Housing Specialist, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Acmh•Bronx, NY

About The Position

The Housing Specialist is 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 position helps clients access housing of their choice, including completing HRA 2010e supportive housing applications and securing benefits. The role is based in the Bronx and works Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It reports to the ACT Team Leader. The specialist engages clients in improving their health and wellness, coordinates care with clients and providers, and supports continuity of care. Duties include housing application assistance, housing interviews and tours, home visits, benefits assistance, referrals, advocacy, documentation, and transitional care following hospitalization. The specialist also participates in team meetings and clinical conferences, administers Client Service Dollar funds, and performs other duties assigned by a supervisor.

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 New York City housing programs and 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 needs and develop plans to help clients achieve 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 correspond with 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-selected collaterals to facilitate care planning and delivery.
Provide comprehensive transitional care following hospitalization in accordance with ACMH Critical Time Intervention (CTI) 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 grow and attain goals.
Collaborate with and support team members.
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.
Regularly participate in team meetings and weekly clinical conferences.
Attend in-service training as requested.
Perform duties as assigned by the supervisor.