Supportive Housing Specialist

Pioneer Human Services•Oak Harbor, WA

About The Position

Pioneer Human Services is seeking a Supportive Housing Specialist to provide person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed support to individuals working toward housing stability and community integration. The role uses SAMHSA Evidence-Based Practices and a peer-informed approach that honors participants’ choice, voice, and self-determination. The Specialist helps participants navigate housing, benefits, community resources, and independent living skills while coordinating with landlords, housing organizations, treatment teams, and community partners. The role includes eligibility screening, housing assessments, lease and move-in support, rental assistance applications, ongoing participant outreach, landlord engagement, and maintenance of accurate service records and reporting. The Specialist documents services according to applicable program, Medicaid, SAMHSA fidelity, and organizational standards; collaborates with quality assurance and multidisciplinary teams; and supports safe, stable housing and community integration. The position also requires participation in supervision, meetings, training, and professional development, and maintaining required credentials and CPR/First Aid certification.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related field, such as human services, business administration, social work, public health, or criminal justice, or an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience.
Two years of experience working with individuals who experience behavioral health challenges.
Obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential; application must be made within seven days of employment.
Possess or be able to pursue and obtain a Certified Peer Counselor credential through the Washington State Department of Health under 18.19 RCW within 30 days of employment.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Company Approved Driver requirements, including minimum personal vehicle insurance when driving a personal vehicle on company business and an acceptable driving record.
Maintain required credentials in good standing and up to date with the Washington State Department of Health.
Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification within the stated timeframe.
Comply with pre-employment and employment drug testing; the position is safety-sensitive and testing includes marijuana.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in a related field, such as human services, business administration, social work, public health, or criminal justice.
Experience with services in a state substance use residential treatment facility.
Experience working with people from diverse cultures.

Responsibilities

Provide coaching, education, support, and skill-building related to participants’ individualized housing stability and community integration goals.
Deliver supportive housing services using SAMHSA Evidence-Based Practices and fidelity model requirements.
Use a peer-informed, person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach that respects participant choice, dignity, lived experience, and self-determination.
Screen individuals for eligibility, including disability, homelessness, and income, and complete Housing Needs Assessments.
Support participants in developing, negotiating, and maintaining leases and housing assistance documents.
Coordinate move-ins and help participants obtain required supplies and resources.
Guide participants in independent living skills, including budgeting, organization, time management, and navigating community resources.
Support applications for benefits and housing, SSI/DSHS documentation, food and transportation resources, and other referrals.
Maintain frequent participant communication through home and office visits, phone calls, and outreach to people disengaged from services.
Build and maintain positive relationships with landlords, proactively address housing issues, and support housing stability for participants and property owners.
Ensure each participant has a signed agreement and supportive service plan; participate in goal planning and provide progress updates and discharge recommendations when appropriate.
Maintain and update data collection and reporting systems, records, and reports in compliance with applicable requirements.
Document outcomes according to SAMHSA Supportive Housing fidelity and program guidelines, golden thread, medical necessity, and encounter submission standards.
Complete clinical documentation and paperwork as soon as practicable after service delivery, and no later than 24–48 hours.
Maintain an active landlord outreach and engagement tracker.
Apply public housing practices, landlord/tenant rights, housing policies and regulations, and standards for safe, decent housing.
Complete rental assistance applications, submit eligibility documentation, verify ongoing eligibility and residential status, and promptly report changes to relevant internal and external programs.
Meet productivity standards established by program leadership.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment teams to prepare individuals for community placement and coordinate wraparound support.
Serve as a liaison with community housing programs, including Coordinated Entry providers and local housing authorities.
Develop partnerships with landlords, housing authorities, behavioral health providers, and community agencies to expand housing options and access to care.
Educate community partners about supportive housing practices and participant rights, and explain housing policies, rules, and regulations as needed.
Write clear, professional, concise reports and correspondence.
Promote teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect with coworkers, participants, and community partners.
Work with Quality Assurance to support compliance with Medicaid and/or SAMHSA fidelity standards and monitor services for person-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based practice.
Adhere to professional and ethical standards and keep required credentials current and in good standing with the Washington State Department of Health.
Attend staff meetings, participate in service planning and coordination, attend assigned training, and participate in regular supervision.
Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 90 days of hire or as soon as possible and maintain certification during employment.
Participate in continuing education and professional development as budget allows, with a goal of at least two trainings or conferences per year.
May occasionally transport clients to appointments.
Perform other duties as assigned.