Prevention Specialist

HOUSING PREVENTION SPECIALIST

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The primary purpose of the Housing Prevention Specialist is to assist families in achieving transitional housing and access medical, educational, social, prevocational, rehabilitative, employment or other needed community services for eligible clients and families who have become homeless. Targeted population includes children (Birth to age 18) and their families who are at risk of becoming homeless or are currently homeless utilizing a Community Based Scattered Site Model. The Community Based Scattered Site Model is designed to maximize family independence, minimize family disruption, and result in stronger, more viable housing permanency outcomes.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: Housing Prevention Specialist provides an array of services in support of the Family Housing Program’s goal of promoting children’s emotional well-being. The Housing Prevention Specialist intensive home based services ensure that families are activity engaged in the various resources/services provided( i.e., mental health, health care, job training/coaching, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, etc.) The home visits are focused on building healthy relationships and promoting positive family environments to end homelessness. The Housing Prevention Specialist promotes a strengths based approach to service that empowers families, supports a community based philosophy of service, and ensures that all services are aligned with the agency’s mission, vision, and core values.

Benefits:

• Monday-Friday Schedule.
• Full benefits package to all positions after 30 days of employment.
• Free standard HMO Health, Dental, and Vision plans offered to employees.
• 401k plan with 4% employer match.
• PTO that accrues to 15 days annually and increases with seniority.
• 12 Paid Holidays annually.
• Office closure last two weeks of the year.
• Opportunities to participate in professional development, training and conferences.
• Opportunity for growth. We love to promote from within.
• Bilingual Stipend if applicable.
• Technology Stipend if applicable.
• $23.00-25.00/hr starting rate of pay, depending on experience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains the responsibility for ensuring prevention services are delivered within required scoop of services and TWC mission, vision, and values.
• Conducts comprehensive needs assessments with families and assists them in obtain additional resources needed to remain housed for example, health insurance, housing, and low-cost childcare through referral and linkage.
• Work closely with participants DCFS worker.
• Participate in case conferencing.
• Administrate Prevention Tools
• Completes and submits progress notes in a 24-hour timeframe utilizing the agency’s electronic health record system (HMIS).
• Assures that services are provided in collaboration with applicable funding streams and regulations.
• Work closely with supervisor and family response team to successfully manage prevention referrals.
• Promote the alignment between mental health and housing services.
• Responsible for the flow of participants and referrals into prevention programs and that discharge are managed in a way that promotes positive outcomes.
• Assures rights of clients are adhered to within Housing Program policies and guidelines.
• Supports all existing agency policies, principles, and mission.
• Maintain confidentiality in matters of agency operation, personnel, and clients.
• Exercise good judgment in performance of all duties and responsibilities, including maintaining good boundaries and professional conduct.
• Other related duties as assigned and approved by the Coordinator, Prevention Services

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of rental assistance housing programs and social service systems.
• Capacity to work with a diverse and multidisciplinary team towards a common goal.
• Flexible, acute problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish).
• Possess a positive attitude, an ability to comfortably interact with diverse populations, be energetic and independent, and have a strong desire to learn.
• Strong verbal and writing skills are required. Must be able to document in a clear and concise manner and in accordance with LAHSA and The Whole Child policies and procedures.
• Typing skills and computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong commitment to children and families, and a willingness to take the steps necessary to assure their well-being.
• Ability to work independently and with others – including other employees, clients, and members of the public -- in face-to-face, virtual, and telephonic contexts.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work demands.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Maintain a high level of ethical and professional standards.
• Ability to accept diverse personal and cultural behaviors.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or other social services related discipline preferred, or
• Requires California driver’s license, personal vehicle, and proof of personal vehicle insurance coverage and the ability to drive for work.
• 1-3 years of related experience Preferred.

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Downey, CA 90240 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person