Homeless Support Services Coordinator

The Coordinating Center•Rockville, MD

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Homeless Support Services team, operating the Housing Initiative Program (HIP) - provides coordination of services and direct assistance to formerly homeless individuals currently receiving permanent supported housing services. This is accomplished through the delivery of individualized services and support with the goal of maintaining long-term housing stability. The Homeless Support Services Coordinator (HSSC) supports the mission of The Coordinating Center (The Center) by providing person centered services and service coordination within the parameters of the contract and Housing First principles. The HSSC is responsible for complying with the Montgomery County Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH) Housing Initiative Program (HIP) contract requirements, integrating technology to maintain database(s) integrity, report writing and maintenance of documentation. The HSS Coordinator provides ongoing outreach to program recipients, works interdependently with the Coordinated Entry System (CES), HIP Housing Locator and HIP Community Health Nurse (when applicable) and collaborates with community agencies to engage recipients in activities which ensure residential stability. This position requires a commitment to and culturally competent approach to Culture, Access, Respect, and Equity (CARE).

Requirements

A bachelor�s degree in a human services related field is required.
Two years of case management experience is required.
Ability to travel throughout Montgomery County and conduct home and community visits is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in housing, human services, or the unhoused population
Strong critical thinking skills
Collaborative and creative minds
Self-managing organizational skills
Desire to challenge and grow professionally

Responsibilities

Utilize the Housing First model to engage program recipients and promote housing stability, personal recovery, and self-sufficiency.
Work intensively in one-on-one relationships with individuals engaged in HIP to provide support, engagement, and referral through Housing First practices and methodology.
Work to help clients achieve community integration and continuity of care through facilitating community support while working toward successful permanent supported housing residency. This includes homeless populations who are veterans, people with behavioral health challenges, physical health conditions and especially long-term chronic homeless populations.
Secure information such as medical, psychological, and social factors to jointly develop an individualized, recovery based, housing and service goal plan consisting of time-specific goals and objectives (SMART). Goals/objectives to be based on individual needs, desires, strengths, resources, and limitations, addressing the complex strengths and challenges of all individuals served.
Monitor housing stability by ensuring every housed participant has a current lease, obtaining confirmation rent and utilities are being paid and reviewing ledgers with participants and landlords monthly.
Complete required and as needed face-to-face contacts developing rapport with clients while meeting specific individual needs and contractual requirements based on acuity and specific program enrollment.
Obtain identification, housing, medical and other documentation to assist recipient with completing housing applications, and enrollment requirements, and obtaining federal, state, and local benefits, in addition to the reapplication and redetermination processes.
Ensure all recipients apply to receive Housing and Urban Development Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing benefits.
Establish strong working relationships with and maintain ongoing communication between the property owners and managers, advocating on behalf of individuals served and engaging in eviction prevention services, as necessary.
Provide ongoing supports to maintain housing including, but not limited to, good tenant training and skills coaching.
With guidance of the Program Director, or designee, work jointly with participants and County housing locators to ensure units meet individuals� requirements, needs and desires.
Assists with housing location as needed.
Research and recommend cost-effective alternatives to care, as appropriate.
Engage the case management process and best practices to guide client service delivery to include assessments, documentation, planning, implementation, education, advocacy, and evaluation.
Complete timely documentation of care management activities in multiple electronic databases, including HMIS.
Facilitate and provide transition services and supports to program recipients when they move from homelessness to a permanent supportive housing (PSH) rental unit and/or from one PSH rental unit to another PSH rental unit.
Participate in regular Coordinated Entry Service (CES) meetings/Conference Calls, Housing Location calls, and attend regular training sessions to enhance best-practice knowledge in the field of homelessness, Housing First and permanent supportive housing resources.
Manage multiple priorities and tasks with flexibility to enhance service coordination.
Other duties as assigned to support the overall HSSP program.