SMI Housing and Benefits Specialist

Valle del Sol•Phoenix, AZ

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The SMI Housing and Benefits Specialist assists individuals enrolled in Valle del Sol's Serious Mental Illness (SMI) program in obtaining, maintaining, and maximizing access to safe, stable housing and public benefit programs that support recovery, health, and independence. This position serves as the organization's subject matter expert in housing resources, entitlement programs, and benefits navigation while addressing social determinants of health that impact overall well-being. Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, recovery-oriented, and person-centered approach, the SMI Housing and Benefits Specialist collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to reduce barriers to housing, financial stability, healthcare access, and community integration through advocacy, education, resource coordination, and ongoing support.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Experience working with individuals with Serious Mental Illness.
Experience navigating housing systems and entitlement programs.
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Must meet qualifications for and obtain Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) credentialing within 90 days of hire and maintain credentialing requirements throughout employment.
Must meet the licensure, certification, or credentialing requirements applicable to the position in accordance with Arizona law and applicable regulatory authorities.
Must practice within the scope of applicable credentials consistent with organizational policies and the needs of the populations served.
BLS certification, or ability to obtain within 5 days of start date.
Arizona Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card, or ability to obtain within 5 days of start date.
CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass pre- and continued employment screenings successfully.
Access to reliable transportation.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet Valle del Sol’s insurance requirements when driving a company vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Associates' degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Addiction Counseling, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution.
Experience coordinating services for individuals with behavioral health, medical, educational, or social service needs.
Experience working within integrated healthcare, community behavioral health, or community-based settings.
Experience supporting individuals with complex social determinants of health or barriers to care.
Experience with SOAR, HUD, ALTCS, Permanent Supportive Housing, Housing First, SSI/SSDI, and/or Benefits counseling.
SOAR certification.
Certified Benefits Counselor.
HUD Housing Specialist training.
Housing First certification.
Specialized training related to integrated care, social determinants of health, patient navigation, care transitions, or community resource coordination.

Responsibilities

Assist members in locating, applying for, obtaining, and maintaining safe, affordable, and appropriate housing.
Conduct housing needs and housing readiness assessments.
Assist members with housing applications, required documentation, and eligibility requirements.
Coordinate with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and community housing providers.
Conduct home visits, housing inspections, and tenancy support activities as appropriate.
Monitor housing stability and intervene early to reduce the risk of housing loss.
Assist members in applying for, maintaining, and renewing AHCCCS, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, SNAP, ALTCS, and other federal, state, and local benefit programs.
Assist members in obtaining required documentation including identification, Social Security cards, income verification, and medical documentation.
Educate members regarding employment incentives, work supports, and the impact of earned income on public benefits.
Track benefit renewal deadlines and proactively prevent interruptions in coverage.
Complete or coordinate SOAR applications when applicable.
Collaborate with Case Managers, Mental Health Therapists, Care Coordinators, Peer Support Specialists, nurses, psychiatrists, and community providers.
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
Support development and implementation of housing and benefits goals within the ISP.
Advocate for members experiencing barriers to housing or benefit eligibility.
Coordinate referrals to community resources supporting housing stability and financial independence.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with housing authorities, HUD-funded programs, landlords, behavioral health providers, entitlement agencies, legal aid organizations, and community partners.
Maintain current knowledge of housing resources, benefit programs, eligibility requirements, and community supports.
Identify opportunities to expand housing resources and community partnerships.
Promote Housing First principles and recovery-oriented housing practices.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation.
Monitor assigned quality measures.
Maintain housing and benefits tracking reports.
Participate in quality improvement.
Ensure compliance with AHCCCS, HUD, organizational, and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrates behavior consistent with Valle del Sol's mission, vision, values, and Emotional Quotients.
Promotes culturally responsive, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centered services.
Maintains competency in psychiatric rehabilitation, supported employment, recovery principles, and evidence-based rehabilitation practices.
Participates in required training, continuing education, competency assessments, and professional development activities.
Maintains all required certifications, clearances, and continuing education applicable to the position.
Performs other duties as assigned.