Housing Support Specialist

CHD Careers • West Springfield, MA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Human Development (CHD) is seeking a Housing Support Specialist to join our 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 position requires on-call rotation for evenings and weekends. The model utilizes unstaffed, agency-leased community apartments throughout Western Massachusetts, offering young people a space to practice skills, explore ideas, and gain insight into independent living. The role is dynamic and multifaceted, requiring a professional skill set combined with direct service and hands-on outreach. Casework is goal-oriented, aiming to enhance 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 these scattered site community apartments.

Requirements

• Associates or Bachelors Degree preferred
• 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 documentation with adherence to timelines
• Develop positive rapport with youth
• Develop appropriate goals for youth growth based on assessments and 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
• Shop for and prepare apartments for youth move-in
• Maintain 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 coach from a perspective of positive youth development with an understanding of trauma-informed interactions
• Transport 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 insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Earned vacation time
• Paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree