Housing Specialist, Single Adult Shelter

SOUTH MIDDLESEX OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL • Springfield, MA

8d • $0 - $22

About The Position

The Housing Specialist provides housing-search services to help homeless individuals relocate to safe, permanent housing. The role includes searching private-market and subsidized housing options, working with landlords and community providers, and supporting clients with housing applications, financial assistance, referrals, and rehousing plans. The position serves clients referred by MassHealth Accountable Care Organizations or physician practices and works collaboratively with clients, case management staff, and community resources.

Requirements

• Bilingual Spanish proficiency is required.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.
• Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods, operate a computer, complete extensive paperwork, lift 25 pounds, and ascend and descend four sets of stairs.
• A successful background check is required.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Two years of relevant work experience in social services or housing services with low-income, minority, and disabled individuals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide housing-search assistance to clients referred by MassHealth Accountable Care Organizations or physician practices.
• Refer clients to supportive housing programs with care-management resources and rental assistance as needed.
• Assess housing barriers and work with clients and the case-management team to develop and carry out rehousing plans.
• Build relationships with local landlords to support housing placements for homeless individuals.
• Assist and advocate for clients with subsidy applications, particularly clients on fixed incomes.
• Assess housing and supportive-service needs to identify short-term financial assistance that may support rapid rehousing.
• Help clients obtain required documentation and complete housing-related applications.
• Assist clients with applications for financial assistance programs such as RAFT, ESG, transitional funding, community funds, and FEMA assistance programs.
• Evaluate needs and process requests for client assistance funds, including deposits, furniture, and linens.
• Evaluate needs and process applications for medically necessary home modifications and equipment.
• Help clients complete housing applications and negotiate leases with landlords.
• Accompany clients to view rooms or apartments as needed and help them prepare for application and interview processes.
• Collaborate with CGRC staff to provide information and referrals for community resources, including education, job training, fuel assistance, behavioral health, food, transportation, legal advice, and medical care.
• Participate as a member of the CGRC team and attend staff and other required meetings.
• Maintain client files, including assessments, rehousing plans, referrals, and services accessed.
• Gather required data and demographic information and enter it into the designated database.
• Communicate with clients by phone, email, and face-to-face meetings at SMOC offices or offsite near the client's location.
• Engage clients by understanding and addressing their needs, whether or not those needs fall within the scope of work.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee, and agency information in accordance with applicable laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program, department, agency, funder, and SMOC requirements and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full-time employees can accrue up to three weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year.
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D and long-term disability for full-time employees.
• Medical plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA employer cost-sharing program, dental plans with orthodontic coverage, and EyeMed vision insurance for full-time employees.
• 403(B) retirement plan with a company match starting on day one for full-time and part-time employees.
• Voluntary benefits including term and whole life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness coverage, hospital indemnity, and short-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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