Family Shelter Housing Stabilization Specialist II

Housing Stabilization Specialist II

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring.

The Rebele Family Shelter is a low-barrier, 28-bed emergency shelter for individuals and their minor child or children. The Housing Stabilization Specialist works with participants toward achieving and maintaining permanent housing by establishing the skills, relationships, and resources needed to maintain housing in the long term. Under direction, Housing Stabilization Specialists will carry a caseload providing housing stabilization social services including increasing income, benefits counseling, connection to natural supports; and development service plans that may include the need for specialized social services. 

 Hours and Benefits

• Housing Stabilization Specialist II is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, eligible for medical, dental, vision, 403b, and our generous PTO plan.
• Regular hours are Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for some positions. 

Starting Wages (Offer Dependent on Experience):

$27.54,  $28.37,  $29.21,  $30.09,  $31.00,  $31.93

Preferred Experience and Education Requirements

 Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain this knowledge would be: 

•  A minimum of one year of experience performing social service casework services comparable to a Case Manager I or Housing Navigator I at Housing Matters in an exceptional manner exceeding all standards and abilities
•  A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in social work, social welfare, human services, or one of the social or behavioral sciences.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the organization may be required for certain positions.
• Bilingual English and Spanish speaking

Thorough knowledge of:

• Basic principles and trends of affordable housing.
• Federal and State housing regulations, programs, and procedures.
• Community resources.
• Public social service and assistance programs.
• Interviewing and record-keeping techniques.
• Knowledge of the specialized program area to which assigned.
• County and state affordable housing policies, procedures, and programs.
• Housing inspections.
• Grant compliance reporting.

 Typical Job Duties

• Support case managers by conducting client interviews, and assessments, and assisting participants in developing and/or following housing stability case plans.
• Coordinate with case managers and other support staff to meet stabilization and retention goals.
• Provide budget assistance, job search and employment assistance, training and education, benefits counseling, and other services related to attaining income and managing a household budget.
• Serve as a liaison between participants and their landlords; help with emergency and crisis plans related to housing, landlord communication, and neighbor issues.
• Connect participants to natural and community-based supports such as volunteer opportunities, recovery groups, social clubs, sports teams, friends and family, etc.
• Connect participants to medical insurance, primary care providers, and other health

support.

• Develop and maintain accurate written case records including assessments, ongoing case plans, and progress notes.
• Meet all administrative requirements including recordkeeping, HMIS, staff meetings, etc.
• Maintain confidentiality and treat participants with dignity and respect at all times.
• Assist in the overall administration of the assigned program.
• Transport program participants in Housing Matters vehicles to meetings and appointments in accordance with program requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Housing Matters provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.