Housing Specialist (ID234)

Northwestern Community Services Board; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 42,323 - 46,922; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Community Services Board is seeking a Housing Services Counselor to manage an assigned caseload of clients with mental health or substance use diagnoses within the Permanent Supportive Housing program. You will help clients access housing, medical, social, vocational, and educational services while promoting self-determination in planning and coordination.

You will develop and review service plans, collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, and other providers, and support clients to

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• At least one year of experience working with adults.
• Experience with mental health, homelessness, or housing-related issues preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Manages an assigned caseload of clients in the Permanent Supportive Housing program.
• Assists clients in gaining access to housing, medical, social, vocational, and educational services.
• Develops, implements, and reviews service plans with clients and coordinates with community resources.
• Accompanies clients to appointments and housing searches as needed.

Skills

Driver's license

Client care experience

Case management

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Overview

This position is responsible for managing an assigned caseload of clients who have been diagnosed with a mental health or substance use diagnosis and are part of the Permanent Supportive Housing program. This position is responsible for assisting these individuals in gaining access to needed housing, as well as medical, social, vocational, and educational services. The incumbent will seek to maximize client choice, self-determination and decision making in the planning and coordination of housing services, as well as developing, implementing, and reviewing service plans and working with other community resources in meeting/achieving client needs.

This job description is based upon an evaluation of agency requirements at the time this description was written. This job description will change as the position is developed further, or in response to organizational or technological changes.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates in inter-agency planning and service coordination of activities, as directed, to improve and enhance service continuity and housing stability plan goals. Accompanies clients to appointments, meetings, and on housing searches, as well as any other client centered activity.
• Meets regularly with the Housing Supervisor as a means of enhancing professional growth, reviewing and processing the provision of housing services, and dealing with appropriate administrative issues. Keeps the housing team informed of client needs, successes, and challenges.
• Maintains close communication with the consulting psychiatrist and the clinic nurse for input regarding medication compliance, side effects of medication, and medication changes. Alerts identified staff of any changes in client adjustment, which might suggest decompensation and a need for more aggressive intervention.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• A combination of mental health work experience or relevant education and training, which indicates the possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job duties required.
• High School Diploma required.
• At least one year of experience working with adults. Experience with special needs populations, homelessness and housing-related issues preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and the ability to provide your own transportation.

Additional Requirements

• May be exposed to allergenic environments from client's homes, including dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
• May be exposed to clients with infectious diseases.
• Must be able to drive for long periods of time to travel in and out of the catchment area as needed.
• Must be able to walk distances, climb and descend stairs, maneuver in and out of agency vehicles.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds at times.

Salary

$42,323 - $46,922

Position

ID234

Retirement

NWCSB participates in Virginia Retirement System.

Disclaimer

All full-time employees are eligible for a complete benefits package that includes enrollment in Virginia Retirement System. For more information about benefits and a complete list of current job openings, please visit our website, www.nwcsb.com. Positions remain open and advertised until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Northwestern Community Services Board provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.