What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist position at Institute for Human Service?
Summary
The housing specialist creates permanent housing opportunities by developing an inventory of available housing units for IHS clients he/she is responsible for with varying price ranges (i.e. TANF, PH, HPP, HPRP, etc.). The specialist works with case management staff to maintain landlord/rental management relations and implements the IHS Supportive Housing programs to achieve performance outcomes of the program.
Facilitate a culture of Ho’okipa (hospitality) by providing service to clients with a warm and welcoming attitude; interacting professionally with employees, vendors, landlords etc.
Compile and implement necessary objectives of housing programs to ensure outcomes are met and assists consumers in meeting tenancy requirements, i.e. payments and lease requirements.
Provide outreach and establish relationships with landlords to market housing programs and develop an inventory of available housing units for clients with a range of pricing.
Inspects rental units and communicates housing quality to HUD, Case Manager and client.
Conducts face to face housing presentations and schedules housing interviews with clients.
Coordinates clients’ applications to subsidy programs such as Section 8, or other types of permanent housing solutions with Case Manager to coordinate follow up efforts.
Handles lease compliance issues and makes every effort to assist the client in preventing eviction.
Works with the long-term Case Manager to assess the functioning level of clients’ independent living skills and develop janitorial, maintenance and preventive plans that include regular check-ups to uncover problems to avoid crisis or failed placement.
Provides on-going evaluation assistance, including Housing Assessments.
Maintains records of referrals, assessments and placement plans in compliance with HUD Housing Counseling Plan; provides internal reports of program activity as well as administer standardized client self-report measures as required by the program and as determined by the Housing & Employment Director.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Knowledge of Oahu/Honolulu housing market and property managers, fair housing laws, and landlord/tenant rights.
Possess effective problem solving and organizational skills and computer proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Access and/or database applications.
Able to exercise judgment and work independently under general direction.
Ability to effectively interact with professionals, partnering agencies and high needs clients including those with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems.
Strong written documentation, communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in business or related field.
At least one year experience working with disenfranchised or at risk individuals related in a homeless service and/or in a case management setting
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Access and/or database applications.
