FACT Housing Specialist

Endeavor Health Services; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading health services organization as a FACT Housing Specialist, where you will empower individuals to secure stable housing and support their recovery goals. Collaborate with a dedicated team to provide essential resources and guidance, ensuring successful reintegration into society. This role requires community engagement and advocacy, making a significant impact on the lives of those served.

Benefits

Medical and dental benefits

401(K) retirement savings plan

Generous paid vacation and sick time

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted pet insurance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or significant relevant experience.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License required.
• Personal experience with housing systems valued.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in securing safe and stable housing.
• Conduct housing assessments and support applications for housing programs.
• Coordinate with landlords and housing agencies.

Skills

Advocacy

Budgeting

Financial Literacy

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, psychology or a related field

Significant relevant experience in housing programs or social services

Job description

Join our dedicated team at Endeavor Health Services as a FACT (Forensic Assertive Community Treatment) Housing Specialist, where you will play a vital role in empowering individuals to secure stable housing and achieve their personal recovery goals. Your expertise will contribute to fostering a supportive community, enhancing the quality of life for those we serve, and promoting successful reintegration into society.

The Housing Specialist works as part of an interdisciplinary team within the agency, providing crucial support to individuals with behavioral health challenges in securing and maintaining stable housing. The Housing Specialist will collaborate closely with case managers, peers, clinicians, and medical professionals to ensure individuals receive the housing resources and support they need, while also assisting them in navigating the complexities of the housing system. This position requires regular travel within the community to meet with individuals in various locations, including within the community, at possible housing locations, and other service providers.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in securing safe, affordable, and stable housing through outreach, referrals, and collaboration with housing providers.
• Conduct housing assessments to determine individuals' needs, eligibility for housing programs, and best-fit housing options.
• Support individuals in applying for housing subsidies, grants, and other relevant housing programs.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, and housing agencies to identify available housing opportunities for individuals.
• Negotiate lease terms and assist with lease signings for individuals.
• Act as an advocate for individuals in housing-related matters, ensuring their rights are upheld and addressing any concerns or barriers they may face.
• Provide individuals with education and support on tenant rights, responsibilities, and maintaining housing stability.
• Offer individualized assistance with budgeting, financial literacy, and accessing benefits that may support housing needs (e.g., rental assistance, utility support).
• Attend team meetings, case conferences, and community outreach events to advocate for individuals and provide housing-related updates.
• Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive database of available housing resources, including rental listings, housing assistance programs, and affordable housing options.
• Provide easy access to the database for team members and external users, ensuring proper data organization, search functionality, and reporting capabilities.
• Assist in resolving housing-related crises, including eviction prevention, homelessness prevention, and crisis intervention in emergency housing situations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all housing-related activities, including interactions, placements, and referrals.
• Ensure that all required documentation is completed in compliance with agency policies and regulations.
• Frequent travel within the community is required to meet with individuals, court appearances, visit housing locations, and collaborate with community partners.

The Housing Specialist will need to visit various housing properties, and partner agencies. A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel independently are essential.

Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, psychology or a related field is preferred.
• Alternatively, significant relevant experience and knowledge of housing programs, social services, or behavioral health may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Personal or lived experience with navigating the housing system is highly valued. This experience can provide invaluable insight and empathy when working with individuals in similar circumstances.
• A valid New York State Driver’s License and access to a motor vehicle is required to make community/employment site/home visits.

We offer competitive salaries and an array of employee benefits, including medical, dental, company paid vision, company paid life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability, voluntary life, AD&D, and Short Term Disability, 401 (K) retirement savings plan with company contribution, 10 paid holiday, generous paid vacation, paid sick time, discounted pet insurance and an Employee Assistance Program. Eligible employer for college loan repayment through the PSLF program and other student loan forgiveness opportunities. Salary is $19.36-21.78/hour depending on education and experience.

Endeavor Health Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities with which we work in partnership.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.