This Family Support Specialist works with families experiencing homelessness at the following emergency shelter sites: Flagship Shelter congregate shelter and the Miracle House single-family house shelter. This position is responsible for the support of homeless families using a strengths-based approach to increase their skills in seven key areas, education, employment, housing, health/wellness, life skills, relationships, and community connectedness. The Family Support Specialist will provide weekly onsite case management to ensure families are compliant with their sheltering agreements and are working to find housing within our 90-day program parameters.

Duties include:

Client driven case planning with an emphasis on self-sufficiency. Weekly visits with clients to ensure proper support is received, and resources and referrals to keep basic needs met. Work with clients to demonstrate how to access resources and increase employability, connecting to employment and education resources as needed. Assist clients in finding housing and complying with lease agreements, educating clients of Landlord/Tenant laws and Fair Housing information. Conduct assessment of agency outcomes and goals at entry, during, and at exit for each family. Follow established 30,60, 80 day checklists and other necessary paperwork as required by the agency and Snohomish County Human Services. Assist clients to gain independent living skills and increase soft skills to build positive relationships with landlords. Refer to support services in Snohomish County to ensure long term stabilization, eventually ensuring that the family is able to sustain housing stability independent of staff support. Attend monthly community advisory group meetings for Miracle House. Conduct house maintenance tasks to include but not limited to: weekly room checks and regular facility checks with member of Operations team, restocking of basic essential items, and general point-person for resident needs.

Housing Identification and Management:

Identify and address barriers to independent housing Create and maintain individual housing plans with each family and monitor progress regularly, adjusting goals as needed. Assist clients in locating permanent housing options that fit their needs. Support clients through the rental application process and navigate barriers to lease agreements. Educate clients on landlord-tenant rights, fair housing laws, as well as other relevant local and federal policies. Implement program standards that align with fair housing laws and guidelines. Work collaboratively with the assigned Coordinated Entry Navigator and the entire shelter team. Maintaining community partnerships and landlord relationships are key functions of this job. Complete monthly checklists and other necessary paperwork as required by the agency and Snohomish County Human Services. Educate clients about the options and benefits of Rapid Rehousing by collaborating with the Interfaith Rapid Rehousing program and other local RRH providers. Ensure all required HMIS data entry, documentation, and reporting are completed accurately and on time. Comply with HUD-defined program standards and expectations. Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned and required by program model and funding.

Qualifications include:

BA degree preferred in a social science or equivalent field, and, one year (1) working directly with homeless individuals or families (or) any combination of experience and education that support the needs of the position. Strong and effective communication skills; proficient in crisis intervention/de- escalation. Strong paperwork and data management skills required. Experience in HMIS or other client database preferred. Possess a valid Washington State driver's license, insurance and reliable transportation. Clear background check through WSP and DSHS. Possess knowledge of street culture, and strength-based approach Knowledge of human development, community resources, and case management skills. Must have good organizational skills and the ability to communicate with members, clients, vendors and the public. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Working conditions:

Staff may work with challenging clients and must have the ability to de-escalate caregivers, parents & youth.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequently required to sit, talk, move about, hear and speak, and be visually observant of interactions with clients and their children. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must have the ability to run up and down indoor and outdoor stairwells in case of emergency. Communicate effectively with clients, staff, other programs, vendors and the public, both orally and in writing. Hear voice conversations and alarms. Interfaith Family Shelter will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities if requested. Interfaith Family Shelter is strongly committed to removing barriers and supporting inclusion and diversity in all its forms. We strive to create a safe and open atmosphere for families, individuals, staff, board members, community partners and funders. We learn from the diverse individuals we work with and embrace their unique attributes to ensure we fulfill our agency mission and core values. Interfaith Family Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek to provide equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected under the law.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$25.00 - $27.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Ability to

Relocate:

Everett, WA 98201: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person