Housing Problem Solving Specialist

Compass Family Services • San Francisco, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Compass Family Services is a nonprofit organization that supports families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Its Central City Access Point is an entry point for San Francisco families experiencing homelessness, connecting them with housing problem-solving support and with prevention, shelter, and housing programs through the city’s Coordinated Entry System.

The Housing Problem Solving Specialist works directly with families facing a housing crisis. The role assesses families’ needs and resources, explains the homeless response system and available options, and provides resources and referrals. The specialist uses trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches to help families maintain their current housing or quickly find a safe place to stay, and supports families in connecting with housing opportunities.

The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, primarily during standard working hours, at 37 Grove St, San Francisco. Compensation is $27–$31 per hour, based on experience, languages spoken, and education.

Requirements

• Relevant experience in social work or a related field.
• Experience working with families in crisis.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to assess and de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work.

Responsibilities

• Offer trauma-informed, strengths-based problem-solving support to help families maintain their current housing or quickly secure a safe place to stay.
• Use approaches such as mapping personal networks and resources, motivational interviewing, conflict resolution, and mediation as appropriate.
• Assess families’ eligibility for San Francisco’s Homelessness Response System, including shelter, rental subsidies, and permanent supportive housing.
• Explain how the homeless response system works and whether and how families can access it.
• Provide referrals to emergency overnight shelters, food, other basic needs, and relevant resources.
• Maintain up-to-date family information in Compass’ Salesforce database and the city-wide ONE System.
• Support families after they are matched with a housing opportunity, facilitating the connection and helping ensure they can take advantage of it.
• Assess and de-escalate potentially volatile situations.

Benefits

• Four weeks of vacation during the first year and five weeks during the second year.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and family leave.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance fully covered by Compass for employees and dependent children.
• Long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• After one year of work, Compass contributes an amount equal to 5% of salary to a retirement account; the contribution vests during years 2–6.
• Membership in OPEIU/Local 29 union.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed