Housing Specialist

Lifebridge North Shore is seeking a part-time (24+ hours/week) Housing Specialist based at our Salem site to support our residents in their search for stable housing. Lifebridge North Shore is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving those in need through individual shelter, day services, case management and access to other supportive services. With locations in Salem, Beverly and Gloucester, Lifebridge serves more than 300 unique individuals a day.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and locate housing options suitable for individuals who are experiencing homelessness
• Assist with the completion of housing applications and preparation of necessary documentation
• Act as an advocate for participants with housing/service denials; negotiate with landlords, housing authorities, and realtors as necessary; initiate appeals process for denials if appropriate
• Develop individualized service plans with each participant to address their housing needs, as well as other identified needs
• In conjunction with Case Management Team, develop support systems to meet individual needs; coordinate and facilitate move-in activities, rental negotiations, and service referrals as required
• Conduct screenings and assessments with homeless individuals to collect functional, environmental, employment, housing, educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an individualized housing plan.
• Maintain working relationships with various community property management firms, property owners and public housing agencies
• Create and maintain a housing database linking tenants to apartments and other housing options
• Provide information, referrals, crisis intervention, and general assistance in connection to permanent housing placement to all participants and Case Managers
• Provide service linkages in order to help clients develop support systems, in order to ensure identified needs are effectively met
• Provide retention and follow up services to ensure housing stability.
• Document and maintain all case files in physical files, HMIS or other identified databases.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Background and Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience

Experience:

• 1 - 3 years' experience working with homeless families/individuals or people in recovery.
• Ability to develop relationships with families as well as a variety of service stakeholders (schools, health and public benefit agencies.)
• Valid driver's license, insurance and reliable transportation
• Effective written and oral communication skills

Special Skills Preferred to Perform this Position:

• Knowledge of domestic violence, poverty, and federally funded mainstream programs such as General Relief, Social Security Disability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; HMIS database experience strongly preferred

Compensation:

• $20 - $25 per hour
• This is a one year grant funded position with the hopes of renewing