Housing Specialist

Plan and implement housing services for clients who have co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Acts as a facilitator and resource person to consumers and other staff regarding the identification, development, and attainment of housing opportunities. Person will also be an expert in the maintenance of housing in the community and development of independent living skills. Performs other rehabilitation duties as assigned by Program Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Assess participant needs for housing services.

- Meet the needs of clients in the areas of mental health and substance abuse education, prevention, recovery, and other related mental health rehabilitation areas.

- Organize and conduct structured group and individual activities that address client’s goals for housing.

- Provide specialized housing services to other staff members through clinical team meetings and individual conferences.

- Complete required documentation including, but not limited to housing plans, and clinical records.

- Participate in the Individual Treatment Planning process by assisting with client goal formulation, monitoring, and progress reporting.

- Perform direct service interventions as indicated in the ITP, and in coordination with other members of the treatment team.

- Assist in developing annual service goals and measuring and reporting progress.

- Identify the needs and sources(s) for housing resource materials and procure per Agency procedures.

- Establish and maintain communication and working relationships with other providers and leaders in the field to help assure housing resource availability and enhance the Agency’s working knowledge of housing issues.

- Obtain and document results of housing inspections for clients.

- Provide transportation to and from community meetings.

- Provide case management for an assigned group of clients including coordinating and monitoring the activities of the individual treatment team; assume responsibility for

developing, writing, implementing, evaluating, and revising overall treatment goals and plans in conjunction with the ITP; provide individual supportive counseling; assist in symptom management, ensuring immediate changes are made in the treatment plans as client’s needs change. Educate and support client’s families, and advocate for client rights and preferences.

- Conduct comprehensive assessment of all domains of a person’s life.

- Provide on call crisis intervention when assigned covering nighttime and weekend hours.

- Become an expert of the ACT philosophy and follow and maintain high fidelity to the ACT Model of Care.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Develop and identify housing opportunities for consumers.

Direct service to clients (individual and group)

EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in mental health field preferred and/or three years equivalent work experience in mental health and / or substance abuse services.

Skill Requirement: Two to three months OJT required for efficient job performance.

Job Requirements: Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have a clean driving record.

Must have the ability to work independently with minimum supervision

COMMENTS

Knowledge of chronic mental illness and substance abuse is necessary