Housing Specialist

NEPA INCLUSIVE•Pittston, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

PA Inclusive is an agency that believes people with disabilities should live where, with who, and in what they want and that those who want to work can work in an area of their interest in a ‘typical’ job in the community. Work and living support services can and should be delivered to support them how they choose. This program oversees the OVR and ODP IDD Waiver programs offered through NEPA Inclusive. The Housing Specialist/Program Supervisor will supervise assigned staff and caseloads and provide direct services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism, and other varied disabilities, such as Housing Support, In-Home and Community Support, Companion Services, Community Participation Supports, Supported Employment, OVR employment services, and similar services. Prior experience in IDD Waiver services and/or employment services is preferred. Experience in or ability to learn ID compliance, staff supervision, case management, HCSIS and EIM, 24-7 on-call staffing, and activity planning preferred. This position will help people who live at home, in the community and in their own apartments, including promoting independence, working on personal goals, helping the individual participate in community activities, assisting in job finding and job coaching, and general in-home daily tasks. It is estimated that this role will be in the field up to 75% of the time, rotating between the company administrative offices and clients under the position’s supervisory responsibilities. The position is expected to meet and exceed budget and client growth projections.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or a related field
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with people with disabilities, and/or certification in NADD Competency Based-Direct Support Professional Certification, or ability to obtain NADD Certification within 90 days of employment.
Experience working with people with intellectual disabilities, autism, or mental health disabilities required.
Excellent communication skills.
Position requires effective communication presentation and social management skills, computer knowledge, strong documentation and organizational skills.
Valid Driver’s License and Clean Driving Record.
Must Pass Child Abuse History and Criminal Record Check Clearances and not be excluded from State of PA Exclusion Lists.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing group homes in accordance with ODP preferred.
Knowledge of HUD, section 8 and voucher housing systems.
Experience in Housing Management preferred.
Ability to obtain state and agency required employment certifications including, but not limited to APSE, CESP, ACRE, and/or Discovery within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

Hold regular housing meetings that includes all staff under your employ.
Manage assigned caseloads of staff and clients.
Market agency services to Support Coordinators, OVR Counselors, families, and other external entities to grow referrals in all territories under your employ.
Obtain training/certification according to ODP and agency requirements and Inclusive Academy training programs.
Promote said programs to Supervisors, DSP’s and Job Coaches.
Build housing support plans for clients.
Build and maintain client files.
Assist clients with apartment search and housing applications including county government housing and understanding terms of lease.
Assist clients with applications for food stamps and energy assistance.
After housing is established, continue to support clients maintain housing according to their ISP goals, such as cleanliness, budgeting, and learning appropriate social interactions with landlord and neighbors.
Supervise Direct Service staff in assigned territory
Lead assigned caseloads, including assisting in scheduling, recruiting, hiring, and supervising assigned caseload staff.
Maintain positive relationships with clients on caseload, including informing clients of agency activities and checking in on satisfaction with services, notifying clients of schedules and schedule/staff changes.
Document Monthly ‘touch base’ meetings with clients in Therap or assigned system, including informing of schedules, staffing, agency activities, service satisfaction reviews, and other pertinent and timely information.
Ensure compliant case management for OVR and ODP systems, including keeping updated files and other compliance matters as directed.
Provide Direct Care services to individuals and/or fill in for open shifts as necessary.
Assist in job finding and job coaching for appropriate clients when needed.
Blend time allocation as per directed by supervisors in other areas of agency business, when needed, including, but not limited to, employment services, in-home and community support, and community participation support.
Provide leadership to any specialty areas of program per program requirements (i.e. Discovery, Housing Tenancy, Residential, Enhanced, Behavioral, etc).
File ‘paperwork,’ Therap Health Record, OVR, and other documentation properly and on time as directed.
Work collectively with Therap Health Record systems, billing, training, QA, Compliance, and administration to effectively deliver services and compliance at all times.
Attend agency meetings as requested.
Attend meetings as required, including ISP, Intake meetings, and others as necessary and file all paperwork properly as required.
Regularly communicate with OVR Counselors/Support Coordinators on progress and issues.
Develop and report ‘’success stories’’ of clients. At least one story with pictures each week.
Utilize systems appropriately, including but not limited to Paycom, When I Work, HCSIS, CDWS, THERAP etc.
Plan, organize, and assist with assigned social programs of the agency.
Serve as a member of the agency leadership team.
Maintain positive relationships with staff under caseloads and other staff members.
Other related duties as assigned.