Housing Specialist for Community Mental Health Program
Job Description
Job Description
About Company:
Pathways to Housing DC (Pathways DC) is an innovative nonprofit agency committed to ending homelessness for individuals with serious mental illnesses, co-occurring substance use disorders and/or other medical challenges in our Nation's Capital. Pathways is one of the originators of "Housing First", in which services are provided to those in need without conditions and pre-housing requirements.
About the Role:
The Housing Specialist plays a critical role in connecting individuals with safe, affordable, and appropriate housing solutions. This position focuses on assessing client needs, navigating housing resources, and coordinating with community partners to secure stable living environments that support overall well-being. The Housing Specialist will work closely with clients to develop personalized housing plans, advocate for their rights, and provide ongoing support to ensure housing stability. This role requires a deep understanding of housing policies, social services, and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Ultimately, the Housing Specialist contributes to improving clients' quality of life by addressing housing insecurity and promoting long-term self-sufficiency.
Benefits:
- 15 days of vacation to start plus 10 paid holidays
- Paid Sick/Wellness leave
- Health Insurance (singles, partner, and family coverage offered), including an employer sponsored HSA account to offset the cost of copays and healthcare services
- Dental & Vision insurance
- Employer paid LTD Pathways' paid life insurance 403b Match
- Employer paid Employee Assistance Program
- Many additional employee paid services such as legal coverage, Short Term Disability, and pre-tax commuter benefits
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, public health, or a related field.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations in a social service or healthcare setting.
- Knowledge of housing resources, tenant rights, and community support services.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients and partners.
- Ability to manage multiple cases and maintain detailed records in compliance with organizational standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in housing counseling or case management.
- Familiarity with local housing laws, subsidies, and affordable housing programs.
- Proficiency in using client management software and data tracking tools.
- Bilingual abilities to serve diverse client populations.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients’ housing needs and eligibility for various housing programs.
- Develop and implement individualized housing plans in collaboration with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
- Identify, establish, and maintain relationships with landlords, housing agencies, and community organizations.
- Advocate on behalf of clients to secure housing accommodations and resolve barriers to housing access.
- Provide education and resources to clients about tenant rights, housing options, and financial assistance programs.
- Monitor client progress and provide follow-up support to ensure housing stability and address emerging needs.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, housing plans, and outcomes.
- Stay informed about local, state, and federal housing policies and funding opportunities relevant to client populations.
Skills:
The Housing Specialist utilizes strong assessment and communication skills daily to understand client needs and build trust. Problem-solving and advocacy skills are essential for navigating complex housing systems and overcoming barriers to access. Organizational skills enable the specialist to manage multiple client cases efficiently while maintaining accurate documentation. Collaboration skills are used to coordinate with community partners, landlords, and healthcare providers to create comprehensive support networks. Additionally, knowledge of housing policies and social services informs decision-making and ensures clients receive appropriate resources and assistance.