Housing Specialist

About us

Every person living with HIV deserves compassionate care and a place to call home.

Project Transitions is dedicated to serving people with HIV and AIDS by providing housing, comprehensive support services, recuperative care and hospice in compassionate and caring environments.
As we are beginning the process of opening our new supportive housing community we are exited to bring on new and talented case managers.

Project Transitions, Inc.

Housing Specialist

Job Description

Organization

Project Transitions’ focus is transitional supportive housing designed for low-income, homeless or marginally housed people living with HIV. The program has multiple apartment units for independent living with supportive case management.

Requirements

The Housing Specialist shall have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Spanish fluency preferred. Must have knowledge/skills in at least two areas: affordable housing, case management, medical settings, Community Housing, LITIC and Section 8 Housing, mental health or substance use. Licensed Social Worker preferred.

Professional Qualities

Punctual and consistently honest; able to be trusted with the property of others. Ability to completely and accurately document meetings and occurrences as they happen. Without judgement, be able to assist client in meeting personal goals and achieving a better quality of life. Take the initiative to complete assignments; improve and/or correct behavior where necessary; taking on and following through on tasks without constant supervision; show enthusiasm for learning and improvement; consistently strive for excellence in all aspects of working with clients; accept constructive feedback in a positive manner and take advantage of learning opportunities.

Position Summary

Housing Specialists work closely with our clients to assess their needs, develop individualized case management plans, and connect them with appropriate resources and support networks. You will support clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing, while also assisting them in accessing healthcare services, employment and educational opportunities, and other essential resources. Your empathy, understanding, and advocacy will be key in building rapport and trust with clients, empowering them to achieve their goals and overcome challenges. Housing Specialists provide comprehensive case management services to clients, helping them navigate the complexities of securing stable housing and accessing necessary support services.

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide strength-based case management services for approximately 10-15 residents of Project Transitions (PT) transitional housing programs.
• Complete HOPWA eligibility interviews for all housing applicants, including intake, admission, certification, annual recertification and interim recertification if appropriate based on client situation. Complete all associated paperwork/system entry to HOPWA Grant and PT policy/process standards.
• Conduct Needs Assessment using a client-centered approach with each resident household at admission and at least biannually to identify barriers and unmet needs (e.g., psychosocial, medical, financial, etc.).
• Develop Housing Plans for each resident household. Together with the client and information from the needs assessment, construct overarching goals, smaller objectives and activities to promote independence, permanent housing and healthy living. Meet at least monthly with the resident household to review plan, track progress, identify strengths, and assist with barrier removal. Make plan revisions as appropriate.
• While maintaining appropriate boundaries, provide a listening ear/counseling on an informal basis, to residents and families, identify needs and make appropriate referrals to off-site services. Assist residents in conflict resolution, negotiating relationships and boundaries.
• Facilitate resident transition to permanent housing through applications, referrals and follow-up. Research and be knowledgeable of affordable housing options available in the community. Interface and maintain a good working relationship with staff at these organizations or community members. Review client household status on waitlist periodically. Visit these sites with client household as appropriate.
• Monitor resident maintenance in medical care and medication adherence, including mental health medications. When appropriate assist with medical system navigation, obtaining refills, self-advocacy, etc.
• Provide harm reduction counseling and relapse prevention for assigned case load. Keep abreast of substance use and mental health issues; refer residents to appropriate resources when a need is identified.
• Assist in developing individual resident Life Skills, including budgeting, bill and rent payment, conflict resolution, boundaries, etc. Using information from the Needs Assessment and other interactions or knowledge of the resident household, identify skill needs and provide support, education, and/or referral.
• Ensure all documentation and charting is kept in an accurate, timely and organized manner. Turn in all required forms in a timely manner.
• Develop effective and cooperative relationships to coordinate with other agencies and groups in providing support for residents. Develop effective and cooperative relationships in order to do so. Examples may include mental health, substance abuse counseling, social security and other income, SNAP benefits, etc.
• Organize and manage food bank operation in coordination with Lead Case Manager. Assist in maintaining the kitchen, food bank and community center clean and according to health department and Central Texas Food Bank regulations and standards.
• Assist residents with needs such as moving in and out of facility as needed, light housekeeping, and ensuring housing meets HUD livability standards.
• Take on-call on a regular basis to assist with covering caseloads of fellow case managers’ out of office time.
• Provide transportation to residents as needed as needed for assistance with benefits, employment, housing, and other good cause.
• Consistent punctuality. Complete tasks and assignments on time
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

· Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field

· Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management or related field

· Knowledge of homelessness and housing support services

· Familiarity with community resources and social service programs

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Ability to work effectively with diverse populations

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

· Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and ability to pass motor vehicle record check

Schedule:

Monday to Friday, evenings and weekends as needed

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Compensation and Benefits

• Exempt position

• This is a full-time benefited position offering comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance coverage, paid time off (PTO), and sick leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement At Project Transitions, we are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion We believe that diversity of background, experience, and perspective drives innovation and contributes to a better workplace. We encourage individuals of all identities, including those from underrepresented groups, to apply. Our commitment is to build an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our collective success.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• case management: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Austin, TX 78756 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Austin, TX 78756: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000