Program Specialist - Housing

Roots Community Health; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health center in Oakland seeks a Housing Program Specialist to assist unhoused clients. This role includes direct communication with clients to determine their eligibility for various services while collaborating with internal teams. Responsibilities involve outreach, client interviews, and service referrals, requiring strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Candidates should have a high school diploma or relevant experience, an active driver's license, and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Active driver’s license required.
• Insurable to drive Roots vehicles.
• Previous experience with unhoused community appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Work both in the field and at Roots clinics.
• Interview clients to collect data for service referrals.
• Assess needs and connect clients to services.
• Document and complete all paperwork in a timely manner.

Skills

Strong interpersonal communication

Customer service skills

Active listening skills

Ability to multitask

Education

High school diploma or 2 years' relevant work experience

College degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Position Summary

The Housing Program Specialist is the first point of contact for prospective clients within the unhoused community. This position requires direct communication with clients to help determine eligibility or need for services. They work in collaboration with the navigation, clinical, and other staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work both in the field at encampments and on-site at Roots clinics.
• Interview prospective clients in person and over the phone to collect the needed data to make appropriate internal service referrals.
• Assess client needs and assist with service referrals and connections to Roots Navigation department including, but not limited to: Social Security Insurance (SSI), Social Security card replacement, Identification Card or Driver’s License, General Assistance, CalFresh, Medi-Cal (Medicaid sign-up).
• Follow up with the Navigation department regarding progress on clients referrals.
• Complete training for HMIS.
• Complete training for CES and complete CES assessments for all clients.
• Complete Verification of Homelessness (VOH) and Verification of Disability Form (VOD) forms for all clients.
• Guide clients by explaining procedures, answering questions, and providing requested information.
• Collaborate with Navigators and other staff to support mutual clients.
• Follow-up with clients and prospective clients regarding missed appointments and missing documents to complete their application.
• Complete all required documentation and reports in a timely fashion and in the manner required by program contracts.
• Maintain a professional, safe space, and utilize de-escalation techniques with clients when necessary.
• Perform outreach to unhoused communities close to our main campus in order to increase attendance at Welcome Wednesday.
• Administrative duties including, but not limited to filing, responding to phone messages and emails in a timely manner, and attending department and staff meetings.
• Attend all required training.
• Must be able to work full-time on site and/or off site.
• Other tasks as needed and required by your supervisor.

Requirements

• Active driver’s license.
• Insurable as they will be driving Roots vehicles.

Competencies

• High school diploma or 2 years’ relevant work experience. College degree preferred.
• Previous experience working with the unhoused community.
• Ability and willingness to work at encampments and in inclement weather.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills.
• Previous de-escalation training is preferred.
• Ability to multitask.
• Active listening skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency in Google Suite preferred.
• Ability to learn, document in, and communicate within an electronic health record system.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Roots Community Health Center is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values diversity of culture, thought, and lived experiences. We seek talented, qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, conviction history, uniform service membership/veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical conditions, genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression regardless of physical gender, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. Roots uses E-Verify to validate the eligibility of our new employees to work legally in the United States.