Prevention Specialist

FLSA: Non-exempt

DEPARTMENT: Housing Services

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

The primary purpose of the Housing Prevention Specialist is to assist families in achieving transitional housing and access medical, educational, social, prevocational, rehabilitative, employment or other needed community services for eligible clients and families who have become homeless. Targeted population includes children (Birth to age 18) and their families who are at risk of becoming homeless or are currently homeless utilizing a Community Based Scattered Site Model. The Community Based Scattered Site Model is designed to maximize family independence, minimize family disruption, and result in stronger, more viable housing permanency outcomes.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Housing Prevention Specialist provides an array of services in support of the Family Housing Program’s goal of promoting children’s emotional well-being. The Housing Prevention Specialist intensive home based services ensure that families are activity engaged in the various resources/services provided( i.e., mental health, health care, job training/coaching, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, etc.) The home visits are focused on building healthy relationships and promoting positive family environments to end homelessness. The Housing Prevention Specialist promotes a strengths based approach to service that empowers families, supports a community based philosophy of service, and ensures that all services are aligned with the agency’s mission, vision, and core values.

BENEFITS:

• Monday-Friday Day Schedule.
• Full benefits package to all positions after 60 days of employment.
• Free standard HMO Health, Dental, and Vision plans offered to employees.
• 401k plan with 4% employer match.
• PTO that accrues to 15 days annually and increases with seniority.
• 12 Paid Holidays annually.
• Paid Office closure last week of the year.
• Bilingual Stipend if applicable.
• $24.00-26.00 an hour starting pay, dependent on experience and skillset.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts comprehensive needs assessments with families and assists them in obtaining needed resources such as health insurance, housing, and low cost childcare through referral and linkage.
• Provides individual and group rehabilitation services under LAHSA, EVERYCHILD, CDC, HUD, DPSS, FIRST 5 LA, other contracts, and city contracts.
• Completes and submits progress notes in a 24 hour timeframe utilizing the agency’s electronic health record system (HMIS).
• Provides guidance and assistance to parents/caretakers on managing child’s behaviors successfully.
• Provides guidance and assistance to parents/caretakers on managing familial stressors effectively and successfully.
• Assists family with identifying internal and external resources to assist with multiple stressors as it relates to homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse issues, etc.
• Develops and provide client rehabilitation services which assist in improving, maintaining, or restoring daily functioning at home, school, and community in accordance with treatment goals and in collaboration with treatment team (i.e., therapist, psychiatrist).
• Provides interagency and intra-agency consultation, communication, coordination and referrals.
• Identifies and communicates to therapist obstacles preventing families from connecting with program and/or referral services.
• Employment services (resume writing, job searching tips, etc.)
• Attends community meetings as requested by Housing Manager to present on housing services, referral process and eligibility criteria.
• Represents the agency at community resource fairs.
• Follows up with families to ensure successful placement and housing permanency for six months.
• Provides services in the community including home and school settings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or other mental health related discipline.
• 2 years or relevant experience OR have equivalent relevant experience.
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training.
• Have reliable transportation an a valid driver’s license with auto Insurance.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employee may be asked to participate in cross-training programs or pursue additional education or training when it is determined to be in the best interest of the company by the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

This description is only intended to identify the duties, responsibilities, and requirements for the position. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted to describe each and every duty an employee assigned may be required to perform.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a normal office setting. The noise level is moderate with occasional loud outbursts. Occasional need to work out in the field contacting clients in homes and schools. Frequently uses motor vehicle to effectively execute job duties.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, (i.e., calculator, copy machine and computer printer).
• Constantly converses with staff and clients
• Frequently operates a motor vehicle to travel to school or home site
• Frequently needs to position self in order to effectively interact with children of lesser stature
• Occasionally needs to transport materials (food, clothing, books, etc.) weighing up to 50 pounds for therapeutic activities
• Frequently needs to use motor vehicle for business purposes.

The Whole Child is an equal employment opportunity employer and no candidate for employment will be rejected on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or sex. Candidates with physical impairments will be considered so long as it can be reasonably demonstrated that the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed without hazard to the individual, fellow employees, or clientele.