Housing Specialist

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County•Dover, NH

8d•$23 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Specialist supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness in securing permanent housing through short- to medium-term housing assistance programs. Working with participants referred through the BoS Coordinated Entry system, the role promotes equitable access to housing resources and timely connections to safe, stable housing. Using a housing-focused, trauma-informed, participant-centered approach aligned with Housing First principles, the Housing Specialist partners with participants to identify housing opportunities, coordinate rental assistance, and address barriers to successful placement. The position serves diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and promotes safety, choice, dignity, and long-term housing and economic stability. The position combines office-based, remote, and community-based work. Local and occasional statewide travel may be required, including meetings with participants in community settings and housing locations. The role requires regular interaction with individuals experiencing crisis situations or housing instability. A valid driver’s license and insured vehicle for work use, or an acceptable alternative, is required, along with driving-record, criminal-record, and randomized drug screenings.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience; the degree is preferred.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple participant cases and competing priorities.
Problem-solving skills and ability to respond appropriately in crisis or complex situations.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based data systems, and ability to learn HMIS or comparable databases.
Ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
Valid driver’s license and insured vehicle with minimum 100/300 coverage for work use, or an acceptable alternative.
Successful driving-record check, criminal-record check, and randomized drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals or families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or crisis situations.
Experience supporting survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or trauma-impacted populations; strongly preferred.
Familiarity with housing programs, landlord engagement, or community resource coordination.
HMIS or comparable database experience.
Knowledge of community housing resources.
Understanding of Housing First and housing-focused service models.

Responsibilities

Partner with participants to develop housing-focused service plans supporting rapid placement into permanent housing.
Help participants identify and secure housing opportunities.
Support housing applications, lease-up processes, and move-in coordination.
Coordinate rental assistance and housing-related financial supports in accordance with program guidelines.
Collaborate with the Housing Navigator and landlords to facilitate successful housing placement.
Provide strength-based, participant-centered support focused on housing placement.
Help participants address barriers related to income, employment, benefits access, transportation, or tenancy readiness.
Promote participant choice, self-determination, and dignity throughout service delivery.
Use trauma-informed and survivor-centered engagement, including safety considerations and confidentiality protections, when supporting people impacted by domestic violence or human trafficking.
Connect participants with community resources such as behavioral health services, employment supports, financial assistance, and stabilization services.
Coordinate with Housing Access staff to support transitions from Coordinated Entry into housing programs.
Maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, service providers, and community partners.
Participate in case conferencing and team coordination meetings.
Maintain accurate and timely participant records and documentation.
Enter and manage participant data in HMIS and agency databases in accordance with program requirements.
Ensure compliance with agency policies, confidentiality standards, and funder regulations.
Support reporting and tracking requirements.
Participate in supervision, training, and team meetings.
Maintain knowledge of housing resources, program requirements, and best practices in housing placement services.
Contribute to continuous improvement of housing services and participant outcomes.
Model CAPSC’s mission, values, and commitment to reducing barriers and promoting equitable access to services.
Communicate respectfully and effectively with participants, staff, and community partners; maintain confidentiality; and represent CAPSC professionally in community partnerships.
Perform other duties as assigned to support evolving program needs.