Housing Specialist, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

ACMH INC•New York, NY

About The Position

The Housing Specialist serves as a clinical staff member on an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, with lead responsibility for integrating housing goals and services into the work of all team members. The role helps clients access housing of their choice, including completing HRA 2010e supportive housing applications, and assists clients in securing benefits. The position supports clients’ health and wellness through screenings, care planning, coordination, referrals, advocacy, and follow-up. It also involves coordinating housing interviews and tours, collaborating with housing and community providers, assessing domiciled clients’ living conditions through home visits, and providing transitional care after hospitalization in accordance with ACMH Critical Time Intervention protocols. The Housing Specialist documents services in the EHR, participates in team meetings and clinical conferences, attends in-service training as requested, and performs other duties assigned by the supervisor. The position is based in The Bronx and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Salary is $62,865, plus generous benefits. Applicants are asked to include a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.

Requirements

B.A. or M.A. degree in social services or a related field, and one year of experience providing direct service in the human service field, nursing, or care management/service coordination.
Knowledge of NYC housing programs and NYC social service benefit programs.
Demonstrated competency in clinical documentation and completing housing applications, including the HRA 2010e Supportive Housing Application.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Develop rapport with clients to engage them in improving their health and wellness.
Administer standardized health and psychosocial risk screenings according to program protocols and timeframes.
Use health screenings to identify interventions and develop comprehensive care plans.
Collaborate with care team members to identify client needs and develop plans to support optimal health outcomes.
Integrate housing goals and services with the tasks of all team members.
Facilitate and submit HRA 2010e housing applications for applicable housing programs throughout New York City.
Schedule housing interviews and tours, and escort clients to appointments as needed.
Collaborate with community-based homeless prevention and treatment providers.
Develop liaisons with landlords and housing agencies.
Assist clients in securing needed benefits.
Implement care-plan tasks and ensure follow-up and continuity of care between client interactions.
Regularly review and update care plans to reflect services being provided.
Document interventions and attempted contacts in the EHR in accordance with program standards.
Collaborate with care providers to address gaps in care.
Assess domiciled clients’ living conditions by conducting home visits.
Work with family members and other client-chosen collaterals to facilitate care planning and delivery.
Provide comprehensive transitional care following hospitalization in accordance with ACMH Critical Time Intervention protocols.
Review new information and complex cases with the PCP and multidisciplinary team, and incorporate recommendations into care plans.
Facilitate care delivery by scheduling appointments, obtaining necessary information, and arranging transportation.
Use evidence-based practices, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques, to empower clients to work toward their goals.
Collaborate with team members and provide support as needed.
Identify community resources and make referrals as needed.
Support client goals and advocate on clients’ behalf.
Administer Client Service Dollar (CSD) funds and submit required documentation.
Participate regularly in team meetings and weekly clinical conferences.
Attend in-service training as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.