Residential Programs Application Specialist

Capital Area Community Services, inc.; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. in Lansing is seeking a Housing Support Specialist under the Residential Programs Director.

The role focuses on guiding eligible clients through the Weatherization Assistance Program and, when available, related home repair programs, helping families achieve independence. You will qualify clients, collect income proofs, coordinate with landlords, maintain files, and connect clients with community resources.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years experience in the delivery of direct and information/referral services to the low-income community.
• Knowledge normally acquired from specialized training such as that acquired in specialized classes, vocational, trade or business school with course work in human or social services.
• Advanced computer skills required.

Responsibilities

• Qualifies clients for participation in the Weatherization Program and, when needed, available home repair programs.
• Assists clients with the complexities related to their housing and energy needs.
• Assists clients in the selection of client education to complement the services offered by Weatherization and home repair programs.
• Maintains up-to-date client files, including assessment, direct and referral services, follow-up and other client contact.
• Works cooperatively with staff and clients to meet project objectives.
• Provides clients with community resource information and explanation of how to access services.
• Links clients with service providers and other resources designed to meet client needs and improve their quality of life.
• Serves as a role model to guide others along the self-sufficiency continuum.
• Works cooperatively as part of the Residential Programs Delivery Team on special projects, upon request.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Advanced computer skills

Confidentiality and discretion

Diversity sensitivity

De-escalation / calm under pressure

Education

Specialized training in human or social services

Job description

General Summary

Under the direction of the Residential Programs Director, provides family support services to clients seeking assistance through the agency's residential programs to promote client and family independence. This position focuses on direct assistance to eligible clients applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program and, when needed, available home repair programs, and requires the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with landlords, clients and other family support persons.

Essential Functions

1. Qualifies clients for participation in the Weatherization Program and, when needed, available home repair programs. Duties will include completing program applications and collecting all related documentation including proof of income, proof of homeownership and signed landlord agreements.
2. Assists clients with the complexities related to their housing and energy needs.
3. Assists clients in the selection of client education to complement the services offered by Weatherization and home repair programs.
4. Maintains up-to-date client files, including assessment, direct and referral services, follow-up and other client contact.
5. Works cooperatively with staff and clients to meet Project objectives.
6. Provides clients with community resource information and explanation of how to access services.
7. Links clients with service providers and other resources designed to meet client needs and improve their quality of life.
8. Serves as a role model to guide others along the self-sufficiency continuum.
9. Works cooperatively as part of the Residential Programs Delivery Team on special projects, upon request.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as a list of all duties that may be performed by such person.

Qualifications

Education

The job requires knowledge normally acquired from specialized training such as that acquired in specialized classes, vocational, trade or business school with course work in human or social services.

Experience

• A minimum of three years experience in the delivery of direct and information/referral services to the low-income community.
• Sensitivity to the needs of others with the ability to encourage and guide others in their quest for independence.
• Ability to use tact, patience and good judgment with clients, including remaining calm and helping to de-escalate tense or emotional situations.
• Ability to handle sensitive client information with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse population in an effective manner.
• Advanced computer skills required.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties.

Full-Time: 40 Hours per Week; 52 Weeks per Year

Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Entry Level: $19.33 per Hour

Worksite: 1301 Rensen, Lansing, MI

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug free workplace, with pre-employment drug screening (including marijuana) required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.