Housing Coordinator (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen • Haverhill, MA

2d

About The Position

The ACCS Housing Coordinator promotes the integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) so they can live successfully in the community. The role helps PS identify housing needs and preferences, access housing rapidly, and maintain housing successfully. It intervenes when needed to preserve tenancy and develops relationships with property managers, landlords, housing authorities, and other housing partners. The coordinator also consults with Team members on housing-related issues.

The position uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, culturally competent, strengths-based, and Housing First approaches. It provides outreach, housing assessments and profiles, housing searches, application and subsidy support, individualized housing planning, tenancy training, and interventions to prevent homelessness. The coordinator also maintains housing resource information and subsidy records, advises PS and staff about housing opportunities, and coordinates with Vinfen departments, residential programs, families, and community housing partners.

The role requires driving to support PS, using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. It is physically active and includes assisting PS with daily living tasks, lifting at least 25 pounds, and frequent movement such as standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and climbing. CPR and First Aid are required within two weeks of hire; MAP is required within 150 days of hire.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served by ACCS to live, work, build meaningful relationships, and receive needed treatment, resources, and supports in their community of choice.
• Extensive knowledge of housing types and subsidy programs and the ability to identify housing opportunities in unfamiliar communities.
• Knowledge of Housing First principles and requirements.
• Knowledge of formal and informal housing assessment skills and practices.
• Skill in helping people integrate into the community using natural supports and basic community resources.
• Knowledge of PS engagement strategies.
• Ability to adhere to standards for Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, SBIRT, Housing First, Stages of Change, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Knowledge of the effects of prejudice, discrimination, oppression, and poverty on people with psychiatric disorders.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered, and strengths-based values and principles.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally competent services, with sensitivity to PS cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
• Knowledge of the human, legal, and civil rights of PS.
• Ability to formulate effective housing interventions for Treatment Plans and train Team staff to implement aspects of those plans.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Team members to address PS needs in Treatment Plans.
• Ability to form supportive, trusting relationships with PS.
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions and work in a professional, confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment and documentation standards and requirements.
• Access to an operational, insured vehicle and willingness to use it to transport PS.
• Valid driver’s license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; a valid U.S. driver’s license held for at least one year; ability to pass a driver screening background check; and, if using a personal vehicle, adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
• Ability to perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, lifting at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift, operating office equipment, assisting PS with daily living tasks, and communicating with PS, staff, and external representatives.
• CPR certification within the first two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification within the first two weeks of hire.
• MAP certification within 150 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in mental health, social services, or business.
• Experience working with people with serious psychiatric conditions.
• Experience managing affordable housing or housing supports.
• One year of experience in Real Estate brokerage or management.
• Bilingual or bicultural background.
• Lived experience of psychiatric conditions.

Responsibilities

• Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, culturally competent, strengths-based, and Housing First approaches to help PS find, obtain, and maintain housing.
• Provide outreach to PS in shelters, on the street, in temporary housing or respite, and in GLE/SIE settings to identify housing needs and preferences.
• Assess PS housing histories and requirements, create housing profiles for new PS, and update profiles after placements end.
• Help PS complete housing and subsidy paperwork, referrals, applications, and renewals accurately and on time.
• Train and support PS in housing searches and tenancy maintenance.
• Locate properties and conduct housing searches for PS.
• Develop individualized housing plans in accordance with Vinfen protocols and Housing First principles, including addressing eligibility barriers, obtaining household items, preparing PS for lease obligations, and developing tenancy skills and resources.
• Help PS understand entitlement and subsidized housing benefits so they can make informed housing decisions.
• Consult with GLE/SIE Program Directors about landlord responsibilities when PS are tenants of Vinfen.
• Work with GLE/SIE staff to support transitions into and out of those settings and reduce transition time to placement.
• Intervene to preserve tenancy and prevent homelessness, including resolving landlord issues, accessing contingency funds, consulting about treatment or service intensification, and supporting tenancy skills.
• Provide PS and Team members with training, information, and advice about subsidized and affordable housing opportunities, services, and resources.
• Perform and model evidence-based clinical and recovery-oriented interventions, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction and Addiction Treatment support, SBIRT, Housing First, Stages of Change, WRAP, Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions; train, supervise, and mentor others in Housing First interventions.
• Document PS needs and services thoroughly and thoughtfully.
• Educate and support PS family and friends regarding housing needs and preferences, subject to HIPAA authorization requirements.
• Consult with Vinfen’s Affordable Housing Department to develop additional strategies for finding and preserving housing.
• Manage Team-allocated subsidies, subsidy referrals, and the related database.
• Maintain current lists of available and wait-listed local, state, and federal subsidized and affordable housing programs, properties, tenant-based programs, and resource guides, including options for elders and transitional-age youth.
• Develop and maintain relationships with property managers, private landlords, Community Development Corporations, and local housing authorities; serve as the primary contact with these entities to facilitate rapid housing placement.
• Participate in the Housing Coordinator Community of Practice Workgroup led by Vinfen’s Director of Affordable Housing.
• Attend residential-setting staff meetings as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution.
• Employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more, with an employer contribution toward medical insurance.
• Employer-paid life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance for qualifying employees.
• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts for health and dependent care.
• Voluntary term life, whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Paid time off for employees scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week.
• Training, career growth, and job security.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED