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POSITION SUMMARY
The Housing & Economic Support Specialist (Specialist) provides support for the Economic Stability programs, within the Economic Prosperity department; they provide housing navigation and stability services to clients and participants who contact CLUES with immediate needs related to economic stability, such as housing, food access, employment, unemployment benefits, etc. The Specialist also supports with basic, yet fundamental, housing counseling activities such as goal setting, and personal budget analysis. They use high level customer service skills, bilingual ability in Spanish and English, and cultural sensitivity to connect participants with appropriate resources internally or externally in an efficient and timely manner.
The Specialist works closely with other members of the Housing Stability team to ensure the needs of the community are met. They will provide navigation, coaching, and support services to clients and program participants as a way to support them in overcoming barriers that prevent them from achieving stability and financial wellness.
Department: Economic Prosperity
Reports to: Lead Housing Counselor
Location: CLUES St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN Offices
Position Type: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time. Monday - Friday Office hours.
Estimated Pay: $20.60 to $22.25 (depending on experience & qualifications).
Benefits: Full benefits package available in accordance with current CLUES policies-includes: medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, and life insurance (with AD&D); long term and short-term disability; pre-paid legal services and ID theft protection; retirement plan; educational assistance; paid holidays; and paid time off.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Housing Stability Navigation and Support Services
- Provide linguistically and culturally appropriate services in English or Spanish, via phone, or in person for participants who contact CLUES, or are referred to CLUES by external partner organizations or referred internally, seeking resources to support their housing stability.
- Services include: mortgage and rental assistance, rental search and access support, eviction prevention resources, public housing application support. et
- Perform prescreening questionnaires, needed assessments, and basic financial analysis (such as a preliminary budget, and assets/debt assessment) for participants upon entry and enrollment of services.
- Work with participants one-on-one to identify barriers to financial stability and develop clear, goal-oriented Work Plans that address these challenges. Complete thorough and accurate written documentation (in hard copy, electronic form, etc.) of action items provided to participants.
- Efficiently and rapidly provide information and referral services to callers/participants based on their situation (referrals within CLUES as well as externally to community organizations and resources).
- Provide navigation support to income and public benefit programs (such as unemployment, SSI, SNAP) as a way to supplement economic stability, when appropriate.
- Participate in community outreach events, resource fairs, and program specific clinics (e.g., walk-in housing navigation services).
- Provide recurring in-person support for Support Services distribution (i.e., Gift Cards, etc.)
- Support with logistics, preparation, outreach, education, and direct services screening, for Housing and Financial Capability program workshops, education sessions, and trainings.
Data Entry & Administrative Support
- Support in confidential data collection and reporting for housing stability, homelessness prevention, and hotel voucher programs (client demographics, financial information, etc.)
- Support in providing program disclosure information, such as Privacy Policies, Program Authorizations, etc.
- Complete program and client data entry and administrative support for Housing Stability programs, utilizing various platforms as instructed (e.g., HMIS, HomeKeeper, Salesforce, etc.)
- Maintain appropriate written documentation (hard copy and/or electronic) of all action items and work plans provided to participants.
- Document all client activity within 48 hours of contact in appropriate database and maintain all case files in accordance with contracts.
- Provide weekly performance and client status reports to supervisory staff.
General Duties
- Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies and other applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
- Promotes the mission, operating values, and services of CLUES within the community.
- Carries out all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change or add to the duties of this description at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS
- This position has no supervisory responsibilities for staff, they may provide oversight and support of program interns and volunteers.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education, Experience & Key Abilities*
- High school diploma or GED required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, business administration, finance, or related field preferred.
- 1+ year of customer services experience required.
- Bilingual in Spanish and English with cultural sensitivity and awareness required.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and customer service skills, especially by phone, required.
- Must be organized, have the ability to work under pressure and stress, have attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Self-motivated and proactive problem solver.
- Ability to develop and communicate concise action plans for participants, and thorough, summarized case notes during, or after every client interaction.
- Familiarity and knowledge of community support services and other regularly utilized referral sources preferred.
- Knowledgeable of and experienced in accessing community resources that can serve client needs preferred.
- Strong computer background and knowledge of software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet.
*Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Language Skills
- Effective communication in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing required.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maintain accurate documentation, and respond appropriately to questions and requests
Transportation
- Must have access to use a reliable motor vehicle for independent transportation, valid driver's license, proof of automotive insurance, and maintain a good driving record. Must submit to and pass annual recertification of compliance with CLUES Automobile and Transportation Policy and driving record check.
Computer Skills
- Proficient working knowledge of email software, the Internet, databases, and common Windows-based programs, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.
- Must be willing to attend training to advance technical skills and maintain appropriate skill levels to perform job duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Background check
- Must pass a criminal background check and driving record check. As a condition of continued employment, staff person may be required to submit to and pass these background checks, including resubmission and reverification of passing these background check requirements.
ABOUT US
Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) is a non-profit leader in behavioral health and human services. The organization was founded in 1981 with a vision for improving the quality of life of the Latino population in Minnesota. Today, CLUES is Minnesota's largest Latino agency. Our mission is to advance social and economic equity and wellbeing for Latinos by building upon our strengths and cultures, uplifting our community, and activating leadership for systemic change. Although our services focus on the Latino family, our experience and capabilities enable us to serve individuals and families from all walks of life including new immigrants and low-income families who dream of a better future. Our programs and services encompass a holistic approach to addressing the complex and interrelated barriers our community faces, including programming that advances Community Wellness, Community Leadership, and Community Prosperity. Our services uphold and celebrate cultural richness and community assets as we connect individuals and families to resources, skills, institutions, and opportunities. We employ a diverse, multi-cultural staff to ensure our services are linguistically and culturally relevant.
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CLUES
Full benefits package available in accordance with current CLUES policies-includes: medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, and life insurance (with AD&D); long term and short-term disability; pre-paid legal services and ID theft protection;
life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plan
Oct 02, 2024