Social Worker Specialist - Permanent Supportive Housing

Expected starting salary is $35.37 to $47.22.  Full salary is $35.37 to $59.07.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

OR

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Based in the Olmsted County Housing Department and under the supervision of a Program Manager or Supervisor, the Social Worker Specialist – Permanent Supportive Housing provides comprehensive, client-centered services to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and living in supportive housing. This role is essential in helping residents maintain housing stability, improve quality of life, and connect with community resources. The Social Worker delivers on-site services tailored to each resident’s unique needs, fostering independence and long-term housing retention. In addition, the role includes conducting outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in the community to support housing readiness and connect them with appropriate services.Case Management and Outreach:

• Serves as a member of the Housing Stability Team and broader community homeless response system to support housing access and stability.
• Provide on-site social work services to 18 residents in a permanent supportive housing setting.
• Assists clients in accessing resources to facilitate the development of natural and professional support networks.
• Accompany residents to medical or service appointments as needed.
• Encourage and coordinate community engagement and participation.
• Support residents in employment readiness and referrals.
• Implements individualized service plans based on assessed needs. 

Intake and Housing Coordination

• Participate in the Coordinated Entry System (CES) to identify and screen potential residents.
• Complete intake processes including background checks, release of information forms, and documentation of homelessness history.
• Assist residents in gathering necessary documentation for housing eligibility (e.g., income, disability, assets).
• Complete and maintain required data entry and documentation in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

Homeless Outreach & Community Collaboration:

• Build trusting relationships with community members experiencing homelessness using trauma-informed and strength-based approaches.
• Assist with housing readiness tasks such as obtaining identification, applying for benefits, and updating CES data.
• Collaborate with other outreach and housing agencies to provide referrals for shelter, treatment, or housing programs.

Program Leadership & Evaluation:

• Provides leadership among community partners to improve homeless response programs and system effectiveness.
• Assists in program development and evaluation, including policy and procedure improvements.

Data & Reporting:

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Tracks client progress, service delivery, and outcomes for Permanent Supportive Housing program. 
• Participates in program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.

• Knowledge and experience in working community members experiencing homelessness 
• Knowledge of housing resources
• Thorough knowledge of the social sciences
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of social work
• Thorough knowledge of community resources
• Thorough knowledge of diversity and equity issues and ability to work with diverse populations
• Knowledge of motivating factors of human behavior
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, Harm Reduction, Housing First, and Motivational Interviewing practices 
• Knowledge of therapeutic and strength-based approaches
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices
• Knowledge of agency policies
• Knowledge of data practices and confidentiality
• Skill in verbal communication, public speaking, writing and recording of information and data
• Skill in the use of computers and technology
• Skill in individual and community advocacy
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with people served, colleagues, public officials and community members 
• Ability to lead, mentor and train other staff
• Ability to understand individual and family needs with empathy and objectivity
• Ability to exercise good judgment in recommending possible solutions for individual and family needs and when utilizing conflict management and advocacy skills
• Ability to work independently and to recognize when supervision is needed

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical and Environmental Demands:

Function:	24% or Less	25% - 49%	50%-74%	75% or more
Office environment			X
Lab-hospital environment	X
Clinical environment	X
Community visits			X
Exposure to needle sticks/sharps exposure	X
Exposure to human blood/pathogens/body fluids	X
Exposure to atmospheric conditions, weather, extreme heat/cold, wet and/or humid	X
Sitting			X
Standing, walking, reaching, pulling, climbing, handling, feeling	X
Repetitive hand movements, typing/data entry			X
Talking, hearing				X
Operate vehicle	X
Close vision				X
Distance vision	X
Sedentary (exert up to 10 pounds of force)				X

Salary : $73,570 - $122,866