Housing Stablilization Specialist

PathForward; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

PathForward is hiring a Housing Stabilization Specialist to assist with Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing services for individuals in housing crisis. The role involves coordinating housing services, collaborating with community partners, and monitoring program compliance to improve outcomes.

This position requires proactive problem-solving, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work independently or with a team.

Qualifications

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
• Able to prepare written reports.

Responsibilities

• Initiate housing-focused case management for all participants.
• Complete intake and assessments with participants.
• Meet clients at home to assist with daily living activities and refer resources.
• Review participants' needs and connect to resources.
• Use crisis intervention and motivational interviewing to engage participants.
• Build partnerships with landlords and non-profits to secure housing in Arlington County.
• Help participants mitigate barriers to housing.
• Set participant goals using person-centered plans.
• Develop individual service plans for housing goals.
• Review case plans and provide resources and encouragement.
• Maintain accurate case notes and HMIS records.
• Provide referrals and educate on available resources.
• Advocate for PathForward/participants to access services.
• Approach participants with empathy and professionalism.
• Track outcomes and service trends for improvement.
• Coordinate with Housing Locator to locate housing.
• Coordinate intake information with Data Quality Coordinator.
• Collaborate with staff to address participant needs.
• Keep supervisor updated on progress.
• Review cases bi-weekly for progress toward permanent housing.
• Maintain complete working files and paperwork.
• Establish partnerships with local organizations and groups.
• Maintain a professional atmosphere and communicate clearly.
• Attend training and development opportunities.
• Support team-building and other duties.

Skills

Communication skills

Report writing

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Housing Stabilization Specialist provides assistance with Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing services, engaging in a collaborative process of assessing, planning, facilitating, and advocating to meet the needs of individuals experiencing a housing crisis. This role entails coordinating various housing services, collaborating with community partners, and monitoring program compliance.

This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team. The Housing Stabilization Specialist also works to improve the quality of services by providing support to tenants by conducting home visits, maintaining accurate records, and addressing tenant and landlord concerns.

Key Responsibilities

• Initiating housing-focused case management services for all enrolled participants.
• Complete intake and assessments with program participants
• Meet with clients in their homes to assist clients with their Activities of Daily Living and refer to appropriate resources.
• Conduct a review of program participants’ needs and connect them to appropriate resources to meet them.
• Utilize crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and problem-solving techniques to engage and establish rapport with participants.
• Build and maintain partnerships with landlords, management companies, and non-profit providers to identify and secure and maintain affordable housing within Arlington County for participants.
• Assist program participants with mitigating barriers to housing.
• Determine program participants goals using a person-centered, strengths-based /solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self- sufficiency.
• Develop individual service plans (ISP) for individuals (includes the goals, objectives, steps and timetable participants will follow to secure and maintain housing).
• Review case plans regularly and provide participants with the information, resources and encouragement necessary to complete plans.
• Maintain accurate case notes, client data (HMIS) and other records according to agency and professional standards.
• Provide referrals and educate participants about available resources, to include but not limited to transportation, food, housing, behavioral health, physical healthcare, etc.
• Advocate on behalf of PathForward/participants as needed to help them access essential social services and other programs that will improve their ability maintain housing.
• Approach challenging program participants with understanding, optimism, and compassion.
• Assist in tracking program participants’ outcomes and service trends to promote on-going evaluation and improvement of services.
• Work with Housing Locator to assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice, within reason.
• Work with Intake & Data Quality Coordinator to ensure correct intake information and assessments for program participants
• Work collaboratively with PathForward staff to address program participants needs and offer resources and expertise, as needed.
• Keep supervisor up to date and aware of program participants interactions and progress of the program participants.
• Review participant cases on a bi-weekly basis to ensure progress towards permanent housing.
• Maintain a complete working file providing activity documentation and copies of all corresponding paperwork.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations, and community groups to collaborate on housing needs, whether individually or organizationally.
• Always maintain a professional atmosphere.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor, colleagues, and stakeholders, relaying necessary/essential information.
• Attend training and professional development opportunities regularly.
• Support team building and teamwork opportunities and events.
• Perform other general duties to support the organization’s mission, as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.
• Able to prepare written reports.
• Proficient knowl