Housing Stability Specialist bei Evergreen Health

Evergreen Health  

At Evergreen, we value collaborative, down-to-earth individuals and encourage self-expression. We recognize that our diverse workforce allows us to provide culturally competent care to everyone in our community.

The Housing Stability Specialist (HSS) is responsible for direct service and advocacy for patients seeking assistance locating and securing permanent housing. They also work with those needing assistance with arrears or necessary repairs in order to maintain their housing. The HSS will work on building relationships with new landlords and property managers through community outreach while simultaneously working towards rapport building with existing ones. They will have a thorough understanding of the resources needed to assist clients with securing safe, affordable, and adequate housing. The HSS will complete housing inspections utilizing the established standards of several partner housing programs. The HSS will work predominantly with patients located in Erie and Niagara County, and will also be available for scheduled inspections for patients living in all 8 counties of WNY. 

As part of the Essential Functions for this role, the Housing Stability Specialist:

• Conducts home inspections utilizing the NSPIRE standards for all new units and annual inspections/as needed inspections for existing units
• Conducts initial housing needs assessment in coordination with the clients assigned Housing Retention Counselor (HRC) or Service Coordinator (SC)
• Coordinates housing placement for clients enrolled in Evergreen housing programs as needed
• Plans and is flexible around traveling to the Southern tier counties up to one day per week as needed for inspections and landlord outreach 
• Develops a person-centered intervention and goal-oriented housing case plan to obtain permanent housing that meets NSPIRE standards within 45 days
• Processes emergency housing applications for HOPWA STRMU assistance, meeting with clients and landlords when necessary for the inspection of units
• Actively engages clients in search for safe, stable housing and acts as liaison between client and property owners
• Assists eligible individuals to establish new residence, make moving arrangements, secure rental leases, and understand their financial housing assistance provided by Evergreen Housing Programs
• Transports clients during the housing placement process, when needed and necessary
• Conducts home inspections for clients as needed to determine and ensure habitability based on NSPIRE regulations
• Attends all NSPIRE Trainings, updates and maintains NSPIRE Inspector Certification
• Assesses need for additional skill development required for housing stability such as money management, housing education, independent living skills, and home safety
• Mediates and negotiates with landlords as necessary to secure stable housing and avoid eviction, or to reduce move-in costs, credit checks, etc.
• Provides quality customer service through a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) lens
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of systemic housing issues, the current housing market, housing resources, including Section 8, Subsidized Housing, Housing Authorities, tenant rights, emergency housing, as well as other public benefits
• Compiles and maintains accurate program notes, files, and reports 

Qualified Candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree with at least two years experience OR Associate degree with at least three years experience (see degree and experience details below); candidate must have a valid NYS Driver’s License and an insured, dependable car; candidate must be able to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, and possess organizational and time management skills; must have strong understanding of housing resources and tenant rights in WNY, including Section 8, Housing Authorities, and emergency housing resources; awareness of and sensitivity to the issues and health disparities faced by underserved populations is essential.

Job Type: Full-time   

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Sciences, or related field, with at least two years experience working in human services and/or housing/realty/development field

OR

Associate degree in Human Services, Social Sciences, or related field, with at least three  years experience working in human services and/or housing/realty/development field 

Additional requirements: Must have dependable, insured vehicle and NYS Driver’s License

What Evergreen Health Offers You:

• Multiple comprehensive medical health insurance plans for you to choose from
• Dental and Vision coverage at no cost to you
• Paid Time Off package that equals 4 weeks of time in your first year
• 403b with a generous company match
• Paid parking or monthly metro pass
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid lunch breaks