Housing Coordinator for Rapid Rehousing

The Mental Health Association is hiring immediately for a Housing Coordinator. The Housing Coordinator will provide outreach, assessment and engagement to participants of the SOR Rapid Rehousing Program. Support participants in residential substance use treatment transition out of treatment into independent living. Provide ongoing case management support. Work with participant to assess their needs, find safe and affordable housing, manage their income, and strengthen community supports. Complete documentation in timely manner. Perform responsibilities professionally, in accordance with MHA’s Core Values (Respect, Integrity, and Compassion), policies, practices, program funding and applicable regulatory agency guidelines.

Position’s Essential Functions

• Work alongside SOR Rapid Rehousing Program Supervisor to assess participant eligibility and coordinate documentation necessary for entry into the program.
• Engage with participants in the community. Using a trauma-informed, and person-centered perspective, assess their strengths and needs, identify their goals, and support them in achieving these goals. Coordinate with participant and their providers to ensure their treatment needs will be met in the community.
• Lead efforts to find and obtain suitable and affordable housing with participants; engage in online and community housing searches, provide support in completing housing applications, meeting landlords, and attending apartment viewings.
• Support participants in transitioning out of BSAS substance use treatment and into independent living. Provide ongoing supports after placement into housing—when applicable, support entire family unit.
• Provide tenancy support by assisting participants to negotiate with landlords for repairs and maintenance as necessary using health and housing code regulations as standards; assist participants to comply with tenant responsibilities such as apartment upkeep, rental payments, drug free environments and noise restrictions.
• Work with participant to create and utilize safety plans and relapse prevention plans.
• Foster positive working relationships with area landlords.
• Maintain consistent documentation of services provided and ensure participant file is organized and complete.
• Work alongside supervisor to coordinate moving process including purchasing furniture, turning on utilities, completing address changes, etc.
• Assist participants with efforts to secure and maintain employment, employment training or education which will lead to employment.
• Assist participants to gain independence through money management training, budgeting, assistance with banking, maintenance of benefits and other financial matters.
• Educate and assist participants to understand and access benefits and resources, i.e., Social Security, EAEDC, SNAP/Food Stamps, PVTA and Fuel Assistance.
• Promote participant engagement in community life and resources by assisting with access to libraries, recovery groups, social activities, treatment programs, and local events.
• Assist participant with coordinating, scheduling and attending medical, dental and psychiatric appointments when applicable. Connect individual to medication management resources as needed.
• Provide transportation to participants to ensure that they are able to address their needs (i.e. apartment viewings, etc.)
• Regularly attend and actively participate in team meetings, supervision meetings and/or other scheduled meetings
• Communicate and report in a timely manner all issues, concerns or incidents to supervisory personnel. Complete the necessary written documentation related to particular incidents within mandated timelines.
• Regularly utilize online agency reporting systems; internet based applications (such as the time sheet program); and any future programs that are deemed necessary to complete the job. Read email daily. Attend training to strengthen or gain new computer skills as necessary.
• Report any incidents of participant abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) or act of omission/neglect to agency management, the Disabled Person’s Protection Commission (DPPC), DCF, or elder abuse hotline, as applicable.
• Perform other similar or related duties as responsibilities necessitate or as assigned by supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Valid driver’s license, sufficient automobile insurance, acceptable driving record, and a safe reliable vehicle during working hours.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, prioritize tasks, take initiative, follow through, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Good oral, written, computer, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program participants.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, caring, and compassion.
• Must be able to pass and maintain certifications in CPR and first aid.
• Must be at least twenty-one years old.

Required Education and Experience

• Requires six months of applicable experience. Experience with individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges or individuals with a history of housing instability preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) and lived experience preferred.

EEOC Statement: MHA Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MHA Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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