employment resources, debt management, help with accessing public assistance programs, etc.). 
8. Provide appropriate service coordination in response to intake and goals, either through connecting to services within 360 Communities or through a referral basis to outside programs and agencies.
9. Follow all funding requirements and guidelines to ensure stewardship of funds made available to 360 Communities clients.
10. Ensure seamless communication with other agency programs (Violence Prevention services, Partners for Success®, etc.) regarding families accessing services through 360 Communities Housing Support Services, to ensure holistic services to children, families and individuals.
11. Identify service barriers and work to remove them through engagement of the community and linking to formal and informal supports.
12. Follow mandated reporting laws for child abuse and neglect.
13. Maintain safety and security by following all safety and security procedures and communicate appropriately.
14. Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as the need is apparent or as requested or delegated.

 Qualifications 

Education and/or Experience:  

• Bachelor's degree from four-year College or University and two years related experience and/or training; or a minimum of four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and use of database systems.