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 insurance

PTO 19 days + 2 mental health days + 9

Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and

Life & Disability Insurance

Job summary

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) seeks a Housing Support Specialist to help clients secure permanent housing and maintain tenancy in the Salish region. This full-time, on-site role includes outreach, housing planning, and collaboration with landlords and community resources to promote stability.

The position requires relevant education/experience, driving in a personal vehicle, and a commitment to recovery and housing outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health OR 4+ years relevant experience.
• Experience working with individuals in housing or behavioral health is preferred.
• Must drive clients in a personal vehicle and meet driving requirements.
• Ability to coordinate with landlords, housing providers, and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized housing plans aligned with client goals.
• Collaborate with treatment teams to support housing stability.
• Initiate housing planning after referrals and update plans as needed.
• Maintain documentation of housing outcomes and progress notes.
• Assist clients with tenancy paperwork and housing applications.
• Coordinate referrals and community-based housing support services.
• Engage in local homelessness planning meetings and continuum-of-care activities.

Skills

Relationship building

Clear communication

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social services, or behavioral health

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:

1. Maintain a working knowledge of mental health rehabilitation standards.

SKILLS:

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

ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed productivity standards. Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a team member.
2. 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.