The Low Threshold Housing Search and Stabilization Specialist is responsible for the coordination and delivery of mobile housing search, advocacy and stabilization case management services to identified individuals in the Low Threshold Housing Search and transitional housing programs. The population of focus includes individuals struggling with homelessness, substance use, and mental health, who may also face multiple barriers to housing.
Briefly description of essential functions:
- Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence at all times, including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries and client confidentiality.
- Provide mobile housing search, advocacy and stabilization case management coverage in compliance with agency standards and contractual requirements.
- Actively engage in recruitment and outreach efforts to identified population for the purpose of increasing and retaining clients in care.
- Complete comprehensive assessment for each client, including housing history, impacting social determinants of health, and potential barriers to housing.
- Develop and monitor housing case management and/or housing stabilization plans
- Timely enters assessments, ISP’s, progress notes and collateral contacts in the EHR system
- Provide individual housing search support, including information about available housing resources in clients’ preferred community/communities, assistance with housing applications, and credit and CORI documentation.
- Provide mobile housing stabilization services to assigned clients once they have been placed in permanent housing, with the goal of supporting them in maintaining their housing
- Transport and or provide accompaniments (using agency vehicle) of clients to housing related appointments, legal and other approved appointments as needed.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively and sensitively with the VPI treatment/housing team and any other individuals or agencies involved in the clients treatment.
- Facilitate meetings as needed, with collateral providers for the purpose of coordinating housing needs.
- Regularly engage in outreach and marketing activities to potential referral and collaboration sources.
- Develop internal and external linkages supportive of the residents.
- Research and identify available rental assistance programs, educating clients and staff about the programs and the requirements to qualify; obtain and submit required documentation, and assist clients in the application process for these funds
- Maintain an up-to-date print and web-based list of housing-related resources.
- Create and distribute Housing Alerts to inform clients of newly available housing opportunities.
- Maintain and expand a network of relationships with provider organizations, housing authorities, low income housing property managers, and potential landlords.
- Develop, implement, promote, facilitate and document informational workshops/groups for clients
- Provide outcome data via monthly tracking reports.
- Have access to a vehicle and ability to be mobile between all programs.
Qualifications:
Bilingual/bicultural candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
- Bachelor’s degree and/or two years of housing case management experience preferred.
- Experience working with individuals at risk for and/or living with HIV/AIDS strongly preferred.
- Experience working in the addiction field a plus.
- Experience and competency in working with individuals of diverse race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex and drug cultures, age groups, religion, country of origin, disability and economic status.
- Knowledge of or openness to the Housing First Model, addiction/recovery, Harm Reduction Practices/Philosophy and infectious disease risk, or a willingness to acquire within the first six months of employment.
- Comfort and willingness to work on a mobile basis, as part of a mobile team, serving individuals across a variety of settings
- Must be at least 25 years of age with a valid Massachusetts driver’s license with a safe driving point of 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, or 03. Preferred/ not required
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a member of a treatment team.
- Ability to relate to individuals in an instructive, supportive, and compassionate manner
- Strong organizational, written and communication skills.
- Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and other data base systems
- Fluency in Spanish highly desired
- Three strong work related references
*** Victory Programs requires all employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Individuals may request exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.
Days/Schedule: Full-time position (40 hrs/week): Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Rate: $21.30/hour
Victory Programs has helped individuals and families in crisis for 45 years. Thousands turn to us yearly for shelter, sustenance, recovery, care, and professional, compassionate support. Most struggle with homelessness, substance use and mental health, and many live with HIV/AIDS. Our team of more than 200 staff across 19 programs works with people to develop and execute creative, safe solutions to the very real challenges our clients face.
Victory Housing is offering safe, stable housing. When individuals and their families have access to safe and stable housing, and a place to sleep at night they are much more likely to address other pressing issues like their health and the health of their families. With 19 innovative health and housing programs throughout Boston, Victory Programs is one of the largest providers of residential treatment programs in Massachusetts. The Victory Programs’ team is committed to moving homeless people directly from the streets into permanent supportive housing where treatment services are readily available, but participation is not mandatory. Because so many people who face homelessness are also experiencing significant health issues, Victory Programs offers a range of housing options and supportive, individualized residential treatment programs that enable people to stabilize their own lives as they regain their health, continue their recovery efforts and move from despair and hopelessness to self-sufficiency and dignity.
Our benefit program includes a 75% health and 25% dental employer premium contribution, 100% employer paid disability and life insurances, 19 days of earned time in your first year, sick time, personal days, tuition remission, and a retirement savings opportunity.