Supportive Housing Specialist

Arbor Housing & Development; Village of Dansville (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Arbor Housing and Development seeks a dedicated role to assist clients in securing safe, affordable housing and access to supportive services. The position focuses on independent work, collaboration with community partners, and thorough documentation of client progress.

The role involves helping clients navigate applications for SSI/SSD, Medicaid, SNAP, and Section 8, coordinating utilities and basic living needs, and ensuring timely data entry and reporting for program compliance.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Search for safe and affordable housing for client caseload in a timely manner.
• Assist clients with applications for SSI, SSD, Medicaid, food stamps, Section 8, and wraparound services.
• Provide support to the client by establishing and maintaining utilities.
• Help clients obtain basic living essentials (furniture, linens, dishes, small appliances).
• Coordinate moving needs for clients as necessary.
• Assist clients in settling housing-related disputes with landlords.
• Schedule monthly 1:1 meetings to review living environment and mental health status.
• Maintain records and provide reports and statistics to supervisor.
• Document all visits and client contacts in client notebooks.
• Assist clients in understanding public transportation schedules and locations; transport as needed.
• Coordinate treatment and emergency interventions as needed to meet client needs.
• Gather income verification to determine stipends; maintain client files and eligibility data.

Skills

Communication skills

Driver’s license

Computer skills

Independent worker

Education

Associate’s degree in human services or related field

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Responsible for assisting clients secure safe affordable housing to help them maintain a stable community living environment of their choice.

Requirements

Education/Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in human services Field
• High School Diploma, GED and at least two years of experience working in the Human Services field.
• The ability to thrive in an independent, self-guided manner.
• Understanding of mental illness and co-occurring disorders, engagement strategies, wellness self-management,
• Working knowledge of services and community resources that will help the client to remain in stable housing.
• Aptitude for developing collaborative relationships with community partners.
• Empathetic individuals with the ability to demonstrate poise, tact, and diplomacy.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Basic computer software knowledge (i.e., Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook etc....).
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record with auto insurance coverage as defined by agencies carrier.

Key Job Functions:

• Searches for safe and affordable housing for client caseload in a timely manner.
• Assist client with the application process for SSI, SSD, DSS Medicaid, food stamps, section 8 housing and any other wrap around services that will help the client gain independence.
• Provide support to the client by establishing and maintaining utilities.
• Assist clients in establishing the basic independent living essentials e.g., furniture, mattresses, dishes, small appliances linens etc.....
• Coordinates the moving needs of clients, as necessary.
• Assist the client when necessary to settle housing related disputes with the landlord.
• Schedules 1:1’s to facilitate direct contact with the client on at least a monthly basis for the purpose of reviewing their current living environment and monitoring their mental health status.
• Maintain adequate records and provide reports and statistics as requested by the supervisor.
• Documents all visits and client contacts in the client notebooks.
• Assist clients in understanding public transportation schedules and locations, transport clients when necessary.
• Coordinates treatment and emergency intervention when and if needed, to meet the needs of the client.
• Gathers all client income verification to determine stipends.
• Maintain complete and accurate client files including records on eligibility and statistical data as required by AH&D and funding sources.
• Regularly reviews client’s personal records and finances to assure continued compliance with program(s).

Arbor Housing and Development Expectations:

• Report to work on time and work your scheduled shift, except in cases of emergency.
• In case of an emergency, contact your immediate supervisor and/or on-the-ball designee for guidance.
• Complete, clear, quality, integrity-based and timely documentation for each client on your assigned caseload.
• Effectively discharge the key job functions of your job in accordance with Supportive Services rules and regulations, AHD Code of Conduct and Standard of Acceptable Behavior
• Support a Non-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment/Sexual Harassment free work environment, foster a respectful environment and refrain from unprofessional conduct as referenced in the Personnel Policy Manual

Physical Demands / Environment

• Bending, stretching, and standing for prolonged periods of time
• Lift, push or pull 25 to 50 pounds.
• Office setting at location assigned.

Critical features of this job are described above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.