Program/Housing Coordinator

Volunteers of America - Greater New York•Rahway, NJ

29d

About The Position

The Program Coordinator is responsible for all tasks that assist participants with pre-tenancy, tenancy, and move in support services for the Housing Supports Program. The primary goal for the Housing Supports program is to provide access to housing support services that will help homeless participants find homes and remain in their homes, thereby improving health outcomes. Tasks include providing essential services necessary to ensure that individuals can successfully apply for housing, search for housing, and maintain their housing. The Program Coordinator maintains a wellness and recovery-oriented environment by using person-first language, and person-centered and rehabilitation planning to participants referred by the MCO's and the community.

Requirements

The position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the helping professions, such as social work, human services, counseling, psychiatric rehabilitation, psychology, or criminal justice.
In lieu of a bachelor's degree in a helping profession, 2 years' experience working with the homeless population is required.
Excellent engagement skills with knowledge and practice of motivational interviewing are essential for this position.
Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to develop relationships with community partners including the MCO's and landlords is required.
This position will also have a valid state driver's license with a safe driving record that meets agency procedures.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with developing landlord relationships is preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with DCA and NJ Family Care to implement program expectations. Documents all contacts in New Jersey's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) or a HMIS-comparable system consistent with additional guidance from DMAHS.
Conduct an initial assessment to assess participant's eligibility for Housing Supports and request service authorization from the MCO.
Develop an individualized housing support plan with participants by engaging with participants using the Housing First model as well as other evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing.
Identifies, coordinates, and secures resources to assist with housing costs and other expenses.
Educates and trains the participant on the role, rights and responsibilities of the tenant and landlord. Assist with the housing recertification processes, including lease renewals and housing subsidy renewals
Assists with navigating the complexities of the housing application process as well as assisting with the housing search. Communicate effectively with MCO care management, Housing Specialist, and utilization management staff to provide authorization requests and updates on changing participant needs.
Supports the participant in development of independent living and tenancy skills, including housekeeping; cleanliness; time management; financial literacy skills; budgeting; fraud prevention; establishing a bank account; connections to community services including grocery stores, transportation, schools, and jobs; as well as connecting the participant to social services.
Assists Director in interviewing candidates and selecting staff for Housing Supports positions.
Provides thorough orientation, supervision, training, evaluation and support for staff. Ensures that staff are performing duties as expected and documents performance problems through effective teamwork and collaboration of staff
Provides oversight and supervision to staff that is necessary to assist participants in achieving recovery goals in various life roles such as housing, employment, education, and/or social domains that support long term housing stability.
Participates in staff meetings and other program meetings/activities.