Housing Specialist
Pittsfield and North Adams, MA
Full time
Full time
In our Adult Community Services Program, this position works as a member of a team to assist in housing-related matters. This position will offer blended support to our Pittsfield and North Adams programs. Travel between locations is required.
Essential Functions:
- Work within the Housing First and Rapid Housing model.
- Collaborate with the local Housing Authorities, landlords and community service agencies to seek affordable housing options
- Assist Person’s served to identify housing options, housing searches and acquiring furniture
- Assist Person’s served to set up and/or discontinue utilities
- Support Person’s to apply for housing subsidies including support to complete applications, acquire required documentation, and serve as an advocate when needed
- Assist in moving Persons
- Assist Persons through tenancy preservation and advocate for Persons when necessary
- Actively support Person’s served in the community and/or residential setting to find safe and affordable living situations
- Serves as primary contact for housing assistance for Persons
- Coordinates process of leases, landlord negotiations, and contracts
- Teach skills to maintain housing
- Troubleshoot housing issues as they arise
- Encourage and support persons served in developing a natural support network.
- Collaborate and participate in meetings and service coordination with outside agencies and community supports.
- Teach money management skills to persons-served.
- Complete monthly apartment inspections for project based subsidies
- Attend all required treatment meetings
- Provide Medication Administration to Persons per MAP protocol. This may include medication administration to cover staff emergencies and coverage needs. Audit medications as assigned.
Qualifications:
- GED/H.S Diploma, Associates or bachelors degree in related field preferred, or 3-5 years of human service experience
- Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft office
- Ability to work with a wide variety of people
- Excellent oral & presentation skills
- Leadership talent and the ability to delegate effectively
- Knowledge of community resources
- Ability to conduct yourself professionally and manage confidential information
- Ability to advocate program services to community members
Other Requirements:
- Ability to pass a CORI (Criminal Background check) and DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles check)
- Complete all required trainings within four months of hire or program transfer (MAP, CPR, First Aid, Human Rights, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, Mutuality, Orientation, Motivational Interviewing, etc.
- Driver's License and ability to use personal vehicle for business use
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