Rapid Rehousing Reunification Specialist

Congreso De Latinos Uni•Philadelphia, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Specialist is responsible for ensuring safe and affordable housing for clients with a history of housing instability. The Housing Specialist provides community-based housing case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy with a special focus on housing issues faced by families in need of reunification who have children in foster or kinship care. The Housing Specialist assists clients with housing relocation, reintegration into the community, and working toward long-term goals of financial stability. This position serves as an advocate and case manager for the client, linking the individual to essential resources to increase their safety, stability, and empowerment. This position reports to the Housing Stability Manager. This is a Hybrid position with onsite work conducted at Congreso's main office, within the community, and/or a client's home. Work location is subject to change based on program need. The Housing Specialist applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role. Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision. We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ+, and women to apply. Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
Ability to understand, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
Bachelor's Degree in a related field required.
2-3 years’ direct experience with housing counseling advocacy and child welfare system or related field, with a focus on special needs populations.
Housing Counseling and Housing Quality Standard certifications required and may be completed post hire.
Mandated Reporter and Supporting Children and Families with Disabilities Training certifications required and may be completed post hire.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (/English) written and verbal skills a plus.

Responsibilities

Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and will be an ambassador of our work.
Conducts initial client intake including needs assessment and the development of an action plan, regular follow-up with clients to measure and ensure goal attainment and client satisfaction.
Establishes and maintains relationships with realtors, landlords, and financial institutions to locate for clients as needed, as well as relationships with other human services providers, community, and the public.
Conducts home visits and home inspections, according to program requirements.
Provides a holistic approach by linking clients to services leading to self-sufficiency using PCM principles.
Documents each service provided in Congreso’s internal database. Maintains client’s records and document contacts with clients in the database.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date client files and regularly attends and actively participates in case reviews, case consultations with medical case managers programs, etc.
Participates in the development and maintenance of referral resources for clients.
Develops statistical and narrative reports to assist the program manager and/or program director in preparing reports or proposals to funders.
Collaborates with the program leadership in the development and/or refinement of data collection systems.
Provides coverage for vacant positions as needed.
Works closely with all programmatic divisions to create a pathway for clients to achieve economic stability and independence.