Housing Specialist

Child & Family•Newport, RI

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

You will provide assistance to multiple programs within the agency with knowledge of accessing and navigating a complex and under resources system of housing. The Housing Specialist will be focused on helping families maintain their housing, secure permanent housing, decrease the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and minimize the average length of homelessness amongst these individuals and families. Hybrid Role, 20% Remote Work.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in social work or related field preferred.
Experience navigating the RI Housing system required; 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.
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.
Statewide travel is required.
Must have valid driver's license, auto insurance and car registration.
Must authorize Child & Family to complete a motor vehicle records check.
The ideal candidate will be required to meet all background checks and medical clearances required for the position.

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 maintains 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.
Understands program client rights and responsibilities while assessing compliance and inspection readiness.
Documents housing notes in related data system, Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) entries.
Abides by mandates regarding confidentiality and ethics as per federal, state, and agency policies and procedures.
Ensures all appropriate notifications, incident reports, and data entry are completed in accordance with federal, state and agency policies and procedures.