Housing Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Metro West Program Manager, promote the housing stability of people living with HIV through the provision of Housing Support Services, with an emphasis on location affordable housing options and establishing collaborative relations with community-based organizations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Screen clients for housing programs eligibility, conduct client intake, assessment, and formulae housing plans to assess housing barriers and determine housing and services needs identify, refer, and link clients to appropriate resources, inclusive of risk reduction goals, public benefits options, and employment.
• Provide monthly follow-up, including home visits to provide on-site supportive services to ensure housing retention.
• Assist clients who qualify for HOPWA and other housing programs to complete applications, develop housing plans, and obtain the most appropriate housing situation for that individual.
• Assist clients in completing applications for housing and financial assistance programs.
• Communicate basic life skills and educate clients about neighborhood amenities, services, and transportation.
• Apply knowledge and educate clients about tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Maintain and complete organized working file, update all client records, case notes and copies of all corresponding paperwork of client participation and progress towards goals and objectives in data base programs in Salesforce and Bitfocus.
• Identify affordable housing options and conduct site visits of appropriate properties.
• Work with landlords and property developers to advocate for clients; assist with applying for multiple HOPWA grants, Move-in, rental assistance, etc.
• Identify alternative housing resources for clients who do not qualify for HOPWA, including low-income housing units.
• Assist in linking clients to APLA Health services/programs and other community agencies/programs.
• Advocate for needed services on behalf of the client.
• Maintain statistical client data, including entering client data into organizational database.
• Attend mandatory meetings, trainings, supervisory sessions and stay abreast of current trends and innovations in the field of assisted public housing.
• Attend staff meetings and individual supervision meetings at Alliance Housing and Healing. Assist and provide On-Call coverage.
• Strictly adhere to HIPPA guidelines and regulations to protect patient rights and confidentiality of protected health information (PHI), including, but not limited to, personal and financial information.
• Assume other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS.

REQUIREMENTS:

Training and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Human Services field (Psychology, Sociology, Health Sciences, or related field) preferred or a minimum of two years professional experience related to housing; or a minimum of 150 hours of intern/volunteer experience at Alliance Housing and Healing or APLA Health. Experience working in a high-volume environment where attention to detail and timely completion of task are required.
• Demonstrate professional behavior in with a client centered focus is consistently employed.

Knowledge of:

Housing and social services needs of low-income persons, housing resources in Los Angeles County, and HIV related issues and concerns. Additional knowledge of public benefits, back to work issues, primary care resources, treatment adherence and counseling techniques preferred. This position request knowledge and expertise in the use of the internet, Microsoft Office programs, with an emphasis on Excel and using formulas, and web-based reporting systems i.e., Salesforce and Bitfocus.

Ability to:

Work in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail, coordinate multiple tasks, meet assigned deadlines, learn specific systems quickly and thoroughly, and communicate effectively with clients from diverse background as well as with government representatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting, and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid California drivers license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes.

COVID-19 Vaccination or Medical/ Religious Exemption required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disability/veteran.