Job Title:  Senior Housing Specialist

Reports To:  Housing Team Leader

FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Senior Housing Specialist provides technical assistance to the Supported Housing team to ensure compliance with relevant housing regulations. Also serves as a resource to the team around the delivery of case management and other support services and assists the Housing Team Leader and Program Director with federal, county, and state reports. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reports to the Homeless Housing Team Leader for regular supervision.
• Maintains a caseload of 15-20 clients.
• Assists Housing Team Leader and Program Director with accurate communication and reporting to the Erie county Housing Director.
• Attends monthly ECDMH Housing Meetings when Housing Team Leader and Program Director are unable to do so.
• Assists Housing Team Leader and Program Director in determining the appropriateness of each referral and interfaces with the referral sources and landlords as needed.
• Insuring their Housing staff are educated in outreach safety protocol.
• Provides advisement to their staff regarding client and landlord issues.
• Assists Housing Team Leader in responding to landlord calls and concerns and refers to Housing Team Leader and Program Director when appropriate.
• Assists Housing Team Leader and Program Director in overseeing the completeness of all housing carts and documentation protocols.
• Assists Housing Team Leader in maintaining the Monthly Stipend List and Service Match Ledger for Housing Programs.
• Assists Housing Team Leader and Program Director in data collection and reporting
• Assists Housing Team Leader and Program Director in implementing quality improvement strategies.
• Schedule and assigned duties are subject to change based on the needs of the program and the clients we serve.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Requires understanding of mental illness diagnosis and symptomology and working familiarity with community resources, including entitlement programs, medical, financial and legal services, housing and emergency food programs, and the range of mental health treatment and rehabilitation services available. 
• Must be able to effectively engage treatment resistant homeless individuals. 
• Must have an understanding of co-occurring disorders. 
• Must be able to effectively broker services and develop resources. 
• Must possess knowledge of and ability to provide crisis intervention strategies effectively. 
• Must be able to demonstrate leadership qualities, effective communication strategies, organizational skills, and good judgment in service delivery. 
• Good oral and writing skills.
• Highly independent, requiring minimal supervision.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES UNIQUE TO THIS POSITION:

• Will be available to transport consumers to appointments and/or community resources when needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in mental health related field, related human services field, including relevant field placement experience

OR

• Bachelors Degree in Social Work or related human services field, AND two years relevant experience.

OR

• Associates Degree in Social Work or related human services field, AND five years relevant experience.

AND

• A valid NYS drivers' license.
• Automobile in good working order.
• Must have Accredited NYS Defensive driving course; or obtain within 15 days of hire.
• Must maintain Active NYS Defensive Driving class every 3 years, upon expiration.
• If driving one's own vehicle, must maintain valid inspection and automobile insurance.
• Must provide proof of insurance upon hire and when requested.