Housing Stability Specialist
About The Position
The primary responsibility of the Housing Stability Specialist is to work closely with individuals and families residing in the City of Seattle and/or King County who are experiencing instability and at risk of losing their housing. This short-term housing intervention is intended to connect program participants in crisis situations to supportive services to help ensure success in maintaining permanent housing. Services provided include, but are not limited to landlord liaison activities, financial coaching, housing counseling and connecting participants to community resources. This position will collaborate closely with the Housing Program Manager to develop and implement innovative housing and employment strategies. The primary focus will be on integrating housing case management with employment services to help participants achieve living-wage employment and long-term housing stability. Additionally, this role supports the YWCAâs Social Justice Initiative by addressing how racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of oppression manifest within institutions and systems. A strong understanding of anti-racism principles and the ability to apply these principles in daily social service practices are essential skills and core values for this position. As an equal opportunity employer, we highly encourage people of color to apply.
Requirements
- BA in social services or related field and/or 3 years related experience working with persons with disabilities, first time support service seekers and low-income individuals and families
- Comfortable working knowledge of and experience with computers
- Ability and willingness to work as part of team and independently
- Values diversity and provides culturally competent services
- Experience working with communities of color and people from different cultures than your own
- Demonstrated understanding of the intersection of racism and poverty
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational and record keeping skills
- Knowledge of barrier elimination strategies and maintaining housing stability for families and individuals
- Experience advocating for persons with housing needs, chemical dependency, physical and /or mental health issues, domestic violence and criminal history
- Knowledge of housing resources in Seattle and/or King County, Landlord/Tenant Laws and Fair Housing Regulations in Seattle and King County
- Valid Washington state driverâs license, reliable vehicle and insurance for travel throughout Seattle
- Core Competencies: Attention to detail, fostering diversity, customer service, discernment/judgment, problem solving, planning and organizing, finance, technical expertise, race and social justice advocacy
Nice To Haves
- One-year experience working in crises intervention and/or the public/nonprofit-housing sector preferred
Responsibilities
- Screen applicants for rental assistance need and eligibility
- Provide links to housing and housing stability resources
- Meet with applicants as needed to assist with the program eligibility, application process, housing search or other resources related to establishing housing stability (e.g. TANF, unemployment benefits, etc.)
- Assess the strengths and challenges of the family and assist them with developing housing stability goals and individual goal plans, and action steps.
- Collaborate with property management and/or landlords to negotiate payment plans and prevent eviction
- Provide or ensure provision of support services, as needed
- Provide referral and connection to supportive services, such as chemical dependency treatment, mental health counseling, domestic violence advocacy, etc.
- Conduct Housing Habitability standard inspection for new Move Ins
- Accurately and thoroughly document the performance of all tasks listed above in the client's file.
- Help with administrative support of the program through regular reporting and accurate record keeping as directed
- Participate on occasional outreach activities to boost participant enrollment
- Participate in regular check-in meetings with supervisor and other identified meetings and/or trainings to increase professional knowledge
- Adhere to all Volunteer Services protocol relative to volunteer usage, recognition and monitoring.
- Assure that clients, staff, volunteers and community partners are treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or socioeconomic background.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Excellent benefits package including medical insurance, retirement plan, plus generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans
- At the time of hire, employees may enroll voluntarily in the Fidelity 403b Plan
- After two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement Fund
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
