Job Information
South Middlesex Opportunity Council FES Rehousing Specialist in Staples Drive Framingham, Massachusetts
SUMMARY
The FES Housing Specialist provides assistance to assigned homeless families placed in shelter units in order to help them move to safe and permanent housing as quickly as possible. Using a Housing First approach, they will provide a coordinated housing search of private market rate housing, as well as various subsidized housing programs. Participate as a member of each shelter team; provide coordinated services and advocacy to support the families in obtaining affordable housing. In addition to helping families achieve their rehousing plans, the Housing Specialist will develop relationships with outside landlords and community providers to assist in the identification of affordable housing options for homeless families. Each Housing Specialist will be responsible for a caseload of up to 15 families from both congregate and scattered site settings.
Why Work for SMOC?
Flexible schedule, work/life balance and a 35-hour work week.
Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
Employer Paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability after 6 months of employment.
Two Comprehensive Medical Plans with HRA Employer cost-sharing and 79% of premiums covered by the Employer.
Dental w/ Orthodontic Coverage with 75% of premiums covered by the Employer
EyeMed Vision Insurance
403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match on day one.
Additional voluntary benefits including – additional Term and Whole Life Insurance policies, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability.
Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Promote a Housing First approach to shorten shelter stays, partnering with the case management and stabilization team to stabilize families and reduce re-entry into shelter.
Assist the Shelter and Rehousing Manager with placements in both congregate and scattered site units, which includes ensuring that congregate units are ready and fully equipped/furnished prior to the arrival of the family, greeting the family at the unit, and conducting a tour and orientation to the unit and area upon arrival
Complete an Initial Intake on Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) within 48 hours of a family’s arrival to shelter, as well as a 20-Mile Touchpoint, and then upon family’s exit, complete an Exit Assessment and State Exit Touchpoint.
Complete an in-depth housing history.
Utilize a trauma-informed approach and motivational interviewing to provide a strengths-based approach with clients.
Provide housing search assistance to clients, including assistance and advocacy with the subsidy application process and / or access funds and maximize income in order to obtain and maintain permanent housing.
Work collaboratively with Case Manager and System Navigators to assess each family’s housing and supportive service needs to determine if short-term financial assistance can be accessed to rapidly re-house the family.
Develop a monthly Rehousing Plan for each family and work collaboratively with the case manager and the family to assist them in accomplishing the rehousing tasks and transitioning into housing.
Work with clients to complete the HomeBase application, subsidized applications and negotiate a lease with the landlord.
Coach clients on how to present themselves positively with landlords and property managers.
Maintain client files to include all housing related documents and materials.
Provide client transportation for all housing related appointments using the SMOC vehicles.
Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside of the scope of work.
Attend and participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
Maintain confidentiality of clients, employees and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and /or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies
and procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or 2 years relevant work experience in social services or housing services with low-income, minority and disabled individuals.
Bilingual preferred (Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese are high needs)
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule
Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and meet insurance standards
Sensitivity to low-income people of diverse backgrounds
Ability to work independently.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
- Directly reports to Shelter and Rehousing Manager.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to sit or stand for a prolonged period
Ability to ascend/descend multiple flights of stairs
Ability to drive
Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
Must be able to attend to light maintenance tasks.
Must be able to operate a computer and complete extensive paperwork.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Desk space is provided in a homelike congregate shelter setting. Company van is available with advance scheduling for transportation of residents. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Housing Specialist will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.
We are equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
35 Hours per week