Family Housing Specialist

Position Summary

The Program Specialist provides support to families and individuals receiving services provided via Panhandle Community Services through a variety of means. The Program Specialist is primarily responsible for providing clients with assistance and resources, acting as an advocate for clients receiving assistance within PCS programs, and for assisting program personnel with administrative duties.

Essential Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Essential Duties:

• Meets with program applicants and gathers necessary documentation for ongoing participation in PCS programs; oversees pre-application and application processes; determines client eligibility; ensures any waiting lists are up to date at least every 6 months
• Provides case management to clients and general advocacy including providing referrals for other programs, services, and resources as needed (ex: issues vouchers to candidates pulled from the waiting list, conducts housing briefings on a regular basis, etc.; works to identify possible client needs and resources (ex: utility assistance, educational advocacy, counseling, job searching, health insurance, etc.); maintains a list of external services and resources
• Assists new clients in learning about services, how to utilize services, etc.
• Regularly meets with clients via telephone check in calls and in-person office and home visits; conducts relevant inspections, assessments, planning, etc.
• Works with families receiving PCS services within various programs on a long-term basis to help them set and reach goals; conducts assessments and tracks progress towards outcomes/outputs; communicates with program Lead, Manager, and/or Director about performance; completes follow-up surveys of program participants
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date client files, records, and documentation; maintains the integrity and confidentiality of client files and records
• Performs timely and accurate data entry and maintains appropriate agency systems (ex: assistance check)
• Performs periodic audits of client files and records to ensure that all required documents are collected and filed appropriately;
• Retrieves information as requested from records, email, minutes, and other related documents; prepares written summaries of data when needed
• Performs general clerical work in relation to client advocacy, inspections, etc. including completing inspection check lists, recertification paperwork, denial letters, recording case notes, service applications, etc.
• Compiles and distributes reports as needed
• Completes initial and annual renewals, reviews, inspections, and audits for the program, as applicable (ex: annual property inspections)
• Answers questions from applicants, clients, and employees relative to PCS programs and resources; provides services to targeted populations and PCS clients and applicants
• Acts as a liaison between PCS and the public, developing and maintaining positive relationships with community partners, community service providers, and vendors; prepares and presents program education and information to the public, clients, and PCS employees; conducts outreach in communities including schools and appropriate organizations, etc.
• Assists program leadership with ensuring compliance with applicable laws and grant guidelines
• Provides program leadership with assistance in the execution of program strategies and initiatives; facilitates strategic thinking to overcome obstacles and achieve grant goals
• Conducts research on trends and best practices to help ensure effectiveness of all program functions, services, processes, reporting, and record-keeping.
• Maintains and builds positive relationships with all levels of staff.
• Acts as a primary point of contact within assigned program and provides program information to all employees, serving employees with excellence in a manner aligned with organization values and purpose; acts as a program advocate internally and externally (ex: preventative health)
• Conducts self and performs work in an ethical manner in accordance with PCS standards of conduct, and other applicable policies
• Attendance and participation in organizational team meetings and all staff days is required, some of which may be off site and on weekends
• Other duties as assigned

Other Duties:

• Maintains a strong working knowledge of PCS standards including policies and procedures, organizational standards, grant and program compliance, procurement standards, and all other applicable policies and procedures as outlined by PCS.
• Attends ongoing education and training sessions; obtains necessary certifications for programs
• Trains as a program specialist in other program areas; steps in to assist other program areas as a program specialist whenever needed and as assigned

Qualifications

Education: A High School Diploma or equivalent is required. An Associates Degree or Bachelors degree in Social Work or related field or equivalent preferred.

Licenses and Certifications: Notary Public preferred; Licensed Social Worker, FDS, CPR/BLS, DFPS, MHRA/TIC preferred.

Experience: Any combination of 3+ years of experience in social work, rental housing, or customer service is required; 1+ years of experience working with Federal government regulations is required; Some experience in a Community Action Agency or other similar non-profit organization preferred;

*Individuals working in Weatherization are required to have 1+ years of experience in construction and maintenance related fields

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong public speaking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to empathize with others.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines; ability to prioritize tasks.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent case management skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Strong knowledge of area services, resources, and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of required documentation needed to service all families who utilize the PCS programs.
• Knowledge of HUD regulations as established by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Ability to recognize signs of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health disorders.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the systems utilized by the organization.
• Basic math skills required.
• Proficiency in understanding, speaking, and writing in English.

In addition to the skills listed above, those working in the Weatherization program must also possess the following skills:

• Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses and buildings.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of building codes and the jurisdiction having authority.
• Ability to install, position, move and manipulate Weatherization/building materials.

Other Requirements: Valid drivers license required. Must have liability insurance coverage. Bilingual ability in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing both English and Spanish strongly preferred.