Housing Support Specialist II: HERO (Housing Empowering Recovery from Opioids)- Region 3- 7125

Community Health Resources•Manchester, CT

6d•$21•Onsite

About The Position

The HERO Program (Housing Empowering Recovery from Opioids) is a DMHAS-led initiative funded by the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee (OSAC), aimed at supporting individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). The program provides housing subsidies and intensive case management to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability who are at risk of opioid overdose or transitioning out of recovery or treatment programs. HERO staff offer flexible, community-based support, including pre-tenancy services such as housing searches and application assistance, followed by weekly case management—minimum monthly in-home visits—to help participants stabilize in housing and build strong recovery support networks. This role involves providing direct case management, including establishing rapport with clients, completing housing stabilization plans, providing direct skill teaching, advocacy, and assistance with obtaining/maintaining benefits, budgeting, treatment, medical services, employment, and transportation. The specialist will also assist clients in completing applications for various entitlements, access to job and vocational training, and link them to appropriate mental health and/or substance abuse counseling and DCF services. Direct assistance in the form of security deposits and time-limited rental assistance may be provided. The role requires advocating with landlords for tenant rights and providing conflict resolution. Competency in age-related or specialty issues and developmental needs for each population served is expected. The position also involves outreach and community education, acting as a liaison with various service providers and agencies, and maintaining awareness of the program within the community. Understanding tenant rights and responsibilities, basic housing law, and conducting outcome surveys are also part of the duties. The specialist will maintain documentation in compliance with agency and program standards and participate in staff meetings, supervision, trainings, and other assigned meetings. Additional duties as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required, concentration in Human Services preferred.
2 years’ experience working with homeless population or families dependent on specific position.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

concentration in Human Services preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct case management such as establishing rapport with clients, completing housing stabilization plans (as needed and required), provides direct skill teaching, advocacy and assistance around obtaining/maintaining benefits, budgeting, treatment, medical services, employment, transportation etc.
Assist clients in completing applications for, Husky, Social Security, State Supplements and other entitlements.
Assist clients with access to job and vocational training.
Link clients to appropriate mental health and/or substance abuse counseling and DCF services.
Provide direct assistance in the form of security deposits and time limited rental assistance.
Advocate with landlords for tenant rights; provide conflict resolution as needed.
Demonstrates competency in age related or specialty issues and developmental needs for each population served.
Provides Outreach/Community Education
Liaison with homeless service providers, Coordinated Access networks, DCF, domestic violence service providers, CHR providers and courts to provide information about access to the program.
Maintain awareness of the program within the community.
Assists in understanding tenant rights and responsibility as well as basic understanding of housing law as well as conducts outcome surveys as required.
Maintains documentation in compliance with agency and program standards.
Participates in staff meetings, supervision, trainings and other meetings as assigned.
Additional duties as required.

Benefits

Ample paid time off, including a special day off for your birthday!
Contributions to your 403b Retirement Plan.
Competitive premiums with added discounts on pet, auto, and home insurance!
Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
Student loan repayment assistance (Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Nurse Corps, NHSC/HRSA at select sites).
Exclusive tuition discounts for CHR employees at several local colleges/universities.
FREE robust training curriculum, featuring our brand-new Clinical Training Series for interactive learning, practical skill enhancement, and professional growth!
Clinical supervision and/or mentoring available at many programs.
Internal career fairs: connect with recruiters to discuss your career aspirations and the various opportunities available within our over 80 programs statewide.
Annual wellness stipend.
FREE premium subscription to the Calm app, for employees and their families.
Fun activities like coloring contests, lunch & learns, office seasonal decorating contests, employee appreciation events, and more!
Up to 6 FREE confidential counseling sessions per issue, per year, for individuals, couples, & families through our EAP program.
Participate in leadership luncheons with our CEO and various agency committees!
Weekly video updates from our CEO and monthly newsletters to keep you in the loop.