Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist

Orange County Government•Human Resources, NC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Orange County Housing Department has an opening for a Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist. This is a benefited, time-limited position. The work involves providing direct customer service to people in housing crisis, assisting people as they navigate housing resources for homelessness prevention, emergency response involving shelter, and permanent housing. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Housing Helpline & Outreach Coordinator with leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding needs and requests. Does related work as required. Background Check required.

Requirements

Graduation from High School or General Educational Development (GED) test equivalency AND three (3) years of direct work experience in housing, human services or homelessness programs; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience.
Good knowledge of the principles, challenges, practices, and philosophies of homelessness, including information gathering, counseling, assessment and intervention methods.
Good knowledge of trauma-informed care and client-centered practices.
Good knowledge of the social, economic, and environmental factors which influence poverty, unemployment and homelessness.
Good knowledge of the various social and health service functions and interrelationships of the county, other governmental agencies, and community resources, and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
Good knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to homeless services, such as the HEARTH Act, the McKinney Vento Act, the CoC Interim Rule, and other programs related to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
Skill in being customer-focused, adept at problem solving and working collaboratively with others.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard of care.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Successful clearance of a background check.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with individuals impacted by housing crises is strongly preferred.
Individuals with prior experience working with housing programs is preferred.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Providing direct customer service to people in housing crisis.
Assisting people as they navigate housing resources for homelessness prevention, emergency response involving shelter, and permanent housing.
Gathering information, counseling, assessment and intervention methods.
Interviewing persons, gathering information and using various clinical assessment tools to evaluate the needs of clients, summarize and interpret findings, and develop assistance alternatives.
Effectively communicating with persons in difficult and emotional situations.
Understanding the challenges of individuals facing housing crises, and effectively communicate orally and in writing.
Effectively problem solving and handling difficult situations and complex decision making, and react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
Interpreting and applying county, state and federal regulations, policies and procedures.
Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with clients, service providers, county staff, agencies, and representatives from civic or community groups.
Organizing and consolidating information, maintaining records, preparing reports, and completing assignments accurately and timely.
Effectively using computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software to maintain records, prepare reports, and conduct correspondence related to the work.
Performing basic mathematical calculations.