Housing Support Specialist
About The Position
The Center for Human Development (CHD) is seeking a Housing Support Specialist to join their DYS Transition to Independent Living Program (TILP). This program provides placement and casework support to youth aged 17-22 who are aging out of foster care. The role involves working with youth in agency-leased community apartments throughout Western Massachusetts, helping them develop skills and gain insight for independent living. The position is dynamic and multifaceted, requiring direct service and hands-on outreach work. The goal is to increase the safety, stability, well-being, and self-sufficiency of young people transitioning to independent living. The specialist will assist with placing, supporting, and supervising referred youth in scattered site community apartments.
Requirements
- Associates or Bachelors Degree preferred
- The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with people, particularly youth/teenagers
- Previous caseload and outreach experience preferred
- Knowledge of life coach responsibilities, experience preferred
- Must have a vehicle for work use and current driver's license
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates preferred
Responsibilities
- Interview and screen young adult referrals
- Complete formal processes of intake, assessments of skills and safety, treatment plan development and progress reviews
- Utilize multiple databases for documentation
- Maintain organized and thorough documentations with adherence to time lines
- Develop positive rapport with youth
- Develop appropriate goals for youth growth based on assessments and be accountable to support those goals through specifically identified tasks
- Participate in all moving in and out activities including seeking and securing rentals, furnishing and moving of belongings, cleaning and maintenance or facilitation of maintenance of properties as needed
- Shops for and prepares apartments for youth move in
- Maintains a regular schedule of contact with clients and weekly viewing of placements
- Attend weekly team review meetings and participate in regular supervision
- Collaborate with DYS funding source to form a supportive team and inform on youth progress
- Attend virtual and in person meetings for case coordination and reviews
- Counsel, support and coaches from a prospective of positive youth development with an understanding of trauma informed interactions
- Transports clients in matters related to service delivery (e.g. medical/counseling appointments, school, outside agencies, court appearances, etc.)
- Assist with seeking and facilitate participation in employment, job training opportunities and educational programming
- Maintain knowledge of community resources for services and housing
- Provide direct instruction of independent living curriculums/modules
- Assist clients with budgeting and shopping for food weekly
- Conduct both announced and unannounced visits to apartment sites
- Identify unaddressed client needs and collaborate with funding source and community resources to assist the youth in meeting them (i.e. medical, mental health, financial, skill development, parenting needs)
- Facilitate transitional planning for discharge
- Monitor for client contract compliance
- Participate in schedule of on call coverage
Benefits
- Dental, Health and Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Earned vacation time
- Paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
