Housing Specialist HERO Program

Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is a statewide not for profit provider agency that partners with individuals, their families, and the surrounding communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. We measure success by our ability to help individuals obtain a safe home, achieve whole health, realize a meaningful purpose, and develop connections in the community. MHC envisions a future where wellbeing is rooted in respect for the condition of being human. Our dedication to this mission is evident through our focus on community education, advocacy, and direct service.

MHC has an immediate full-time opening (Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, with flexibility as needed ) for a Housing Empowering Recovery Opportunities (HERO) Housing Specialist within the Waterbury/Torrington area. The HERO Program is a DMHAS-led initiative funded by the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee (OSAC), aimed at supporting individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). The program provides housing subsidies and intensive case management to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability who are at risk of opioid overdose or transitioning out of recovery or treatment programs. The HERO Housing Specialist will provide housing support while supporting the participants' recovery.

Salary: $24.00 per hour. MHC offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical and Dental (Cost share split 90/10 for employee only and 80/20 for employee + dependents)
• Voluntary Vision
• Company paid Life and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan (company match is dollar for every dollar contributed, up to 6%)
• Generous paid time off policy including 11 agency observed holidays, sick time, vacation time, and wellness days

Requirements:

The Housing Specialist responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct intakes, assessments, homeless verifications, income verifications, and provide direct service and case management to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and other co-occurring conditions on a regular basis, including but not limited to at least one face-to-face interaction per month.
• Conduct home visits and safety assessments in line with individual program requirements.
• Create a recovery plan based on program served, assessments and acuity level of participant.
• Orient participants to the program and encourage and support participants in continued participation in the program.
• Connect individuals in need of services to appropriate services and resources such as 211 or CAN if that individual has not been connected to such services.
• Provide housing relocation and stabilization services to help people exit homelessness.
• Develop and cultivate formal relationships with all program participants and property owners in order to provide advocacy on behalf of program participants. Aid in research of subsidized housing, voucher opportunities and other grant opportunities available to help individuals or families secure funding for housing.
• Assist in the apartment search and or leasing opportunities as individuals/families secure housing. Once housing is secured, review lease conditions/subsidy policies with participant and assist/support in following said conditions/policies.
• Input individual data into databases as required based on programmatic protocols and guidelines.
• Engage participants in recovery-oriented activities such as clinical support, peer support, social support, etc. Organize and facilitate psycho-educational groups as needed.
• Identify and refer individuals to appropriate community supports and resources while advocating for and supporting individual centered preferences.
• Conduct outreach providing psychological first aid, stress management support, resource linkage, and connection to literature about additional resources.
• Support individuals in securing reliable means of contact, including free cell phone programs, or outreach to vulnerable and or non-contactable populations when needed.
• Assist with getting participant connected/referred to employment services.
• Willing and able to drive a personal vehicle locally and within the state. May be required to transport individuals in personal vehicle.
• Operate in a harm reduction approach.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience/Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in social science or related field and/or Recovery Support Specialist preferred.
• Substance Abuse certification preferred.
• Case Management experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and vehicle insurance.

Mental Health Connecticut is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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