Housing Support Specialist

Women's Housing Navigation Center offers a safe and welcoming environment to women experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. The center is open year-round and offers meals, a warm overnight bed, and secure under-bed storage. The shelter provides low barrier, trauma-informed case management, job searching, and other supportive services. The team works to guide guests through a successful exit from the shelter to safe, stable housing, and a plan for ongoing support.

Objective And Position Summary

The Housing Support Specialist is a multifaceted position responsible for delivering trauma-informed, client-centered support to female residents at the Women’s Housing Navigation Shelter. This role combines housing case management and intake coordination to ensure a seamless service experience for guests entering and residing in the shelter. Responsibilities include intake assessments, data entry, crisis intervention, individualized service planning, connection to community resources, and ongoing support to promote housing stability and self-sufficiency. The Housing Support Specialist ensures compliance with shelter policies while fostering a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

N/A

SPECIALIZATIONS

• Intake & Assessment: Conducting initial intake interviews, assessing needs, and completing records in HMIS.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Creating a safe, supportive environment that acknowledges trauma and promotes healing.
• Case Management: Developing and implementing individualized service plans; providing wraparound support.
• Data Management: Maintaining accurate guest records in HMIS; generating reports and census data.
• Crisis Intervention: Responding to guest emergencies and using de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Policy Compliance: Enforcing rules related to safety, behavior, and cleanliness.
• Pet Coordination: Managing pet care agreements and ensuring safety of animals at the shelter.
• Crisis Intervention: Expertise in recognizing and managing crises effectively, providing immediate support to residents in distress.
• Conflict Resolution: Skills in mediating disputes among residents and promoting peaceful coexistence in the shelter environment.
• Mental Health Awareness: Understanding of mental health issues that may affect residents, enabling appropriate support and referrals.
• Cultural Competency: Ability to work with diverse populations, understanding and respecting various cultural backgrounds and experiences.
• Community Resource Navigation: Knowledge of local resources, services, and programs available to assist residents with housing, employment, and healthcare needs.
• Safety and Compliance: Familiarity with health and safety regulations specific to shelter operations, ensuring a secure environment for residents.
• Group Facilitation: Skills in organizing and leading group activities that promote social engagement and support among residents.
  
  

Primary Duties And Essential Functions

Intake and Guest Support

• Conduct intake interviews and complete intake assessments for new guests.
• Enter and maintain guest data in HMIS and City Emergency Bed Tracker.
• Assist guests in completing VI-SPDAT assessments and connecting with Coordinated Entry.
• Address immediate needs during intake and provide crisis support if necessary.
• Explain shelter expectations and rules during intake.
  
  

Case Management and Housing Navigation

• Assess client strengths, needs, and housing barriers.
• Develop and implement individualized service plans focused on housing, employment, and life skills.
• Provide emotional support, encouragement, and referrals to internal and external services.
• Support long-term housing goals, follow up on appointments, and help clients navigate systems of care.
  
  

Resident Oversight and Shelter Operations

• Monitor dormitory areas and conduct rounds to ensure resident safety.
• Enforce shelter rules including curfews, quiet hours, cleanliness, and behavior expectations.
• Address and document conflicts or incidents; provide de-escalation as needed.
• Support residents with accessing supplies, meals, transportation, and scheduling.
  
  

Community Building and Engagement

• Encourage resident participation in group activities, workshops, and support circles.
• Build trusting relationships with residents using empathy and a non-judgmental approach.
• Promote a community culture rooted in safety, accountability, and respect.
  
  

Administrative and Reporting

• Maintain complete documentation of services, assessments, incidents, and daily logs.
• Track and report key metrics for internal and external stakeholders.
• Report safety issues, maintenance needs, and critical incidents to supervisory staff.
  
  

Other Duties

• Assist with facility cleanliness, guest transport scheduling, and pet coordination as needed.
• Perform any other duties as assigned to support shelter operations and guest outcomes.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications And Competencies

Education /Background:

• High school diploma or equivalent; In lieu of education equivalent experience in social services or related fields will also be considered.
• Certified Peer Support Worker preferred.
• Prior experience working in a shelter, community organization, or social service setting is a plus.
• Previous experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or in a supportive housing setting is highly desirable.
• Understanding of homelessness issues and familiarity with available community resources.
• Possess a clear understanding of the critical importance of trauma-informed care in supporting participants.
• Preferred Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as needed.
  
  

Other Requirements

• Be equipped to recognize the impact of trauma on individuals’ experiences and behaviors, and actively implement practices that promote safety, empowerment, and healing.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles and a commitment to applying them in practice.
• Foster an environment of trust and respect that plays a vital role in helping the participants navigate their challenges and work towards stability and recovery.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional and maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and in stressful/crisis situations.
• Compassionate and non-judgmental attitude towards individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle conflicts constructively.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural competency.
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping and reporting, such as Microsoft Office and client management software.
  
  

We recognize that our success is driven by great talent, and that's why we provide a comprehensive and competitive suite of benefits to serve you and your family.

Full-time employee’s benefits below:

• Generous Paid Holiday
• Employee Recognition Program
• Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Days
• Free Preventative Services & Wellness Rewards
• Medical, Dental, and Vision for Spouse/Domestic Partner & Children to age 26
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Life Disability options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Telemedicine & Concierge Services
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Pet Care, Life Mart Purchase Discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying degrees
• Mileage & Cell Reimbursement for qualifying roles
• Identity Theft Protection& Voluntary Benefits
  
  

Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CPLC knows it takes variety of thought, culture, background, and perspective to create a truly impactful workforce. As CPLC grows, we are seeking talented employees with varying backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our innovation and creativity. CPLC commits to a continued focus on fair and just hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies. We work for real change and progress in equal opportunity recruitment, hiring, and advancement. Learn more by visiting https://www.eeoc.gov/poster

California Residents: Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc and its subsidiaries will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.