Housing Support Specialist II FHARPS

Kitsap Mental Health Services; Bremerton (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision

PTO and holidays

YMCA membership

Life & Disability Insurance

Student Loan Assistance

403(b) Retirement Plan

EAP

Pet Insurance

Wellness app

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Kitsap Mental Health Services is seeking a Housing Support Specialist to assist individuals involved in the criminal justice system with securing and maintaining stable housing. The role involves outreach across the Salish region and acts as a bridge between clients and housing resources.

You will develop strengths-based housing plans, coordinate services, and support clients in education, advocacy, and tenancy documentation to promote long-term housing success and recovery support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health field OR four+ years relevant experience.
• Minimum 2 years of job-related experience.
• Valid driver’s license in WA and driving clients in agency vehicle.
• Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration and WA DOH license in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized housing plans to support client goals and housing stability.
• Coordinate referrals and housing resources; maintain documentation of progress.
• Engage with landlords and housing providers to support tenancies.
• Maintain client records in accordance with policies and contractual requirements.
• Attend community meetings and coordinate entry processes for housing access.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

FHARPS Housing Support Specialist

Full-Time, On-Site (includes community outreach)

Hiring Range: $25.19 - $30.86 Per Hour

Benefits at a Glance

• Comprehensive Coverage: Health, Dental & Vision
• Generous PTO: Up to 19 days + 2 mental health days + 10 holidays (pro-rated for part-time)
• Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and eligible family members
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Free Wellness App (2MorrowHealth)
• Collaborative, Supportive Team Environment

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is seeking a Housing Support Specialist to support individuals involved in the criminal justice system who are working toward stable, long-term housing. This position helps clients find housing, maintain tenancy, and build skills that support long-term success in the community. The role serves as a bridge between clients and housing resources throughout the Salish region (Kitsap, Clallam and Jefferson counties).. If you're committed to helping individuals achieve stability through housing and recovery supports, we welcome your application.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop individualized, strengths-based housing plans that support client goals and housing stability.
• Collaborate in implementing agency treatment philosophy and supportive housing program goals.
• Contact eligible individuals promptly following referral and initiate housing planning activities.
• Update housing plans as client needs, circumstances, and goals evolve.
• Complete progress notes and maintain documentation related to housing outcomes and client progress.
• Support individuals in obtaining and maintaining permanent supportive housing.
• Assist clients with education, coaching, advocacy, dispute resolution, and skill development related to housing success.
• Provide ongoing support and frequent client contact to address housing needs and prevent housing loss.
• Coordinate referrals, resource linkage, and community-based support services.
• Assist with completion of housing applications, tenancy paperwork, and related documentation.
• Attend community meetings, housing coalitions, coordinated entry meetings, and other assigned forums.
• Manage assigned caseloads in accordance with contractual requirements and agency guidelines.
• Participate in local homeless planning efforts and continuum-of-care activities.
• Coordinate housing referrals and assist with timely submission of required applications.
• Conduct in-reach at state hospitals, correctional facilities, and inpatient settings to engage eligible individuals.
• Conduct outreach throughout the community to enroll and support FHARPS and OCRP participants.
• Maintain communication with forensic and clinical teams regarding client progress, needs, and safety concerns.
• Identify early warning signs that may threaten housing stability and intervene appropriately.
• Respond appropriately to client illness, injury, psychiatric instability, or other urgent concerns.
• Work closely with housing voucher programs to support successful housing placement and retention.
• Assist clients in developing housing acquisition and maintenance plans that reflect personal choice and goals.
• Provide tenant support, independent living skill development, and housing retention services.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers throughout the region.
• Collaborate with landlords and property managers to support successful tenancies.
• Maintain client records and documentation in accordance with agency policies, confidentiality standards, and contractual requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health field OR Four or more year’s relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

This position requires driving clients in a personal vehicle on behalf of the agency. Therefore, the incumbent must meet all agency driving requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having been licensed for a minimum of three years, successfully completing a motor vehicle history check, possessing and maintaining a current, valid driver’s license in the state of Washington, and having reliable, insured transportation.

LICENSURE: Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration.

Must maintain a Washington State Department of Health license in good standing.

Preferred Qualifications

EXPERIENCE: Experience in co-occurring disorders treatment, individual and group therapy, vocational services, or substance abuse treatment.

Performance Requirements

KNOWLEDGE

• Maintain a working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards.

SKILLS

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.
• Communication ‑ Communicates clearly and concisely.
• Computer skills ‑ Ability to operate a personal computer, fax machine, printer, and copier proficiently.

ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity standards. Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.
• Able to assist in building positive working relationships with staff of all agency departments.

Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.