Housing Stability Specialist

Do you want to be an innovator who takes proactive steps in partnership with others to bring changes to affordable housing? Do you believe that housing will result in a better life for every person?

Access Services is hiring a Housing Stability Specialist who will serve the Montgomery County community, and will be based out of Fort Washington, PA. The purpose of the Housing Stability Specialist will be to find and coordinate affordable housing units for individuals who are confirmed to be homeless in Montgomery County. As a Housing Stability Specialist, this community leader will be focused on helping individuals to connect to rapid rehousing services, public benefits, employment support, and additional services. The Housing Stability Specialist will also be a community support to individuals in maintaining their housing, through collaboration with other Access teammates to maintain landlord and property manager relationships.

Essential Functions of the Housing Stability Specialist:

• Engage individuals and families reporting homelessness to facilitate linkage and support.
• Locate affordable units with current and new landlord relationships for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Keep track of all move-in and recertification requirements by maintaining organized and accurate records/paperwork.
• Visit housed participants in their homes at least once per month, and during points of transition.
• Attend all lease signings and apartment showings as well as providing transportation as needed.
• Support when appropriate to provide transportation to health appointments, and job interviews as it relates to participants’ housing stability.
• Creatively develop solutions for barriers that participants may experience to promote housing stability and progress on their housing stability goals.
• Assist participants with connection to social, health, and other benefits at the state and local level.
• Prepare participants for transitioning out of Rapid Rehousing through long-term rental subsidies, employment assistance, and fiscal management.
• Maintain knowledge of HUD requirements to ensure compliance in use of all funds.
• Attend county, committee, and consumer meetings and case reviews.
• Complete case notes and documentation related to the program.
• Involve higher levels of care when applicable.

Work Schedule/Travel requirements:

• Monday through Friday 9am-5pm, with some flexibility.
• This position requires the ability to travel during a normal workday to successfully carry out the job responsibilities including attending offsite meetings, providing services in the community, and providing service oversight and supervision. Therefore, the Housing Stability Specialist will need to drive their personal vehicle and/or an agency owned vehicle to meet these expectations. This person will be expected to always drive safely and meet eligibility criteria in the agency Motor Vehicle Policy.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in social work, business or in a related field (required).
• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.

Experience:

• One year of relevant experience in real estate, affordable housing, or business (required).
• Experience working in the housing system in Montgomery County (strongly preferred).
• Experience working with adults with mental illness (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate well.
• Ability to direct and prioritize own work and be flexible; ability to also work as part of a team.
• Knowledge of homelessness and the housing system and the ability to enhance understanding to maximize the level of service delivery.
• Knowledge of the mental health system.
• Strong interpersonal skills required.
• Skills in person centered screening and assessment. Skills in conflict and crisis resolution.
• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms, and technologies.

Benefits

Pay:

• $20/hourly starting rate, based on qualifications and relevant experience of each candidate.

Our full-time comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, Vision, Rx, & Dental insurances, HSA/FSA, 401k program.
• Tuition Reimbursement, Student Loan Assistance.
• 20 Days PTO (vacation, sick days), 9 paid holidays.
• Mileage/Toll Reimbursement, paid travel time between worksites.
• Life Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, Catastrophic Sick Leave, Paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (telehealth/in person).
• Referral Bonuses up to $750 per hire.
• College tuition discounts, Credit Union perks, retail discounts.

Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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