Family Assistance Housing Specialist

Company: Sacred Heart Community Service
Location: San Jose
Posted on: April 10, 2021

Job Description:

DescriptionFamily Assistance Housing SpecialistJOB ANNOUNCEMENTSacred Heart Community Service, located in San Jose, CA, is looking for a Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Family Assistance Housing Specialist in the Family Assistance Department to support families at-risk of homelessness through financial assistance, connections to resources, and support in the community. This individual must be highly organized, possess an ability to work flexibly and creatively, and have a passion for our mission - to change lives and impact poverty. For 55 years, SHCS has been one of the leading institutions in addressing poverty in Santa Clara County through a strategy that combines meeting basic needs, offering tools for self-sufficiency, and engaging the wider community to be involved. POSITION SUMMARY:The Family Assistance Housing Specialist will focus on the COVID-19 financial assistance programs that work with low-income families to prevent or end homelessness by focusing on short-term financial assistance, advocacy, landlord mediation, outreach, and other supportive services that result in maintaining stable, permanent housing. The Family Assistance Housing Specialist screens, assess, and conduct intakes for prospective participants. This position is part of the Family Assistance Team and reports to the Temporary Homelessness Prevention Program Manager.RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Intake and Financial Assistance (85-75%)--- Conducts prescreens and intakes to determine participant eligibility and assess the appropriate level of assistance needed.--- Maintains a flexible caseload of up to 30 or more households. Works with Homelessness Prevention Case Manager and family to develop and implement a financial assistance plan to overcome economic and housing challenges and maintain stable housing.--- Acts as an advocate in maintaining stable housing, including assisting families with education on tenant's rights, landlord mediation and advocacy, and connections to legal services, as needed.--- Assists families with immediate crisis intervention, advocacy, problem-solving, and other appropriate interventions, as needed.--- Connects families to other opportunities and resources at SHCS, including essential services, self-sufficiency programs, and opportunities to volunteer and to participate in organizing committees.--- Communicates with households at regular intervals after they have received financial assistance to assess housing status and provide additional resources or support when needed. --- Develops, tracks, and analyzes monthly goals and objectives in accordance with the operating plan and funder requirements.--- Documents program activity, including prescreens, intakes, and financial assistance into HMIS and Salesforce databases within one business day.--- Maintains case files and progress notes, adhering to professional standards, and designated time frames.--- Implements program evaluation tools (i.e., pre/post-tests, satisfaction surveys, etc.), analyzes, and reports on outcomes.--- Submits monthly narrative, data, and other reports as required.--- Additional task may be assignedOutreach & Engagement (5%)--- Participates in efforts to promote the availability of homelessness prevention assistance through SHCS and its collaborative partners, including publicly representing the program and organization with community partners and at community fairs or other events.--- Develops and nurtures collaborative relationships with community partners, including schools and the court system, among others.Leadership (10-20%)--- Engages and develops program volunteers by providing education, training, feedback, and support.--- Supports the recruitment, engagement, and development of leaders through 1:1 meetings, training, and committee support. --- Supports the development and ongoing work of the Family Assistance Advisory Committee.--- Works collaboratively with the Family Assistance Team to ensure appropriate coverage of all team responsibilities, including providing backup staff support for other program activities.--- Supports continuous learning, evaluation, and improvement within the Family Assistance Team.--- Supports the planning and participates in agency-wide programs, events, and outreach efforts.--- Supports the planning and attends staff meetings, retreats, and other team and agency events.--- Performs other duties as assigned.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: --- Strong commitment to our vision of a community united to ensure that every child and adult is free from poverty.--- Bachelor's degree in social work, public health, or related field or equivalent experience.--- Bilingual and bicultural in English-Spanish written and verbal strongly preferred.--- One year of experience in human services or related field.--- Experience providing culturally competent, supportive services, and linkages to community resources.--- Experience and knowledge in the functions of intake, assessment, service planning, case coordination, case conferencing, service plan implementation, crisis intervention, monitoring, and follow-up.--- Strong communication skills, including the ability to deliver difficult messages with compassion and to communicate respectfully with families in stressful situations.--- Sensitivity to issues surrounding households experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental illness, or disabilities.--- Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced environment, while maintaining a positive, solution-oriented approach.--- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to work independently with limited supervision when necessary.--- Computer skills including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite, and ability to quickly learn and develop proficiency with tracking database systems.--- Valid CA driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and vehicle insurance.--- Must complete a criminal background check.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:--- Two years of experience working in outreach, shelter, or supportive housing programs for homeless or at-risk households.--- Experience working with landlords, local rental markets, and/or Housing First focused non- profits.REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:The Family Assistance Housing Specialist reports to the Interim Homelessness Prevention Program Manager.COMPENSATION:This is a non-exempt, hourly position ranging from $23-$26/ hour or commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits include fully paid medical insurance for employees and majority paid medical insurance for qualified dependents, dental insurance, vision insurance, 12 paid holidays, 10 paid sick days per year, paid vacation starting at 10 days per year, additional wellness benefits, basic life and long-term disability insurance, professional development and more.Sacred Heart Community Service is proud to be an Equal Opportunity workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. SHCS is committed to building a team of people of diverse ethnic, cultural, and experiential backgrounds. We especially encourage members of historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, people of color, women, people living with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ people to apply. It is the policy of Sacred Heart Community Service to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, medical condition or genetic information, veteran status, national origin, disability, marital or other protected status. SHCS will conform to the spirit, as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 521. February 8, 2021, YM

Keywords: Sacred Heart Community Service, San Jose , Family Assistance Housing Specialist, Other , San Jose, California