Housing Retention Counselor

EVERGREEN HEALTH

The Housing Retention Counselor (HRC) provides independent living and retention counseling services to individuals receiving regular monthly assistance from the Housing Assistance Program. The position is responsible for assisting patients to move from homelessness into permanent housing. The Housing Retention Counselor assist all patients with intakes, assessments, move-in activities, manage financial assistance funds (security deposits, rent) and provide stabilization services (case management) to all patients in conjunction with community partners. The Housing Retention Counselor will also work towards developing and maintaining partnerships with community organizations and providers through outreach, collaboration, and education on our services.

As part of the Essential Functions for this role, the Housing Retention Counselor:

• Assesses independent living skills and works with the client care team to develop and implement service plans that foster maximum client self-sufficiency.
• Provides short-term situational counseling for clients in crisis.
• Assists clients to secure services that maximize their tenure in housing; increase their ability to maintain their household and finances, independently perform activities of daily living, uphold the terms of their lease; prevent lease violations; intervene and mitigate crisis situations; maximize tenant safety and security; and prevent avoidable evictions.
• Assist is locating and securing safe and affordable housing.
• Assist with patient moves.
• Provides quality customer service through a Trauma Informed Care (TIC) lens.
• Engages and maintains at least one monthly contact with patients to recognize circumstances when a client is/may decompensate, relapse or otherwise show signs of behavior that could put their health and/or housing at risk, and connect to appropriate resources including Health Home and or medical personnel.
• Prepare all reports in a timely fashion as per grant guidelines.
• Assesses and promotes ongoing linkage to medical and community support.
• Collaborates with patient navigation program staff to ensure connections are maintained. Documents and reports on clients’ connection to HIV primary medical care on a quarterly basis.
• Educates and facilitates appropriate use of housing and supportive services.
• Participate in regular home visits as per program guidelines.
• Complete all reporting in a timely fashion as per grant guidelines.
• Identifies and develops monthly expense checklists with consumers to ensure essential housing costs are taken care of as necessary.
• Communicates, engages, advocates on behalf of tenants and mediates conflicts with landlords while maintaining positive relationships.
• Provides and promotes health and independent living skills development.
• Represents the Center for Supportive Services in quality assurance activities.
• Provides education to patients and staff regarding the correlation between stable housing, access to healthcare and positive health outcomes.
• Maintain patient charts and accurate data input to ensure compliance with state, federal and local regulations.

Qualified Candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in health, human or education services and one (1) year of qualifying* experience or Associate’s degree in health, human or education services and two (2) years of qualifying* experience. Qualifying* experience equals professional case management or care coordination experience with the following populations: persons with a chronic illness, and/or persons with a history of mental illness, homelessness, or chemical dependence. Experience with families preferred. Candidate must have a valid NYS Driver’s License and an insured, dependable car. Candidate must be able to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, and possess organizational and time management skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Required education: Bachelor’s (plus 1 year experience); Associates (plus 2 years experience) .

Required experience: Case Management; Working with clients experiencing chronic illness, homelessness, mental illness and/or chemical dependence .

Additional requirements: Must have dependable, insured vehicle and NYS Driver’s License .

What Evergreen Health Offers You:

• Multiple comprehensive medical health insurance plans for you to choose from
• Dental and Vision coverage at no cost to you
• Paid Time Off package that equals 4 weeks of time in your first year
• 403b with a generous company match
• Paid parking or monthly metro pass
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid lunch breaks