This position provides comprehensive care coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The Specialist works with participants to develop individualized support plans to achieve housing and financial stability while meeting them where they are at. This may be inside or outside the office. The position may specialize in a specific grant and/or help with intakes on a scheduled basis. The Specialist interacts with diverse community supports, including behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, physical health, criminal justice, benefits management and employment. This will be a full time position at 37.5 hours per week.
JOB DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
1. Meet with clients weekly or monthly, depending upon need, to provide support that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and client-centered.
2. Contact newly assigned clients as soon as possible, complete re-certifications in a timely manner, and determine program exits.
3. Help and coach clients to achieve wellness and autonomy by allowing individuals to set their own goals and determine what areas of focus they would like to engage in.
4. Complete comprehensive assessments in the domains of housing, health, financial stability, food, employment, transportation, and other key areas as appropriate.
5. Work collaboratively with a client to identify, track and achieve goals in the above areas.
6. Maintain regular communication regarding clients with landlords, community partners, and management.
7. Educate and inform applicants of program requirements and responsibilities. According to the client participation contract and program guidelines.
8. Provide skills training, specifically in household budgeting, advocate and refer for services, including financial assistance, tax assistance, legal aid, housing, job placement, education, primary healthcare, mental health, substance treatment, and other client-identified needs.
9. Complete all required documentation, including but not limited to stability plans, client eligibility, enrollment, tracking, and contacts with or on behalf of individual participants and submit files regularly for accuracy auditing.
10. Daily data entry into EmpowOr and/or HMIS, including demographics, services, and client outcomes achieved.
11. If working with clients on specific housing grants, must maintain appropriate documentation, billing, and data.
12. Meet and maintain caseload and billable units.
13. Assist clients in accessing Basic Food benefits, including online application and renewals through Washington Connection, as needed.
14. Communicate with and be responsive to team members, including providing back up to Service Screeners as needed.
15. Positively represent Community Action in the community.
16. Bilingual English/Spanish Specialist: may assist with outreach and engagement with Spanish-speaking individuals and communities. May provide interpretive services and consultation to ensure cultural competency for all programs at CA.
17. Participate in agency meetings and trainings as required and attend scheduled interdisciplinary team meetings and supervisory sessions.
18. Other related duties as assigned by management.
QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
Education & Experience
2 years related professional experience or a related peer certification. Lived experience with demonstrated success in self-advocacy may substitute.
Lived experience with homelessness and factors associated with housing instability preferred.
AA/BA/BS Degree in Social Services or related field preferred.
Or a combination of education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work.
License(s) & Certification(s)
Must have valid driver license and auto liability insurance if personal vehicle is used for work-related travel.
Certified Peer Counselor Certificate preferred.
Training necessary (within 1 year of hire): Trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, Blood borne Pathogens, First Aid/CPR, Safety, Mandated Reporting, Confidentiality, HIPAA, Crisis Intervention, and De-Escalation.
Skills & Abilities
Spanish/English bilingual desired.
Knowledge in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies helpful.
Motivational interviewing skills desired.
Ability to set boundaries, resolve conflict, problem solve, and de-escalate issues.
Ability to work independently, as well as, part of a team.
Excellent organization and time management skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to pass and maintain a background check.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook programs.
Must have strong and effective communication skills (oral and written).
Working knowledge of standard office procedures and technologies (phone, computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, fax machine) is needed.
Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, educational and experiential backgrounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is generally performed in an office environment, unless otherwise indicated in job duties. Extended sitting may be required. Sufficient mobility required for use of standard office equipment. Hearing and communication ability must be sufficient to perform essential job functions. While providing client services outside of the office employee May be exposed to situational, environmental or health hazards. Travel within and outside Agency’s service area may be required for community outreach, meetings, training and other job-related activities.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting wage between $23.41 - $25.85 per hour (DOE)
Benefits include:
Medical & Dental Insurance including Rx and Vision
Life Insurance and AD&D coverage
SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan (3% Employer Match)
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
12 Holidays per year
Health club discount
(Community Action reserves right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit at any time for any reason.)
TO APPLY: Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by providing ALL items requested. Please submit the following: (1) Community Action Application (2) Resume (3) Letter of Interest. You can find all job announcements and apply online on our website at www.communityactionskagit.org
Community Action of Skagit County reserves the right to extend application deadlines and to modify the selection schedule without notice, to form eligibility lists for, or make appointments to, other positions with similar employment requirements. Community Action of Skagit County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you require accommodation in the application process, please contact our HR Department.