(Ionia/Montcalm)
Position Title: Housing Resource Specialist
Classifications: H.S. 01-05* ($13.27 – 14.19 – 15.19 – 16.24 - $18.01)
Hours: 40/Week
Immediate Supervisor: Housing Programs Specialist
Essential Function of the Job:
Complete intakes on eligible households and work with program participants to develop and implement a client based housing plan, which will assist in the attainment of safe housing and support systems for participants and their children. Provide client centered case management services that will focus on self-sufficiency. The Housing Resource Specialist will also administer payment requests for rent, utilities, deliverable fuels and other basic needs as they relate to housing sustainability.
Examples of Work:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in the positions of this class.)
- Complete intake for individuals who may be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Assess client eligibility for programs that provide emergency basic needs assistance for items including rent, rental arrearages, utility assistance, motel stays, and others.
- Work with homeless households to identify program eligibility for mainstream resource benefits (e.g. TANF, VA, SSI, FS, CDC, Medicaid, WIC, MI-Child, etc.) and assist in program enrollment.
- Create a Housing Plan with the client, intended to create a path to permanent housing stability.
- Working knowledge of the local rental housing stock (i.e., turnover rates, area landlords, and the condition of their property).
- Maintain client files (electronic and hard-copy, as appropriate).
- Arrange, coordinate, and monitor services for participants in order to obtain stable housing.
- Working knowledge of other EightCAP and Community Resources.
- Independently perform on-site housing quality checks/inspections.
- Develop and maintain relationships with landlords/property managers in the assigned service areas.
- Work closely with the Continuum of Care in assigned service area. Update members on program activities and provide reports related to Continuous Quality Improvement Goals.
- Complete all record keeping requirements along with daily charting of case notes and assigned program documentation.
- Provide information and referral services to program participants regarding community resources and agencies, as they relate to self-sufficiency and stable housing.
- Participate in trainings as deemed necessary by supervisor
- Other related program and administrative work as required.
Requirements of Work:
- Ability to obtain/maintain DHHS MIBridge’s Navigator status.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
- Ability to organize and maintain accurate records and ability to work independently.
- Ability to relate positively with low income households and possess sensitivity regarding cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
- Ability to learn/maintain data management systems, such as DBA FacsPro, Sales Force and/or HMIS.
- Ability and flexibility to work in other county offices and some nights and/or weekends.
- A valid Michigan driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record and reliable transportation.
- Successful clearance of DHS Central Registry and Criminal History Record Check.
- Ability to pass HQS inspection training and complete inspections as necessary.
Desirable Minimum Training and Experience
- Data processing training and experience.
- Minimum of three years of experience or Associate’s Degree or higher in Human Services, Social Work or relevant, related field and experience working in a comprehensive family support network.
- Experience with the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) or DBA FacsPRO is a plus.
* In order to be eligible for H.S. 05 level, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to your position.
