Current jobs related to Housing Specialist - Shrewsbury, Massachusetts - South Middlesex Opportu

South Middlesex Opportu is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Housing Specialist to join our team. As a key member of our shelter and housing services team, you will play a critical role in providing assistance to homeless families placed in shelter units, helping them to achieve safe and permanent housing as quickly as possible.

• Provide Housing Search Assistance: Utilize a trauma-informed approach and motivational interviewing to provide a strengths-based approach with clients, assisting them in finding and securing permanent housing.
• Develop Rehousing Plans: Collaborate with case managers and clients to develop monthly rehousing plans, ensuring that families have the necessary support and resources to transition into housing.
• Coordinate Services and Advocacy: Participate as a member of each shelter team, providing coordinated services and advocacy to support families in obtaining affordable housing.
• Build Relationships with Landlords and Community Providers: Develop relationships with outside landlords and community providers to assist in the identification of affordable housing options for homeless families.
• Maintain Client Files and Confidentiality: Maintain client files to include all housing-related documents and materials, ensuring confidentiality in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure Compliance with Program Requirements: Ensure compliance with program/department, agency, and/or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies and procedures.

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Experience: A bachelor's degree in a related field or 2 years of relevant work experience in social services or housing services with low-income, minority, and disabled individuals.
• Bilingual or Multilingual: Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese, are highly valued.
• Valid Driver's License and Reliable Transportation: A valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and meeting insurance standards are required.
• Sensitivity to Low-Income Populations: Sensitivity to low-income people of diverse backgrounds is essential.
• Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desk space is provided in a homelike congregate shelter setting. Company van is available with advance scheduling for transportation of residents. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Housing Specialist will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.