Housing Specialist

Seacoast Mental Health Center•Portsmouth, NH

About The Position

If you like making a difference in your community and are passionate about working in a nonprofit organization Seacoast Mental Health Center is an excellent choice! If you are interested in a rewarding job and a supportive culture, as well as, being part of an organization that rates the highest in the state for consumer satisfaction , Seacoast Mental Health Center, Inc. has an opening for an Housing Specialist to join our team!

Requirements

Minimum of Bachelors degree in psychology, social work rehabilitation or human services required.
At least one year prior experience working in the human services field.
Availability to work flexible hours.
Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational and problem solving skills a must.

Responsibilities

Schedule, coordinate and facilitate housing opportunities for clients through housing development activities to include:
Provide outreach to landlords and individuals to market the Permanent Supportive Housing Program.
Conduct face-to-face housing presentations.
Help complete applications of various rental housing resources including print media and internet sources.
Help consumers secure and maintain affordable housing to include:
Contact with prospective landlords to schedule showing of rental units.
Schedule housing interviews for client.
Assist with rental application process.
Help consumers make informed decisions.
Housing assistance activities to include:
Ensure the execution of a subsidy contract for the client.
Maintain current information regarding the client’s benefits (basic income, and medical information) to ensure the subsidy amount if accurate with regards to the client’s income.
Provide housing advocacy and other supportive services to clients:
Help client meet tenancy obligations such as timely rent payments and other lease requirements.
Assist client with housing-related issues relevant to fulfilling lease requirements such as initial household setup, budgeting, housekeeping, house rules, contacting the landlord regarding any repairs and other issues in the home, health and safety (to include fire emergency plans and other safety and security concerns) and any other issues.
Help mediate landlord-tenant issues.
Provide follow up services to client in maintaining their homes by providing periodic in-home visits.
Assist client in applying for and transition to other types of long-term housing assistance, such as Section 8 vouchers or public housing.
Collaborate with designated county agencies to ensure consumers stability in the home.
Assist, guide and refer client to other resources as needed.