Housing Specialist

HealthNet•Indianapolis, IN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist contributes to the Homeless Initiative Program’s mission by providing professional, compassionate housing services and connections to clients seeking housing. The role assesses housing barriers and needs, supports housing searches and placement, develops relationships with landlords and housing agencies, communicates with clients and Case Managers, and ensures housing placement guidelines, data entry, and documentation are completed accurately and on time. The Housing Specialist supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness in locating permanent, safe, and affordable housing throughout the greater Indianapolis area. This includes assistance with applications for subsidized and non-subsidized housing, state and federal housing programs, project-based Section 8, income-restricted housing programs such as LIHTC and HOME, and market-rate housing. The position also helps ensure units pass Housing Quality Standards inspections before move-in, participates in Rent Smart Workshops, and provides advocacy and mediation to help clients obtain or maintain housing. The role works closely with clients, Case Managers, landlords, housing authorities, management companies, community agencies, and other partners. It includes participating in team meetings and housing committees, maintaining program data including HMIS and funding-required information, transporting clients when necessary, and representing HIP professionally. The position is based at 3403 East Raymond Street, Suite C, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Requirements

At least two years of previous experience in a related field performing similar duties, such as property management, housing advocacy, or social service.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present to groups.
Experience with and proficiency in Microsoft Office and computers.
Organizational, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Professional appearance and manner.
Ability to work independently, effectively as part of a team, and with diverse clients, staff, and community members.
Knowledge of affordable housing programs and requirements for subsidy applications and documentation.
Knowledge of housing issues, including tenant rights and landlord/tenant law.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for accurate documentation.
Strong group facilitation and presentation skills.
Ability to work effectively with individuals and families with varied needs, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Experience working independently to accomplish assigned goals and tasks.
Effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to respond flexibly in a fluid and evolving program environment.
Knowledge of and belief in the Housing First philosophy and strategies.
Excellent communication, listening, mediation, and writing skills.
Creative thinking and an adaptive personality.
Knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.
Ability to collaborate with personnel, service providers, and other professionals.
Capacity to empower clients and intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
Ability to perform duties independently using discretion, critical thinking, self-direction, sound judgment, and flexibility.
Ability to travel for meetings throughout the community and reliable transportation.
Valid driver’s license and, when driving a privately owned vehicle, state-required minimum automobile insurance.
Ability to pass a background check, including National Sex Offender Registry, criminal history, and driving record.
Ability to read, write, hear, and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Participate in scheduled staff, team, and supervision meetings.
Participate in HIP Housing Committees to develop housing goals for client-centered care plans.
Communicate with internal and external partners about clients’ progress in the housing search and placement process.
Assess housing barriers and service needs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Provide direct assistance with permanent, safe, and affordable housing placement, including applications for subsidized and non-subsidized housing programs and market-rate housing.
Ensure housing units pass Housing Quality Standards inspections before clients move in.
Participate in developing and facilitating Rent Smart Workshops on housing options, fair housing, tenant rights, and related topics.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with housing authorities, landlords, management companies, and outside agencies to maximize housing options.
Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords, debtors, and creditors, and develop workable plans to obtain or maintain housing.
Collaborate with agencies and community supports to maximize client outcomes, program goals, and the agency mission.
Transport clients as necessary.
Collect and report program data, including HMIS reporting and funding-required data.
Assume other responsibilities as assigned.
Promote positive communication and collaboration among HIP team members.
Represent HIP professionally and provide courteous service to internal and external partners.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Medical, dental, and vision plans
Short-term and long-term disability
Health Savings Account and Difference Card available within certain medical plans
Flexible Spending Account
Life insurance
AD&D coverage
Group accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage
Domestic Partner Leave
Wellness programs
401(k) match
Paid time off that accumulates from the start of employment and is available to use
Tuition reimbursement
Employee referral program