Housing Specialist

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey•Hopewell, NJ

About The Position

This position is responsible for helping to identify, secure, and maintain community-based housing for MLTSS/SNP/Medicaid Members and for developing, articulating, and implementing a broader housing strategy within the Contractor to expand housing availability/options. The Housing Specialist(s) shall act as the Contractors central housing expert(s)/resource(s), providing education and assistance to all Contractors relevant staff (care managers and others) regarding supportive housing services and related issues for MLTSS Members.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED required.
Requires three (3) years full-time experience in assisting vulnerable populations (e.g. homeless, elderly, people with disabilities, etc.) to secure accessible, affordable housing.
Requires two (2) years work experience for a public agency or related work in a social service or community service field.
Must be familiar with relevant public and private housing resources and stakeholders, including but not limited to HUD subsidized housing, all Department of Community Affairs (DCA), New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJ HMFA) housing program voucher programs, public housing authorities, realtors, and online housing locator resources.
Must have knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid.
Knowledge of Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS).
Requires a strong background in processing prior authorizations and show proven expertise in navigating various systems. This includes familiarity with care management systems as well as state-managed entities such as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the Medicaid Eligibility Verification System.
Requires strong interpersonal and advocating skills.
Requires strong verbal and written communication skills.
Requires good PC skills and the ability to utilize Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Access, Word).
Requires good problem solving, investigation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
Requires good Reporting and Oral Presentation skills.
Requires strong organizational skills and ability to work with limited daily supervision.
Ability to use sound judgment and a professional approach.
May require travel within New Jersey.
Requires a car with valid New Jersey State License and Insurance.

Responsibilities

Develop a housing strategy for Horizon membership (specifically MLTSS/SNP/Medicaid).
Identify and manage resources for housing options.
Provide education to all relevant staff, Care Management, Member Advocates and Utilization Management on housing options and resources.
Assist with locating and placing members in appropriate housing, facilitating transitions to community settings.
Complete reports to meet the state requirements; including but not limited to progress towards goals, quality monitoring.
Act as a liaison with DMAHS staff or its designee to receive training and capacity building assistance.
Must work closely with relevant public and private housing resources and stakeholders, including but not limited to HUD subsidized housing, all Department of Community Affairs (DCA), New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJ HMFA) housing program voucher programs, public housing authorities, realtors, and online housing locator resources.