Housing Specialist - Volunteers of America : Job Details

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Housing Supervisor with Housing Services, this position is responsible for providing care coordinator services to persons served, ensuring that quality outcomes are achieved; preparing documentation; the identification, development and coordination of housing resources and supportive services for individuals who are homeless and disabled and performing related duties as assigned. These duties will be performed in the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Prepares required reports.

* Creates and maintains linkages with other service providers to develop informal and formal resources to be of assistance to the person served.

* Develops and implements individual service plans to ensure persons served are receiving quality services according to service plans. The Housing Specialists will ensure the following basic supports are provided to meet outcomes in the basic life areas: Independent Living/Basic Needs, Employment, Health/Wellness, Natural Supports/Socialization and Leisure/Recreational Activities.

* Prepares and completes accurate, timely reports and documentation of services as required by VOASELA and regulatory agencies/funding sources.

* Ensures that quality outcomes are achieved.

* Serves as advocate for persons served.

* Housing Specialists are to be available to participants 24 hours/day for crisis support over the telephone.

* Performs home visits and off-site case management services. Home visits twice a month.

* Contact participants weekly and document the contact in the participant's electronic health record.

* Document in participant's EHR within twenty-four hours of service delivery.

* Providing transportation to persons served as appropriate.

* Conduct strength-based assessment and make referrals to community-based services.

* Provides crisis response and intervention.

* Maintain assigned up-to-date files, electronic client records and program records.

* Participation in training is required by accreditation standards, plus performance and quality improvement efforts.

* Develops and maintains positive relationships with agencies and coalitions for the homeless, disabled, mental health agencies and other agencies involved with individuals who are disabled and homeless.

* Assists in the collection and analysis of housing availability data.

* Develops action plans for meeting housing needs of individuals.

* Coordinates with existing permanent housing resources to develop or make available additional housing opportunities for the target population.

* Promotes the concept that individuals, who are homeless and disabled, have a right to live in the least restrictive environment.

* Works with other agencies toward assurance that necessary supports are available for individuals moving into normal community housing.

* Keeps supervisory staff apprised of gaps in services and assists to develop resources to fill these gaps.

* Adhere to Performance, CARF and Quality Standards.

* Performs related duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Non-essential)

* Adhere to the designated dress code as stipulated for the specific role.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:

* None

KEY CONTACTS

* None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

This position requires knowledge, skills and abilities equivalent to:

* Bachelor's Degree and one year experience working with individuals who have a disabling condition in a community setting.

* CPR/First Aid Instructor Certification is required upon hire or within brief time of assuming position duties.

* Have a desire to work with a diverse population, demonstrate respect for individuals and demonstrate ability to work in a team environment; requires a demonstrated willingness to be responsive to the needs of the target population.

* Position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to function as part of a team.

* The ability to work some flexible hours is required.

* Must be at least 21 years of age or older at the time the offer of employment is made.

* Must be able to pass all required compliance checks and criminal history investigation, including offenses as described in R.S. 40:1300.53, pursuant to the statutory revision authority of the Louisiana State Law Institute.

* Current driver's license issued by state of residence.

* Current Vehicle Inspection decal.

* Current vehicle insurance.

* Current vehicle registration in state of residence.

* Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is primarily performed in a normal office environment generally while seated at a desk. Dexterity is required to performing work with personal computer keyboard, calculator and other office equipment

Below are minimal knowledge/physical requirements of this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.