Housing Stability Specialist

Job Title: Housing Stability Specialist

Department: Programs

Reports To: Housing Stability Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time

Position Summary

This is a full-time grant funded position and is contingent upon renewal of the grants. The Housing Stability Specialist provides rapid re-housing services to low-income individuals and families that have experienced homelessness, with a goal of stabilizing them in their housing situation. Direct service responsibilities include determination of eligibility for housing services; assessment of needs; intensive case management; supportive services and referrals to appropriate agencies that can address program participants' needs related to housing, income, and well-being. The Housing Stability Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate financial assistance records, service delivery records, and reporting requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):

Client Services

• Consistently interact with program participants using person-centered and Strength's based approach while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Collaborate with community partners to identify families and/or individuals who are experiencing homelessness (or at-risk of homelessness).
• Conduct screenings and determine if families or individuals meet program eligibility requirements.
• Assist in housing identification, applications, move-ins, and housing sustainability.
• Communicate professionally and appropriately with property managers to maintain strong partnerships.
• Provide comprehensive case management services for diverse populations living in poverty, including people with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
• Meet regularly to assess participants' needs and provide appropriate case management to address those needs linking clients to Caritas of Austin's programs and other agency programs.
• Ensure that participants are safe and linked to appropriate resources following any crises.
• Facilitate and coordinate access to mental health, substance abuse, and physical health services.
• Develop and monitor individualized housing services plans with a general goal of housing stability.
• Maintain a caseload of up to seventeen households.
• Once the client is housed, 50% or more of meetings will be held within the client's home or in a community space.
• Transport clients to agencies and services, as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention, as needed.

Targeted Community Outreach and Engagement

• A minimum of 10% of time will be spent on developing and maintaining relationships with groups in the local community or elsewhere that can assist with client resources.
• Prepare and conduct presentations about Caritas of Austin services in relation to housing stability program(s) to internal and external audiences.
• Be actively involved in community meetings pertaining to housing and other supportive services in the Austin/Travis area.

Collaboration

• Work with Caritas of Austin's Landlord Outreach Specialists and community housing programs/landlords to identify and secure safe, affordable housing for clients.
• Build relationships with other service providers to enhance service delivery.
• As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas of Austin's Employment Specialists to link clients to employment. Research and stay informed about other local employment resources.
• As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas of Austin's Education Specialists to link clients to education programs. Research and stay informed about other educational resources.
• Attending program collaboration meetings and training sessions, internally and externally, as requested by the supervisor.

Client Data and Record Keeping

• Manage case data by entering it in a timely manner into Service Point, the database utilized by Caritas of Austin for the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Regularly prepare and maintain accurate records and reports, following the Caritas of Austin's Housing Services Department Documentation Guidelines.

Organizational Support Functions

• Work cooperatively with all components of Caritas of Austin services.
• Engage in appropriate teamwork functions to provide a professional work environment and effective service delivery.
• Attend Caritas of Austin staff meetings, Housing Services Department meetings and other meetings and training sessions as required.

Qualifications:

Education

• Required: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. Social work or related degree preferred.
• Preferred: Master's Degree in social work or related field and social work license.

Experience

• Required: Minimum 1 year employed as a professional case manager assisting low-income, diverse, and underserved populations in a social services agency.
• Preferred: Past case management experience in housing programs or with people experiencing homelessness and Crisis management experience.

Computer Skills

• Experience with internet, MS Office, various software, excel spreadsheets, databases.
• HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) helpful.

Language Skills

• Preferred: Bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish or other language)

Other Requirement:

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days of employment.

Salary/Benefits:

• Base Salary Range: $46,491-$52,885
• The salary offered will follow Caritas of Austin salary guidelines based on candidate's education and experience.
• Employer paid health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance for employees.
• 14 Paid Holidays per year.
• 20 days of accrued PTO in year one with increases up to 31 days per year.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Discounted Rates on Gold's Gym and Legal Shield memberships.
• Mileage Reimbursement.
• Monthly Phone Stipend.
• Monthly Paid Parking for employees who office from Downtown Location.

Application Requirement

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered. To be considered for this position, applicants must submit all of the following:

• A detailed resume outlining relevant experience
• A cover letter tailored to the position
• A list of professional references
• A fully completed application

Applications missing any of these components will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the review process.

Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.