Housing Stability Specialist
Job Title: Housing Stability Specialist
Department: Programs
Program: Housing Stability
Reports To: Housing Stability Program Manager
FLSA Status / Pay Type: Non-Exempt / Hourly
Caritas of Austin Values
Respect
We believe in the inherent dignity of all people, and we celebrate every person’s uniqueness and contributions to our work.
Equity
We are committed to fairness and impartiality in the way we provide services and opportunities for service.
Commitment
We are resolute in our mission to build well-being and end homelessness for the people we serve.
Excellence
We have high standards for every aspect of our work, continuously raising the bar to provide the best experience and outcomes for everyone we serve.
Innovation
We are leaders in meeting the most pressing needs of the Austin community, continually learning and improving to affect positive change.
Caritas of Austin’s Housing Services Department values staff with the following attributes: creative, tenacious, curious, assertive, and demonstrating high integrity.
Position Summary
The Housing Stability Specialist provides rapid re-housing services to low-income individuals and families that have experienced homelessness, with an ultimate 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 and Responsibilities
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 17 households.
- Once 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.
- Attend 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 in order 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.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; social work or a related degree.
- Preferred: Master’s degree in social work or a related field from an accredited college or university; social work license.
EXPERIENCE
- Required: Minimum 1 year employed as a professional case manager assisting low-income, diverse and under-served populations in a social services agency. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days of employment.
- Preferred: Past case management experience in housing programs or with people experiencing homelessness; experience with Crisis Intervention.
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)