JOBS: Housing Specialist (Baltimore, MD)

Facility: Weinberg Housing & Resource Center, 620 Fallsway Baltimore, MD 21202
Department: Weinberg Resource Center - 620 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202
Schedule: Full time
Shift: Evening shift w/ weekend work
Hours: Tues.-Fri.1p-9p/Sat.9a-5p
Job Details:
Bachelors degree is required
Current driver's license w/ no more than 3 points
2-3 years related experience
Must be at least 21 years old
 Position is grant funded through February, 2020 with possibility of renewal
SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of the Manager of Client Services, the Housing Specialist will assist residents who are residing at WHRC Emergency Shelter with a "Housing First" approach to assist them in becoming housed as quickly as possible. The Housing Specialist will assist clients with their housing search and placement along with providing casework services and leveraging supportive services that will assist the participant to maintain permanent housing. The Housing Specialist provides a variety of office activities to manage and monitor the housing program, performs direct client services, and compiles related documentation. The work involves orienting all eligible participants to the program, providing housing searches with clients, and providing supportive services to promote participants self-sufficiency, integration into the community, and permanency in housing, as well as performing administrative tasks involved in the review and maintenance of a caseload of program participant. This individual is responsible for maintaining program data in Client Track (HMIS).

JOB DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Services
·        Assess housing barriers of individuals experiencing homelessness to determine housing and   service needs.
·        Work with clients and their assigned Emergency Shelter Case Manager to develop a housing procurement,financial, and self-sufficiency case management plan. This shall include an intake interview to determine client'sneeds, goals and eligibility.
·        Assist participants in locating and securing rental housing of their choice.
·        Assist in development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through pro-active housing and budgetcounseling sessions; provide budget counseling and education to assist clients in establishing payment plans forbills, paying off past debts and to assist clients in maintaining their housing.
·        Assist participants in development of a strength-based/solution focused individualized goal and action plan thatpromotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
·        Help client identify strengths and barriers to stability and assist participant to reduce barriers and linking toresources and services.
·        Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their housing rights and responsibilities.
·        Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social serviceagencies and/or community programs.
·        Provide Navigation and Assessment Services for Coordinated Access.
·        Responsible to create open houses for landlords to meet perspective clients.
Landlord/Community Relations
·        Recruit, develop and maintain a group of landlords who are willing to rent to clients with housing barriers.
·        Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client's behalf to develop a workable plan to obtainand/or maintain housing.
·        Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e.tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors and creditors).
·        Serve as ongoing liaison between property managers and participants as well as participants and neighbors.
Other Responsibilities
·        Maintain accurate daily logs and records, monthly outcome reports, and files for each client.
·        Ensure that an environmental evaluation has been completed on each property prior to the client signing a lease.
·        Ensure that each rental property is at or below HUD's Fair Market Rent prior to the client signing a lease anda Rent Reasonableness evaluation has been completed.
·        Ensure that each property is inspected through the local Housing Authority prior to the client moving into theproperty and any problems are addressed quickly.
·        Collect and report program data, including but not limited to agency systems, HMIS and funders' required data.
·        Accurately complete all assigned monthly and annual report forms.
·        Participate in MOHS Coordinated Access workgroup and attend all trainings regarding Coordinated Access.
·        Assume other responsibilities as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business Management or related field and two years of related experience   with vulnerable populations or the equivalent combination of an Associate's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business Administration or related field and 4 or more years' experience working with vulnerable population. At least one year of experience working with homeless or low income families is desired. Must have ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; organize and prioritize work; develop beneficial working relationships with landlords; pay attention to details; work independently and as a productive member of a team; and meet established deadlines and goals. Competent computer literacy including a working knowledge of word processing, database management and ability to use e-mail and the internet effectively. Must present a warm and welcoming attitude towards clients, volunteers, staff and landlords. This position requires intermittent sitting, standing, bending and lifting 15-20 lbs. and the ability to move freely throughout buildings   including using stairs, and to travel between the office and locations in the region in a timely and efficient manner. Must have visual and hearing acuity and clear speech sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job efficiently. Must possess a valid driver's license with no more than 3 points. Ability to work flexible schedule as needed and be accessible by phone.
SKILLS / COMPETENCIES:
  • Requires a belief in the "Housing First" approach and willingness to fully apply Housing First principles to this program
  • Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, mediation, and writing skills.
  • Possess strong organizational skills with ability to meet a demanding workload
  • Detail oriented to complete requirement of files and contract compliance
  • Creative thinker/adaptive personality
  • Knowledge or understanding of tenant's rights and responsibilities
  • Knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords
  • Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care
  • A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems and a conviction in the capacity of people to grow andchange.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.
  • The capacity to maintain a role to empower client and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
  • Fluency in English language is required. Spanish speaking is an added asset, but is not required.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES COMMITMENTS:
The responsibilities of this position must be consistently performed using the following behaviors:
1. Honor and respect the Dignity of every person.
2. Encounter each person with Compassion.
3. Act with Humility.
4. Reach out to others in a spirit of Collaboration.
5. Serve with Excellence.
6. Act with Integrity in everything you do.
Catholic Charities of Baltimore is an equal opportunity employer.