Housing Stabilization Specialist - RFS

Housing Matters • Santa Cruz, CA

1d • $28 - $32 • Onsite

About The Position

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into
permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our
team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to
join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Housing Matters is hiring for a Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) Housing Stabilization Specialist
for their family shelter, RFS. The Rebele Family Shelter (RFS) is a low-barrier, 28-bed emergency shelter
for individuals and their minor child or children. The Housing Stabilization Specialist works with
participants toward achieving and maintaining permanent housing by establishing the skills, relationships,
and resources needed to maintain housing in the long term. Under direction, Housing Stabilization
Specialists will carry a caseload providing housing stabilization social services including increasing
income, benefits counseling, connection to natural supports, and development service plans that may
include the need for specialized social services.

Requirements

• Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain this knowledge would be:
• A minimum of one year of experience performing social service casework services comparable to a Case Manager I or Outreach Specialist I at Housing Matters in an exceptional manner exceeding all standards and abilities
• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in social work, social welfare, human services, or one of the social or behavioral sciences.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License
• Ability to work on site at the Housing Matters campus
• Bilingual English and Spanish speaking required
• Thorough knowledge of:
• Social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.
• Social and economic factors which influence individuals and/or households experiencing homelessness.
• Principles of human behavior and development, psychological defense mechanisms and reactions to stress.
• Community health, welfare, social, and legal support systems, and other resources available to clients.
• Interviewing and record keeping techniques, including the documentation of all actions and contacts in case files.
• Basic principles and trends of affordable housing.
• Federal and State housing regulations, programs, and procedures.
• County and state affordable housing policies, procedures, and programs.
• Housing inspections.
• Grant compliance reporting.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the organization is required.

Nice To Haves

• De-escalation and MI skills preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide the first point of contact and engagement for individuals/ families experiencing homelessness.
• Effectively engaging potential clients out in the community, e.g. approaching individuals who may be experiencing homelessness off-site and engaging them in a conversation about resources and options for housing.
• Build supportive rapport through recurring contacts with households experiencing homelessness before they enter housing programs.
• Assess new participants through the HNS (Housing Needs Assessment) and HMIS Standardized Intake
• Work and efficiently communicate with partner organizations to stay up-to-date on community resources; coordinate with other outreach programs for group outreach and events.
• Accept each individual for who they are and where they are; provide options, information, and choices that allow for stimulating change.
• Work with households as they begin to think about housing options; engage in problem-solving to access immediate housing, services, and shelter options.
• Facilitate client assistance funding to move eligible households into permanent housing in Santa Cruz County as well as other locations.
• Coordinate with staff to support entry into programs or shelters when immediate housing is not available.
• Perform intake interviews, and assessments, and assist participants in developing individual case plans.
• Facilitate participants’ pathway to permanent housing in coordination with Housing Matters team and other programs, agencies, and organizations.
• Provide ongoing case management including assessment, referrals, budget assistance, housing navigation, housing placement, and promoting housing stability with individuals as assigned.
• Develop and maintain accurate written case records including intake, assessment, ongoing case plan, and progress notes.
• Conduct or assist with Housing Stabilization depending on program needs.
• Meet all administrative requirements including recordkeeping, HMIS etc.
• Maintain confidentiality and treat participants with dignity and respect at all times.
• Assist in the overall administration of the program.
• Transport program participants in Housing Matters vehicles to meetings and appointments in accordance with program requirements
• Respond appropriately to potential crises that may arise.
• Report any hazards to the Program Manager for immediate attention.
• Support the Program Manager in enforcing and maintaining campus and shelter policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 6 Medical plans - 100% employee coverage
• Dental - 100% employee coverage
• Vision - 100% employee coverage
• Life insurance (UNUM) - 100% employee coverage
• Chiropractic and Acupuncture (for those who elect medical insurance) - 100% employee coverage
• 403b Retirement Savings matched up to 3% dollar-for-dollar with no vesting period
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Travel Assistance
• PTO: 20 days annually, 1 paid floating holiday, 9 paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees