Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

About River Edge Behavioral Health

River Edge Behavioral Health is recognized for its state-of-the-art treatment and support services for more than 13,000 children, youth, families, and adults annually who experience mental illness, addiction, co-occurring disorders, and substance abuse problems. In addition, River Edge offers services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Benefits Offered:

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 12 Paid Holidays
• 401k with an employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short and Long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance
• Employee Discount Program

River Edge is looking to fill the position ofHousing Specialistto assist with housing searches and placement along with leveraging supportive services that will assist the participant household maintain permanent housing. Duties include performing a variety of office and field activities to manage and monitor a permanent supportive housing program. The Housing Specialist will also be responsible for orienting all eligible participants to the program and providing housing search and supportive services.

In this role you will:

• Conduct primary duties in a general office environment and in the field and community where program participants reside.
• Assess housing barriers of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs.
• Develop a housing procurement, financial, and self-sufficiency case management plan with clients.
• Conduct intake interviews to determine client's needs, goals, and eligibility to obtain and maintain housing.
• Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client's behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and/or maintain housing.
• Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice.
• Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written between several parties (i.e., tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors, and creditors)
• Assist clients in development of a strength-based/solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
• Provide pro-active follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency (i.e., advocacy, reducing isolation, listening problem-solving, and identifying resources to assist with the reintegration of participants in the community
• Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients about their rights and responsibilities.
• Develop an effective, timely referral network to ensure ongoing direction and support.
• Maintain accurate daily log records, monthly outcome reports, and files for each client.
• Transport clients as deemed necessary.
• Collect and report program data, including but not limited to HMIS reporting and funders' required data.
• Collect rental payments from each client.
• Assist client with moving needs, coordinate trash outs, and turnkey functions.

You will need:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Valid Driver's license with reliable transportation
• Acceptable driving record
• Acceptable background check/references
• Must pass a drug screen.
• At least 2 years of experience in behavioral health and/or social services delivery
• Previous experience working with the homeless population preferred.

Additional Information:

The Application Process

• All qualified applicants will be considered.
• This position is subject to close once a satisfactory candidate pool has been identified.
• The hiring managers will contact only those selected for an interview.
• Applicants who are not selected will receive notification via email.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email.

Safe Working Environment

We at River Edge believe every employee has a right to a safe work environment. Therefore, we require full vaccination of all employees. Getting the vaccine, frequently washing your hands, sanitizing common areas, and wearing your mask continues to be the most effective way to fight COVID-19.

Diversity and Inclusion

River Edge Behavioral Health is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, genetic make-up, disability, age, or veteran status.

Drug-Free Workplace

River Edge Behavioral Health is a drug-free workplace with a longstanding commitment to providing a safe, quality-oriented, and productive work environment. In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998, all applicants must pass a satisfactory background clearance and pre-employment drug screen.

At Will Workplace

Employment with River Edge Behavioral Health is at will. At-will means your employment relationship with River Edge Behavioral Health or Affordable Business Solution is for an indefinite period of time and is subject to termination by you or River Edge Behavioral Health, with or without cause, with or without notice, and at any time.