What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist position at Familylinks?
Description
For more than six decades, Familylinks has been dedicated to serving the diverse individuals and families of Western Pennsylvania. In the past year alone, we extended our care to over 9,000 people spanning all age groups, residing in various neighborhoods, representing different income levels, and holding diverse beliefs. Our mission is to positively impact lives through integrated community, behavioral, and social programs. We can only achieve this with dedicated and passionate individuals who want to make an impact in the community and in the lives of the individuals we serve. To achieve this unwavering support, Familylinks provides a wide range of family-centered services in the areas of Behavioral Health, Service Coordination, Youth and Family, and Aging Services.
The Housing Specialist is primarily responsible for coordinating services and monetary assistance to participants in the CYF Homeless Prevention housing program. Familylinks’ Homeless Prevention Program provides one-time monetary, housing and basic assistance to CYF families who are housing instable or at immediate risk of homelessness. Families who are referred to this service need to be residents of Allegheny County, and active with Allegheny County CYF. Funds will be used for families whose goal is preservation or reunification.
Extras of joining our team:
Insurance
- Monthly allowance towards medical insurance
- Free vision insurance with the option for additional coverage
- Free dental insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employer sponsored life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Pet Insurance
Professional
- Three weeks of PTO in your first year
- Eight paid holidays
- Employee referral bonus program
- 403(b) retirement plan matching contributions
- Tuition reimbursement and educational stipend
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Accept OCYF referrals for designated participants and maintain regular and timely interactions with OCYF caseworker and families.
- Act as mediator between current landlords/property managers, the participant, and future landlords/property managers.
- Create a budget and educate participants about budgeting throughout their interaction with the program.
- Provide workshops/trainings to participants in the program.
- Assist participants with navigating the housing system, including the private market, public housing, and the Housing Choice Voucher system.
- Identify gaps in identification and other necessary documentation for housing, vouchers and other rental arrangements. Assist participants in obtaining these documents, where appropriate.
- Maintain and contribute new potential landlords to an internal landlord database.
- Inspect identified potential or current apartments to meet county requirements, prior to admission, and during involvement in the housing program.
- Transport participants to view housing options and meet with landlords, when necessary.
- Testify in court for each household, where necessary.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a Social Service related field is preferred
- 2 years of relevant experience in case management.
- A valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle is required.
- This position must be available to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed.
- Solid computer skills including experience with Microsoft products such as Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Experience working in the KIDS and/or HMIS systems is a plus.
- Presentation skills and a professional manner along with the ability to interact with a diverse group of applicants and landlords are also required.
- Excellent written and verbal skills.
- Self-directed, flexible with strong problem-solving abilities.
Familylinks is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
Familylinks takes pride in its status as an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policies, applicable to both current team members and prospective candidates, prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, transgender identity, gender transition, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status.
Not quite a fit for you? Check out our other openings at https://www.familylinks.org/careers
Salary : $18 - $22
