Housing Stability Coach

Job Title: Housing Stability Coach

Position Overview: The Housing Stability Coach serves as a case manager and advocate, providing guidance and support to individuals and families living with or affected by HIV as they work toward housing stability and improved health outcomes. This position is responsible for delivering comprehensive services, including life skills training, financial counseling, and resource navigation, to help clients achieve their housing goals while promoting access to care and sustained viral suppression. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse populations, demonstrate proactive problem-solving skills, and foster client growth, self-sufficiency, and health equity.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Engagement and Housing Assessment:

o Conduct client intakes and assessments to evaluate housing needs, barriers, and health-related goals, including access to HIV care and treatment.

o Develop individualized coaching plans that address housing stabilization and viral suppression as interconnected objectives.

2. HIV Care and Viral Suppression Support:

o Assist clients in accessing HIV care, medications, and treatment adherence programs, emphasizing the importance of achieving and maintaining viral suppression.

o Collaborate with healthcare providers and case managers to monitor clients’ treatment progress and address any barriers to care.

o Provide education on the relationship between stable housing and improved health outcomes, including the role of housing in supporting consistent HIV treatment adherence.

3. Skill-Building and Housing Education:

o Provide education on essential life skills, including budgeting, tenant responsibilities, landlord communication, and household management.

o Facilitate workshops or one-on-one coaching sessions on housing readiness topics such as credit improvement, lease understanding, and housing application processes.

o Educate clients about their rights and responsibilities as tenants and empower them to advocate for themselves in housing-related matters.

4. Resource Navigation and Advocacy:

o Assist clients in accessing HOPWA housing resources, subsidies, and additional local housing programs to stabilize housing.

o Advocate on behalf of clients to address barriers with landlords, property managers, and housing agencies.

o Connect clients to supplementary services, such as employment training, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and food assistance, to enhance both housing and health stability.

5. Ongoing Support and Follow-Up:

o Conduct regular check-ins to monitor clients’ progress toward housing stability, treatment adherence, and viral suppression goals.

o Provide guidance for resolving challenges, including landlord communications, lease renewals, and conflict resolution.

o Offer crisis intervention and problem-solving support as needed to prevent housing instability or health setbacks.

6. Documentation and Compliance:

o Maintain accurate and confidential client records, including case notes, action plans, and progress documentation.

o Ensure compliance with HOPWA program guidelines, Ryan White program requirements, and organizational policies for confidentiality and reporting.

o Track and report client outcomes, such as housing stability, viral suppression achievement, and engagement with supportive services, for program evaluation.

7. Program Development and Outreach:

o Research and implement best practices in housing stability and health support for people living with HIV.

o Design and implement promotional materials and outreach plans to encourage participation in housing and health programs.

o Organize workshops for clients and community members on fair housing, financial literacy, and health-related topics.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience:

o Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Counseling, Public Health, or a related field, with at least 2 years of experience in housing support, social services, or case management.

o Experience working with individuals impacted by HIV or at risk of homelessness is highly preferred.

• Skills and Competencies:

o Knowledge of HOPWA program guidelines, Ryan White services, and the relationship between housing and health outcomes.

o Strong coaching and motivational interviewing skills, with the ability to foster empowerment and support goal-setting.

o Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, with a client-centered and trauma-informed approach.

o Familiarity with HIV care, treatment adherence strategies, and achieving viral suppression.

o Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and data management systems.

• Preferred Qualifications:

o Experience with HMIS or similar client tracking systems.

Work Environment: This role involves a combination of office-based tasks and field visits to meet clients in their homes or community settings.

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60616 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60616: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person