CLASS SUMMARY: This position will work directly with individuals who are experiencing chronic homelessness and have substance abuse disorders, serious mental illness (SMI), or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder. Veterans who experience homelessness/chronic homelessness and have substance use disorders, SMI, or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder. The Housing Stabilization Specialist will help the individuals identify housing needs and assist them in applying for housing opportunities, including development of a housing plan. Work involves managing a caseload, supportive counseling and on-the-job training supervision. DISTINGUISHING ELEMENTS OF THE CLASS I. IMPACT: The identification of housing needs, assisting the individual in applying for housing and provide intervention and support to prevent eviction, is directly affected by the work of this class. Developing relationships with housing providers, housing authorities, and veterans housing assistance programs, including VASH. II. LATITUDE: Regular work is performed independently in accordance with program policies, procedures and objectives. The supervisor is immediately available for consultation and regularly reviews work for conformance to objectives. Work may also involve the independent supervision of individuals in various locations within the community. III. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: Class supervises no staff; however, supervision is exercised over individuals involved with this team. IV. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: Work involves frequent contacts with other agency professionals and community, federal and state assistance agencies on matters affecting individuals assigned. Program marketing and outplacement efforts involve solicitations and development of relations with housing providers, housing authorities, and veterans housing assistance programs. V. DIFFICULTY: Work involves the regular evaluation of the individual’s capabilities and needs in order to develop appropriate progress goals and service plans. Immediate physical supervision and control of clients occasionally prone to anti-social behavior are an element of this work. Development and coordination of housing placements requires the incumbent to employ considerable negotiation, persuasion and marketing finesse. Documentation concerning individual and program activities is prepared in compliance to detailed regulations. VI. COMMUNICATION: Involved narrative reports regarding individual assessments, behavior and progress are written. Work involves negotiation with various housing providers, individual counseling and constant verbal exchanges with family, caregivers, agency and other service providers. Work involves the preparation of written placement proposals and housing recommendations. VII. EQUIPMENT/FACILITIES RESPONSIBILITY: Incumbent frequently operates a personal or agency vehicle in the transportation of individuals. He/she is responsible for the maintenance and safe use of equipment used when supervising activities of the individuals. VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work involves traveling and visitation to individuals homes of varying sanitary and health (emotional and physical) conditions located in neighborhoods of varying security. Work may also take incumbent to homeless shelters, jails, and out of town locations. The incumbent is exposed to hostile and/or aggressive individuals behaviors presenting a personal risk of bodily harm. IX. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’S): Good knowledge of clinical symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse. Good knowledge of social casework management including needs assessment and supportive level counseling. Good knowledge of permanent supportive housing programs, voucher programs, public housing, mainstream housing resources. Knowledge of rental assistance and utility assistance programs. Knowledge of supportive housing and housing stabilization skills. Skills in assisting individuals in overcoming barriers to housing. Skill in conducting training on an individual and group basis. Ability to communicate effectively, prepare documentation, proposals and reports. Ability to relate well to people with mental and emotional problems. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, employers and other service provider staff. Must be proficient in the use of computers. X. REQUIRED LICENSURE: Valid state Driver’s License. XI. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY): Assesses and evaluates clients for housing placements. Counsels and instructs individuals with regard to maintaining housing. Develops and implements treatment plans in consent with other treatment staff. Provides training and supervision to program clients. Documents and prepares records and reports relating to client psychosocial and housing assessment, development and behavior. Develops and conducts group housing stabilization training activities. Meets with and interviews with clients, families and other care providers to assess client needs and eligibility of services, prepares mental status and social assessments and other client information summaries. Develops treatment and service plans for clients. Makes and documents periodic reviews. Participates in client review meetings and provides input into other case managers' cases. Advocates needs of clients within and outside system, liaise between client, care givers and service providers. Assists clients in obtaining basic resources such as: shelter, food, medical services, disability benefits. Assists with client relocations. Monitors client behaviors and progress and provides assistance to clients toward attaining pre-determined goals, schedules clients appointments, visits and observes residences and supervises medications compliance. Provides supportive counseling to clients and client families, intervenes and provides emergency crisis counseling. Makes client referrals to appropriate service providers and coordinates service delivery to client. Participates in discharge evaluations and planning. Prepares memos, correspondence, records and reports related to case management activities. Does related work as required. Transports clients as necessary. XII. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment; such as, but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some walking, moving, carrying, climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and handling, sitting, standing, pushing, and pulling. |
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