Housing Support Specialist

Thundermist Health Center

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Support Specialist is part of the integrated care management department at Thundermist Health Center and will provide community-based services under The Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) under the Home Stabilization Initiative. The Housing Support Specialist is responsible for providing collaborative intensive coordination for Medicaid patients who meet the Medicaid eligibility criteria based on a mental health and/or a complex physical health need which puts a patient at risk for or has caused homelessness and has associated risk factors necessitating complex housing stabilization such as history of eviction, frequent turn-over of in-home caregivers, history of institutionalization in either a medical, group home, correctional facility, or past or present substance use that interferes with the ability to pay rent or created interpersonal issues jeopardizing housing. Support services in the program are intended to be broad, flexible, and promote community integration and independence in housing. The housing support specialist will work with the patient who will be an active participant in the development of a Home Stabilization Service Plan (Plan). The Plan will be based on the needs and choices of the individual and be updated per Medicaid standards of program and documentation of services. The Home Stabilization program will provide an array of time-limited services, including home tenancy, life skills and other modeling and teaching services for individuals who require support in obtaining and maintaining a home, or home find services to individuals who require support in finding and transitioning to housing. Services are intended to be flexible and support recipients in becoming self-sufficient in their housing needs. Through collaboration with home stabilization providers and other delivery systems serving Medicaid beneficiaries, a system will be established that meets the needs of individuals facing home stabilization concerns.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
One (1) year case management experience
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures of services included under Home Stabilization Services meant to support the beneficiary’s ability to obtain and maintain residence in independent community settings
Job knowledge - broad knowledge base of relevant professional, technical and clinical information across assigned departments
Experience in community health setting, public health setting, population health management, chronic disease management, community case management
Proven success in handling difficult conversations with all levels of staff
Ability to effectively communicate, work collaboratively with patients , care team and external community agencies
Professionalism, self starter, autonomous, leader, training skills, customer service oriented, problem solver
Exceptional oral and written skills with proficiency in all applicable medical terminology
Demonstrated commitment to patient-centered, high-quality care for diverse and underserved populations; an authentic passion for health equity and community health. Approaches every patient interaction with compassion, cultural humility, and a genuine investment in their well-being — consistent with Thundermist Health Center’s mission to provide exceptional care

Responsibilities

Provide time-limited, skill-building supports that promote independence and long-term housing stability
Assist individuals with the housing search and application process
Support move-in readiness, including identifying and securing resources for moving and start-up expenses
Ensure living environments are safe and appropriate prior to move-in
Help individuals develop and maintain positive relationships with landlords and property managers
Provide education on tenant rights, responsibilities, and lease compliance
Identify and address behaviors that may jeopardize housing, such as late rent payments or lease violations
Conduct screenings and comprehensive housing assessments to identify needs, preferences, and barriers to successful tenancy
Develop and maintain person-centered Home Stabilization Service Plans in collaboration with the individual and care team
Incorporate goals related to housing stability, health, behavioral health, employment or income, and social connectedness
Regularly review and update service and crisis plans to reflect current needs and barriers
Coordinate care with healthcare, behavioral health, and social service providers
Facilitate referrals and connections to services that support housing stability and overall well-being
Participate in case conferencing to align care plans, monitor progress, and reduce duplication of services
Identify service gaps and advocate for appropriate supports
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assessments, service plans, and care coordination activities
Document all providers involved in care, including their roles and contact information
Utilize HMIS and other systems to support service tracking, information sharing, and coordination
Attend and actively participate in internal and external meetings
Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and organizational policies and procedures
Promote effective communication with supervisors, colleagues, and external partners
Engage in ongoing professional development and training
Support operational efficiency and continuous improvement efforts