13-020 - Housing Specialist - SC/ San Diego Door Of Hope - Homeless Services

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Housing Specialist will assist residents with housing searches and placement along with leveraging supportive services that will support families and singles in obtaining/ maintaining permanent housing. The Housing Specialist works as part of the case management team having input on case assessment, planning, and reviews as it pertains to housing concerns.

Essential Functions

• Provide case by case housing navigation services, including but not limited to providing resources, tools and counseling to assist residents in determining housing readiness.
• Make referrals for services and follow-up to ensure that referrals were completed, tracking and documenting resident progress.
• Assess housing barriers of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs.
• Assist residents in locating and securing housing of their choice.
• Teach families to use various resources to find housing.
• Perform Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections.
• Maintain updated list of available housing options.
• Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the resident's behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain or maintain housing.
• Create and maintain consistent communication between community resources, collaborative agencies, and landlords.
• Serve as an ongoing liaison between property managers and residents.
• Assist residents in understanding their lease contract and educate them about their rights and responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate daily logs records, monthly outcome reports, and files for each resident.
• Transport residents as deemed necessary. Transportation requirements should be limited to housing searches and occasional visits to relevant social service agencies.
• Linking families to community resources to maintain housing.
• Facilitate housing and good tenant classes using available software and/or tools.
• Collect and report program data, including but not limited to HMIS reporting and funders' required data.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to lift 40 lbs. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinets drawers and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related social work or human services field, preferred.
• Minimum two years of experience working in a residential program for homeless families preferred.
• Minimum two years of case management experience working with disadvantaged families preferred.
• Bilingual English / Spanish helpful.
• Acquire First Aid / CPR training within 30 days of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid CA driver license with proof of vehicle insurance.
• Must complete Decision Driving Safety Test before driving agency vehicles and annually recertify as required.
• Must meet certification by and participate annually in The Salvation Army's Fleet Program (Salvation Army Fleet Policy dictates that an employee may not obtain more than two (2) moving violations or accidents within any 12-month period; see The Salvation Army Fleet Safety Policy.)

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to conduct internet research and use new software programs with basic training (HMIS)
• Ability to demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Possess strong listening, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cultural awareness, responsiveness and competency.
• Ability to appropriately and effectively handle emergency situations.
• Possess knowledge or understanding of tenant's rights and responsibilities.
• Possess knowledge of local community resources, social services agencies and landlords.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity in relation to information and documentation.
• Ability demonstrate initiative, work independently and work as part of a team.
• Possess people skills and feel comfortable making group presentations.
• Ability to quickly build trust and rapport.
• Ability to set and maintain appropriate personal boundaries.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with community partners and peer agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and demonstrate flexibility in managing priorities.