Housing Specialist

Child & Family•Newport, RI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role provides assistance to multiple programs within the agency, focusing on navigating a complex system of housing resources. The Housing Specialist will be dedicated to helping families maintain their housing, secure permanent housing, decrease the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and minimize the average length of homelessness.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience navigating the RI Housing system required.
State wide travel is required.
Strong organizational, critical thinking and time-management skills.
Basic computer skills required; knowledge of Microsoft Office 365.
Ability to communicate and effectively interact with a diverse population.
Collaboration and teamwork.
Must authorize Child & Family to complete a motor vehicle records check.
Must have valid driver's license, auto insurance and car registration.
The ideal candidate will be required to meet all background checks and medical clearances required for the position.

Nice To Haves

Background in property management, familiar with Section 8 voucher process and/or knowledge of low-income housing opportunities preferred.
Experience in Human Services, preferably with children and/or adolescents a plus.
Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide case management services for families in our Home Stabilization Program seeking home finding services and home tenancy services.
Partner housing support for families in the Supportive Housing Program.
Identify permanent housing options for clients such as subsidized housing, Section 8, and market rent.
Provide support in connecting clients to other community resources.
Develop and maintain positive professional and collaborative relationships with realtors, landlords and public housing authorities to assist clients in accessing resources and housing opportunities.
Assist clients with access to housing resources, searching for housing, filling out rental applications, interpreting leases and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities.
Assist clients to identify a sustainable budget, understand how to read and interpret documents, and obtain personal documentation required for housing applications (i.e., birth certificate, social security card, valid ID).
Works with a strength-based model incorporating the principles of family-centered practices.
Provide training to clients in housing maintenance and independent living skills.
Understand program client rights and responsibilities while assessing compliance and inspection readiness.