Housing Specialist- flex

Mainstay Life Services•Pittsburgh, PA

4d•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist assists individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining safe, affordable, accessible, and appropriate community housing. The role supports people transitioning from a family or caregiver’s home, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or seeking greater independence in their living arrangements. It provides person-centered housing navigation and case management from needs assessment and resource identification through applications, move-in, and ongoing housing stabilization. The Housing Specialist collaborates with individuals, families, landlords, housing authorities, service coordinators, government and community agencies, and support teams to reduce barriers and promote long-term housing success. The position includes assessing housing needs and developing individualized plans; identifying housing opportunities and assisting with applications, documentation, and subsidies; connecting individuals with financial assistance and community resources; developing partnerships with housing providers; coordinating transitions and move-ins; and providing follow-up and support to help maintain tenancy. The role also advocates for individual choice and self-determination, supports understanding of tenant rights and responsibilities, maintains accurate records and program outcome tracking, protects confidential information, and participates in required meetings and trainings. Other duties may be assigned by the Program Manager and/or Program Coordinator. The position is 37.5 hours per week and is based at Mainstay Life Services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The work environment is described as 60% inside and 40% community-based, including outdoors. Travel is required.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Valid driver’s license required.
Must be eligible for Act 33/34 clearances.
Pre-employment drug screen required.
High School Diploma or GED.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds regularly.
Ability to respond quickly to sounds, move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces, and see and respond to dangerous situations.
Ability to work in extreme weather and correctly wear personal protective gear for most of the day.
Vision is essential for the position.
Travel is required.
Core competencies include person-centered care, teamwork, ethics/responsibility/integrity, and effective oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

Assess individuals’ housing circumstances, preferences, needs, barriers, financial resources, accessibility requirements, transportation needs, and desired living arrangements.
Develop individualized, person-centered housing plans with goals and action steps, including plans for transitions from family homes or housing instability.
Coordinate with individuals’ support teams to ensure housing plans align with their needs, preferences, services, and goals.
Identify affordable and accessible housing opportunities and assist with housing and subsidy applications, documentation, submissions, and follow-up requests.
Explain housing eligibility, waiting lists, application processes, leases, and tenant responsibilities, and advocate with housing providers to address barriers.
Connect individuals with housing-related financial assistance, benefits, and community resources, including support for deposits, rental assistance, furnishings, and moving expenses.
Develop and maintain relationships and an up-to-date network of landlords, property managers, housing authorities, affordable housing providers, and community organizations.
Act as a liaison among individuals, landlords, support teams, and community partners regarding housing-related concerns.
Develop transition plans and assist with lease signing, utilities, furnishings, transportation, household necessities, and other move-in needs.
Identify supports needed before or immediately after move-in and coordinate with family members and support teams as appropriate.
Provide follow-up after placement, help individuals develop tenancy skills, identify emerging housing risks, coordinate assistance, and support housing stabilization and retention.
Assist individuals facing potential eviction or housing loss with referrals and housing stabilization plans.
Promote individual choice, dignity, independence, and self-determination; support individuals in communicating housing preferences, concerns, and needs.
Educate individuals about tenant rights and responsibilities and help them access advocacy resources when needed.
Provide respectful, trauma-informed, person-centered services while maintaining professional boundaries.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation of assessments, plans, contacts, referrals, applications, outcomes, and services.
Track applications, waiting lists, placements, housing retention, and other program outcomes; maintain records in accordance with policies and applicable requirements.
Protect confidential information and participate in required team meetings, case conferences, trainings, and other meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager and/or Program Coordinator.