Housing CSW

The housing CSW will provide housing community supportive services for consumers including connecting to housing programs, housing and associated issues.

Essential Functions:

1. Conduct comprehensive housing assessments to identify consumers' strengths, resources and obstacles towards securing permanent, sustainable housing in the District of Columbia.  Assist consumers in completing housing applications, including obtaining all documents necessary for a successful application.
2. Support move-in to new unit, inspections, and develop plans for rent payment crisis and daily living.
3. Provide community support services to participants after housing placement, supporting them in adjusting to housing and building long-term connections to community services.
4. Support the consumer with life skills to learn how to budget and to pay bills.
5. Recruit landlords to accept subsidized housing consumers with low-moderate income without a housing subsidy or voucher, maintain ongoing relationships with landlords to support consumers with housing  stability.
6. Provide daily, weekly and monthly tracker to identify the status of each consumer on your caseload.
7. Link consumers with services needed for mental/physical health, housing, substance recovery, and other services based on initial intakes and assessments.
8. Assist consumers with identifying potential housing opportunities, complete paperwork, and prepare to move in.

The Housing Specialist Should Be Able To:

1. Utilize motivational interviewing techniques.  Explore participants’ substance abuse until the Recovery Model.
2. Compile data, prepare reports, and maintain thorough and concise case notes.
3. Participate in weekly supervision and other program meetings.

Qualifications & Competencies:

1. Minimum of two years case management and/or direct service delivery, preferably working with issues of mental challenges, homelessness and/or substance abuse.
2. Ability to interact in a supportive and professional manner with a diverse population.
3. Ability to handle multiple tasks, including service provisions, documentation and crisis intervention.
4. Ability to build individual life skills, including finance and budgeting skills.
5. Demonstrated sensitivity, cultural competency, and ability to build supportive, respectfully working relationships and instill hope and promote self-determination.
6. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team.
7. Excellent verbal, writing, organizational, and time management skills.
8. Proven ability to outreach and engage with the spirit of “doing whatever it takes.”
9. Ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends and evenings.