Housing Support Specialist-Shelter Plus Care Position Available In Clarke, Georgia

Housing Support Specialist-Shelter Plus Care 2.7 2.7 out of 5 stars 240 North Avenue, Athens, GA 30601

Position Summary:

This position will support high risk / low functioning individuals within a residential setting through housing support activities to include housing stability case management and skill building, community re-integration supports and advocacy toward the attainment of mainstream service supports appropriate to the needs and eligibility of each program participant. Success will be determined by the individuals to live independently, re-integrate within the community, and successfully graduate program services through transitioning to other permanent housing alternatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The expectation is to have daily contact with each program participant to work on a variety of skills and coping mechanisms to support the success community re-integration and transition to independent living. Assistance with development of daily living skills to promote independent living to include but not limited to: maintaining personal hygiene, maintaining clean and livable residences, development of cooking skills, and general community re-integration Client medication management and skill building around the importance of developing good habits related to overall physical and mental health. Utilization of evidence- based practices such as Motivational Interviewing, WRAP, Wham, and intentional peer support to assist clients in successful daily living and independence. Provide proactive housing discharge planning which may include actively supporting the participant in the following activities: contacting prospective landlords to schedule initial application processes; schedule housing interviews for consumers; assistance with rental application process Assist with transportation and system navigation skill to assist with documentation necessary to qualify for housing. Transport clients as deemed necessary. Transportation requirements should be limited to housing and job searches and occasional visits to relevant social service agencies and/or health services. Help consumers understand and meet tenancy obligations such as timely rent payments and other lease requirements Provide referrals and care linkage to help clients maintain contact with services for disability applications and employment Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs Assist in the development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through proactive housing and budget counseling sessions; provide budget counseling and education to assist clients in establishing payment plans for bills and past debts to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining housing Assist participants in development of a strength-based/solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, timely referral network in order to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed. Identify participant strengths and barriers to stability and assist participants to reducing barriers and linking to resources and services. Provide pro-active follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to assist with reintegration of participants in the community. Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities in order to promote successful transition to independent living Maintain accurate daily logs records, monthly outcome reports, and files for each client.

Other Responsibilities:

Maintain a complete working file providing activity documentation and copies of all corresponding paperwork. Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings with program leadership and other community support programs, group supervision, and individual supervision as required by the program Attend and participate in trainings as required to promote ongoing professional growth and development Complete and submit incident reports to the Supervisor within 24 hours of an incident occurring as required by the program

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors level degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or other related field. Proven experience can be substituted for formal education. Certified Peer Specialists are strongly encouraged to apply. Must have access to a personal vehicle and a valid state

Drivers License Preferred Qualifications:

1-3 years working in homeless or residential services and/or working within the behavioral health field. Experience providing housing services and/or community mental health services. Knowledge of and/or proficiency with electronic health records and documentation of client services. A passion for connecting with people experiencing severe and persistent illness is a must.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None