The Independent Living Housing Specialist provides services to current and former young adults in foster care seeking safe and affordable housing options with the ability to learn life skills. The Housing Specialist will work with community partners to identify appropriate placement which will allow for continued support, guidance, and life skills personal development. The Housing Specialist must have a passion for educating young adults on life skills pertaining to securing and maintaining appropriate housing, formulating budgets, and adhering to contractual housing agreements. The Housing Specialist will establish and maintain relationships with landlords, property owners and low-income housing, complete and submit required Housing Financial Authority documentation as per contractual and regulatory requirements. This candidate should have strong skills in working well with staff, partner agencies and young adults with a history of foster care. The Housing Specialist must be able to work independently, think critically, and assess the needs of this population in a trauma-informed manner.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: - Serve as system navigator to address intake and assessment of homeless former foster care youth.
- Responsible for managing youth applications, interviews, intake, budgets, and payments to landlords, as well as incidentals to participants.
- Conduct monthly in-home home visits with young adults.
- Facilitate consults related to residents violating program rules and expectations.
- Educate young adults on life skills related to securing and maintaining appropriate housing
A comprehensive benefits program including: - 5 weeks of PTO accruals available during the first year of employment
- 13 paid holidays
- Professional development
- Ongoing coaching and feedback
- Employee Assistance Program ("EAP")
Health Benefits with shared premium costs, including: - Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- 401(k) retirement
Requirements
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in social work or related field preferred. Minimum of three years social services experience. Child Welfare Certification preferred.