Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist

Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist – Defiance, OH

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-4:30.

Wage:  $16.00 (w/ Associate’s Degree) – $17.16 hourly (w/ Bachelor’s Degree)

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Short Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement plan with an agency 6% match
• Accruals earned: Personal (2 weeks) and Vacation (1 week in first year and 2 weeks years 2-5)
• 15 paid holidays
• Working with a non-profit {501(c)(3)} qualifies staff for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Description/Duties:

Provide individualized housing assistance and coordination of supportive services to chronically homeless persons to achieve stable housing and achieve the highest level of self-sufficiency.

• Screen and evaluate persons requesting housing assistance to determine eligibility. Review applications with supervisor to determine the appropriateness of placement.
• Solicit local landlords through systematic planning and outreach to promote the benefits of the PSH program. Maintain a database of participating landlords and available units.
• Provide housing location and supportive services to the homeless, near homeless and disadvantaged persons to ensure delivery of needed support services.
• Assist households w/ barriers preventing them from obtaining/maintaining independent housing.
• Coordinate the process to complete required housing inspections for rental units. At a minimum, meet the monthly contact requirements of four times monthly within the first three months of being housed and three times per month thereafter, including one home visit per month.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of client problems such as chronic homelessness, substance/chemical abuse, health issues, medications, mental health, HIV/Aids, legal aid, etc.
• Maintain regular contact with partner agencies to ensure that equal and adequate opportunities are being provided to households requesting housing assistance. Develop and maintain partnership agreements.
• Reassess households every 3-months to determine the need for on-going services.
• Act as a liaison with landlords and other community stakeholders to promote the success of residents and the PSH program.  Intervene during landlord-tenant issues, mediating any concerns that may arise.   Coordinate efforts to prevent eviction.
• Maintain case files on each client, and records pertinent data as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or closely related degree, preferred. OR
• Any Associate’s/Bachelor’s Degree with demonstrated public service experience.
• Must have a reliable vehicle in order complete supportive services.
• Must be able to stand for periods of time and navigate stairs.
• Must have a valid Ohio Drivers’ License, maintain state minimum amount of automobile liability insurance, and be insurable through NOCAC’s insurance carrier.