Housing Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under direction, complete comprehensive assessments and complete clinical evaluations for unhoused or at-risk of being unhoused who present with mental illness and/or are experiencing substance use challenges. The specialist will be responsible for identifying individuals experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming unhoused, and for assisting them in securing housing and community support services. Responsibilities will include developing a network of housing resources, partners, negotiating financial matters, and assisting individuals in meeting their needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Complete assessments for individuals to determine appropriateness for the Supportive Housing Program and to determine the individual's ability to live independently.

Identify clinical treatment needs for the unhoused or at-risk individuals and arrange for the ongoing treatment to address these needs.

Identify each individual's ability to live independently and locate appropriate community housing.

Locate community resources for affordable food and furnishings; offer community awareness training and support to acclimate individuals to the community.

Partner with the case managers for persons served to determine the changing needs of individuals in the Supportive Housing Program.

Perform all required statistical reports and record keeping according to MCCMH, state, and Federal standards.

Educate person served about housing rights and responsibilities

Assist person served in navigating housing process to include assisting in securing suitable rental properties, public housing and subsidized options

Guide and support person served through housing application processes

Work closely with landlords, property managers, and community organizations to facilitate housing access and stability to include rental contracts and coordination with community supports organization

Operates an automobile while performing assigned job duties.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Counseling or other mental health-related field from an accredited college or university
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with persons experiencing homelessness
• Must meet qualifications as specified in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP)/Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSP) Qualifications per Medicaid Services as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP):

1. Individual with specialized training (including fieldwork and/or internships associated with the academic curriculum where the student works directly with persons receiving mental health services as part of that experience) OR one (1) year of experience in treating or working with a person who has mental illness; and is a psychologist, physician, educator, with a degree in education from an accredited program, social worker, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, behavior analyst, registered nurse, therapeutic recreation specialist, licensed/limited licensed professional counselor, licensed or limited licensed marriage and family therapist, or a licensed physician’s assistant; or
2. A human services professional with at least a bachelor’s degree in a human services field

Preferred Education and Experience

• A Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, Counseling, or other mental health-related field from an accredited college or university
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a behavioral health setting
• Two (2) or more years’ experience working with persons experiencing homelessness

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of required state licensure appropriate to the position and the ability to meet privileging and credentialing guidelines
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
• Must possess and maintain a current Michigan Chauffeur's license within two (2) weeks from date of hire

Preferred Licenses or Certifications

• None

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of Fair Housing Laws
• Knowledge of MSHDA and HUD regulations/guidelines
• Knowledge of community resources/partners (MDHHS, Social Security, SMART, Food Banks, Macomb Community Action, Community Housing Network, Continuum of Care)
• Applicable computer applications
• Michigan Mental Health Code and its rules and regulations
• Various disciplines and assessment tools utilized by each discipline
• Working understanding on practices for adherence to Medical Services Administration (MSA) Medicaid policies and procedures
• Techniques to de-escalate/interact in potentially dangerous situations

Skill in:

• Using good professional judgment for the welfare and safety of our consumers
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Analyzing information and completing reports

Ability to:

• Collaborative: Approaches all situations with a teamwork and solution focused mindset demonstrated through active participation in meetings, volunteering to assist teammates and other departments as appropriate. Examples include participation in internal and external committees, subcommittees, process improvement groups or other multi-organizational initiatives.
• Accountable: Takes ownership and empowers others to do the same as evidenced by identifying solutions and acting on job responsibilities and organizational objectives, daily.
• Respectful: Treats people with dignity while honoring individual differences demonstrated through use of positive and encouraging statements and/or interactions to, about and/or with colleagues and persons served; evidenced by supervisor observation, feedback from other department staff and leadership
• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
• Effectively speak, write, and understand the English
• Effectively speak, write, and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information
• Work independently