Housing Specialist

Congreso De Latinos Uni•Philadelphia, PA

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program ensures safe and affordable housing and case management to people living with HIV or AIDS and their families. The Housing Specialist is responsible for providing community-based housing case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy with a special focus on housing issues faced by people living with HIV/AIDS. The Housing Specialist provides intake and assessment services and conduct follow-up as specified in the individual client service plan and as needed by funder's requirements. This position serves as an advocate and case manager for the client, linking the individual to essential resources to increase their safety, stability, and empowerment. This position reports to the Housing Stability Manager. This is a hybrid position, with onsite work conducted at Congreso's main office, within the community, and/or a client's home. Work location is subject to change based on program needs. The Housing Specialist applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role. Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision. We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ+, and women to apply. Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills required.
High school diploma or GED/HISET required.
2-3 years’ experience with housing counseling advocacy or related field with a focus on special needs populations.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
Housing Quality Standard and Mandated Reporter certifications required, and may be completed post hire.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree, a plus.
Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other human services providers, community, and the public, a plus.

Responsibilities

Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and will be an ambassador of our work.
Conducts initial client intake including needs assessment and the development of an action plan, conducts regular follow-up with clients to measure and ensures goal attainment and client satisfaction.
Is responsible for the completion of the following applications for supportive services: Direct Emergency Financial Assistance (DEFA), rent rebate, AACO Housing Services Program (HSP), AACO Food Voucher, Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and food referrals.
Establishes and maintains relationships with realtors, landlords, and financial institutions in an effort to locate accommodations for clients as needed.
Conducts home visits and home inspections.
Provides a holistic approach by linking clients to services that can support self-sufficiency using PCM Model.
Assists clients to fill out Crisis and LIHEAP applications and supports them on any energy related issues.
Documents each service provided in Congreso's internal database, maintains client records, and documents all contacts with clients in the database.
Conducts a minimum of one contact per month for all assigned clients.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date client files.
Participates in the development and maintenance of referral resources for clients.
Develops statistical and narrative reports, and assists the program coordinator and/or program manager in preparing reports or proposals to funders. Required funder reports include Case Managers Report, AACO Support Service Report, Client Serviced Report, as well as any internal reporting requirements.
Assists program coordinator and/or program manager in outreach activities both to the community at-large and to other service providers/agencies.
Collaborates with the program coordinator and/or program manager in the development and refinement of data collection systems.
Works closely with the Financial Empowerment Center at Congreso, the Education and Workforce Services Division, and the Healthcare Services Division to create a pathway for clients to achieve economic stability and independence.