Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

The Housing Specialist is a member of the multi-disciplinary team primarily responsible for providing housing-focused case management and support to adults who have a diagnosis for mental illness, justice involved and served by the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team (Albany and Schenectady Counties). The Housing Specialist also acts as a generalist providing an array of non-clinical services, assisting individuals in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining safe, stable, affordable, and appropriate housing. Duties include:

·         Utilize motivational interviewing and other evidence-informed strategies to engage individuals and, in collaboration with them, assess housing needs, strengths, preferences, and barriers to obtaining and maintaining safe, stable, and affordable housing.

·         Identify and address issues that may impact housing stability, including chronic homelessness, mental illness, substance use, justice involvement, previous incarceration, financial barriers, tenancy history, and other individual circumstances.

·         Develop and maintain professional relationships with landlords, property managers, municipal housing authorities, housing programs, shelters, supportive housing providers, and other community housing resources. Maintain current knowledge of available housing resources, eligibility requirements, admission criteria, application procedures, SPOA processes, waiting lists, and anticipated timelines.

·         Educate individuals regarding tenant rights and responsibilities and advocate with or on behalf of individuals, as appropriate, with landlords, property managers, other tenants, housing providers, and financial assistance agencies.

·         Assist individuals with identifying and securing appropriate housing and support them throughout the housing transition process. Complete or assist individuals with completing housing referrals, applications, SPOA applications, financial assistance applications, entitlement forms, and other required documentation within established deadlines.

·         Identify immediate housing or other crisis needs and coordinate appropriate interventions and services to promote the safety and stability of the individual.

·         Provide ongoing case management services designed to support housing stability, community integration, and independent living.

·         Maintain regular contact with individuals on the assigned caseload and, in collaboration with the individual and treatment team, develop and adjust a schedule of visits based on the individual's needs and level of support.

·         Provide education, coaching, and support related to daily living and independent living skills necessary to maintain stable housing and community living. Assess individual needs and provide referrals, information, and assistance related to basic needs, including food, clothing, household supplies, furniture, transportation needs, and other essential resources.

·         Identify individuals’ social, recreational, and community integration needs and provide education, referrals, and linkages to appropriate community activities, neighborhood resources, and social supports.

·         Mohawk Opportunities programs and offices may be located in multi-level facilities with stair access. Services are provided throughout the community and may include visits to individuals’ apartments and residences, including locations on upper floors.

·         Provide transportation to individuals when necessary, using agency vehicles. Maintain access to a reliable personal vehicle and be willing to use the personal vehicle for approved business purposes.

Skills/Qualifications for the Housing Specialist include:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in human services, behavioral health, social services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience working in human services, with experience assisting individuals with housing needs required.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and/or justice involvement preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to providing services in a person-centered, recovery-oriented, strength-based, culturally competent, and trauma-informed manner.
• Valid and insurable New York State driver's license and eligibility to become an approved agency driver.
• Reliable access to a personal vehicle for approved business purposes, as required by the position.

Salary and Benefits of the Housing Specialist

• $25.24/hour; $52,499.20/annual equivalent. 40 hours per week. No after hours on-call.

• Excellent benefits, staff training, generous paid time off, and a 30-minute paid lunch.
• Supportive work environment.
• Make A Difference Helping Others in a Workplace Where You Matter
• Providing A Culture of Caring

Schedule of the Housing Specialist

Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

Visit our website at www.mohawkopportunities.org. 

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Equal Opportunity Employer

All offers for employment will be contingent upon the candidate having successfully completed background checks.

Mohawk Opportunities is committed to helping individuals living with mental illness achieve stable community living and independence.  Our goal is to provide services and supports that assist individuals living with mental illness to thrive and achieve their full potential for a happy, independent life in the community of their choice.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Sr. Director of Human Resources at 518-836-3980.