Housing Assistant Coordinator

Boston Public Health Commission•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Commission's Homeless Services Bureau, established in 1983, offers extensive experience in providing integrated primary health, substance abuse, and mental health services to homeless individuals. They provide transitional health and social assistance to homeless Bostonians, including emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing throughout the city, along with a broad range of rehabilitative services. These programs are part of a continuum of care designed to help homeless individuals achieve independent living in permanent housing within the community. As one of New England's largest providers of emergency shelter, they operate two shelters 24/7, offering over 5,000 individuals annually with essential services like food, beds, clothing, healthcare, case management, and housing assistance. Utilizing a Housing First framework, the housing search and placement department provides programs and support to help guests find and move into permanent housing quickly. This department offers housing search and placement services to homeless individuals seeking subsidized housing, navigating the complexities of obtaining housing. Services include identifying available units, accompanying individuals to view units, negotiating with property owners, addressing barriers to housing (like criminal records), assisting with the lease-up process, securing rental start-up funds, and making referrals for move-in assistance (e.g., furniture banks).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a minimum one (1) year human services experience.
College level course work equivalent to an Associate's degree with two (2) years human services experience or High School diploma/GED and three (3) years human services experience may be substituted for above requirements.
Valid driver's license and good driving record.
Previous experience working with homeless, diverse ethnic and racial, or low-income populations with an understanding of mental health, substance abuse and recovery issues.
Knowledge of Boston area housing resources and social service agencies.
Strong organizational and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in transitional housing or community residential programs helpful.
Computer literacy preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides in-home and office based follow up housing placement and stabilization services to individuals placed in housing, including assistance with paying rent and utilities, helping to resolve landlord/tenant problems and connecting individuals with community resources and supports.
Assists clients with obtaining furniture and moving into housing.
Engages with all clients utilizing a housing first approach.
Coordinates community integration activities for clients, teaching life skills and independent living skills necessary for succeeding in permanent housing.
Hosts community-based housing agencies (BHA, HomeStart, etc.) in providing on site housing search assistance.
Completes intakes and assessments on shelter guests to determine needs and eligibility for services and public benefits.
Provides case management, crisis intervention and supportive counseling to clients.
Transports guests to housing appointments.
Coordinates the delivery of services and referrals in areas of family reunification, DSS, obtaining benefits, etc.
Provides support and assistance to clients with legal issues (probation, parole, courts).
Maintains up to date and accurate service plan contacts, and progress note records for the department.
Works in a multi-disciplinary team approach with other social service, work rehab and health services departments of the shelter.
Develops and facilitates budgeting, money management and other life skills groups.
Participates in weekly social service treatment team and other assigned meetings and trainings.
Compiles records and statistical reports.
Performs other duties as assigned.