Scattered Site Housing Stabilization Specialist

Episcopal Community Services is expanding their Mainstream Voucher (MSV) program. MSV is a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher for disabled adults who are experiencing homelessness. Participants are approved by the San Francisco Housing Authority. ECS is responsible for application assistance, outreach and, once the participant is housed, providing housing stabilization services for up to two years. Housing location and subsidy administration is provided by a community-based partner.

Scattered Site Housing Stabilization Specialists serve as an advocate for participants throughout the process of locating and obtaining housing in San Francisco (or surrounding counties) and provide support with transition and stabilization in housing. As a result of ECS ongoing collaboration with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and other external stakeholders, this job description may change both prior to hire, and after, as we continue to implement the best approach and services.

Scattered Site Housing Stabilization Specialists will provide services at its office, at the participants housing unit, or other location convenient to the participant.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support participants in moving into housing.
• Support participants in the vouchering process with the San Francisco Housing Authority.
• Develop a Housing Stability Plan in partnership with the tenant.
• Provide clinical and supportive services to tenants in order to provide them with the support needed to promote stabilization and successful tenancy.
• Identify tenant behaviors that may jeopardize their housing and intervene when necessary to accomplish successful tenancy.
• Coach tenants on relationships with landlords and/or other tenants.
• Assist with the resolution of disputes.
• Advocate and link tenants to eviction-prevention resources around the community.
• Recertify tenant income.
• Update housing support and crisis response plans.
• Support tenants in household management skills.
• Provide support and education related to the psychological and practical transition of tenants into housing.
• Address the change of home and familiar location with tenants; the potential for isolation, how to pay bills, manage visitors and relationships, etc.
• Keep accurate records and charts, enter required data in ONE System.
• Provide professional, accessible, and culturally relevant support, advocacy, information and referrals to program participants.
• Provide referral services as needed.
• Work within and promote the integrated services team model in an environment dedicated to harm reduction, recovery, and wellness.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working with homeless adults; knowledge of HUD homeless regulations a plus.
• Experience working in integrated service teams using participant-centered harm-reduction approaches.
• Excellent working knowledge of resources in San Francisco and knowledge of surrounding counties a plus.
• Possess a strong knowledge of and sensitivity to adults with substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, history of trauma and co-occurring diagnoses.
• Demonstrated respect for, experience with and willingness to work with a diverse client population.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout San Francisco and surrounding counties.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes as our Coordinated Entry activities respond to lessons learned and emerging needs.

OTHER: