Housing Specialist

BHcare; North Branford (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

BHcare invites applications for a Housing Specialist to help individuals experiencing homelessness secure safe, stable housing and pursue long-term success. This full-time role (37.5 hours/week) is primarily based in Ansonia, CT, with one day per week at our North Branford location. Candidates must reside in Connecticut.

The role offers a Housing First approach, collaboration with landlords and CAN partners, and ongoing support to promote housing stability and wellness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field is preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience with homelessness or vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of housing resources in Greater New Haven area.
• Ability to engage diverse individuals with empathy and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with unsheltered and homeless individuals and families and support them through the housing process.
• Identify housing opportunities including public housing, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, sober living, shared housing, and market-rate options.
• Collaborate with landlords, Coordinated Access Network (CAN) partners, and community organizations to secure housing placements and remove barriers to housing.
• Connect clients to behavioral health, substance use, medical, financial, and community resources that support housing stability and wellness.
• Transport clients to housing, legal, medical, and other appointments as needed to support successful outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation, HMIS data entry, reporting, and compliance with agency and program requirements.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Advocacy

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft 365

HMIS

Job description

At BHcare, nonprofit organization, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, and fulfilling life. Every day, our teams provide compassionate care and support to individuals and families across Connecticut through behavioral health, substance use, domestic violence, housing, and community-based services.

We are looking for a Housing Specialist who is passionate about helping individuals experiencing homelessness secure safe, stable housing and build a path toward long-term success. This is a full-time, 37.5 hour per week position primarily based in Ansonia, CT and requires working one day per week at our North Branford, CT location. Candidates must reside in Connecticut to be eligible for this position.

What You Will Do

In this role, you will use a Housing First approach to engage individuals experiencing homelessness, connect them to housing opportunities, and provide ongoing support to help them maintain stable housing.

• Build trusting relationships with unsheltered and homeless individuals and families and support them through the housing process.
• Identify housing opportunities including public housing, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, sober living, shared housing, and market-rate options.
• Collaborate with landlords, Coordinated Access Network (CAN) partners, and community organizations to secure housing placements and remove barriers to housing.
• Connect clients to behavioral health, substance use, medical, financial, and community resources that support housing stability and overall wellness.
• Transport clients to housing, legal, medical, and other appointments as needed to support successful outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation, HMIS data entry, reporting, and compliance with agency and program requirements.

What You Will Bring

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• One to two years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or other marginalized populations.
• Knowledge of housing resources, community services, and supports available throughout the Greater New Haven area.
• Strong relationship-building, engagement, advocacy, conflict resolution, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations and community partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn HMIS and other required software systems.
• Experience working with coordinated entry systems, housing navigation, outreach services, or supportive housing programs.
• Experience collaborating with landlords, housing providers, and community-based organizations.
• Valid Connecticut driver's license, reliable transportation, acceptable driving record, and ability to transport clients as needed.

What We Offer

BHcare offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, paid time off, a retirement savings plan, and training and professional development opportunities.

BHcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, marital or civil union status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.