Hybrid Housing and Support Specialist presso Fresno EOC

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 
None.


SUMMARY 
Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, provides housing and support services to individuals and families who are homeless and chronically homeless for Sanctuary Housing Programs.

Assists in the fulfillment of the agency’s vision, “For Those We Serve,” by empowering individuals to thrive as healthy, self-sufficient and contributing members of our communities.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Serves as liaison and maintains collaborative working relationships with local public housing partner(s), property manager, and Agency.

Assists in outreach activities to identify homeless individuals and families and documents homelessness.

Participates in Coordinated Entry including, but not limited to Community Outreach and assistance at a centralized intake center (i.e. Multi-Agency Access Point at Poverello House). Attend Navigator meetings and assists homeless individuals with obtaining necessary documents to be ready for housing.

Assists in security of buildings/areas where more than 50% of the project clients reside.

Works with Program Manager to publicize the Sanctuary and Support Services in the community.

Identifies community resources and provides linkages to Sanctuary and Support Services programs and/or other community organizations.

Reviews pre-screening packets to verify accuracy of required documentation prior to admission consultation.

Assists homeless clients with intake paperwork to ensure documents meet grant guidelines.

Identifies and maintains contact with new and existing landlords, property management companies, and/or landlords to increase housing stock for eligible clients.

Assists clients with completing apartment rental applications, including submitting to apartment complex and advocating for clients.

Assists program clients with understanding and executing lease and/or sub-lease agreements.

Schedules Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection with housing partner prior to execution of lease agreement. If the housing unit fails inspection, works directly with landlord to make required repairs and reschedule inspection. When unit passes inspection, obtains HQS Inspection form for program client file.

Completes Statements of Conditions with client and take pictures of unit prior to client move in for clients file.

Enters initial data client collected for program client into the Homeless Information Management System (HMIS) within three (3) days of program entry. Program entry is recorded as the date of the client’s briefing with housing partner (Rental Assistance projects) or the date the client’s fingerprint clearance is received (Master Leasing projects).

Serves as back up for case manager for tracking client activity and exiting program clients in HMIS.

Facilitates Life Skills Workshops and maintains documentation of all housing assistance activities conducted with program clients.

Collects rent monthly from program clients and submit to Program Manager (Master Leasing projects) and to Apartment Manager (Rental Assistance projects) on or before the fifth of each month.

Provides client education and support to program clients on tenant rights and responsibilities.

Assists program clients with identifying appropriate maintenance needs and completing requests. Completes minor maintenance (when needed).

Conducts visits monthly with each client to evaluate apartment cleanliness, overall apartment appearance, and safety hazards. Documents visits for the client’s file. Demonstrates appropriate ways to clean apartment (if needed).

Conducts quarterly apartment inspections with each program client to prepare for annual HQS apartment inspections conducted by housing partner. Housing and Support Specialist will maintain documents for annual re-certification in clients file.

Assists clients during move out to ensure apartment is removed all belongings and in same condition as move in. Completes Statement of Conditions and take pictures upon move out for clients file. Responsible for cleaning and facilitating vendors (when necessary) to ensure apartment is ready for the next client.

Provides transportation for program clients to access mainstream services as needed.

Maintains clear, sufficient documentation on all program clients.

Works closely with case manager to advocate housing related needs on behalf of clients.

Adheres to the confidentiality policy regarding clients.

Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.

Works evenings and weekends as needed.

Travels throughout Fresno and Madera Counties for agency business using personal and/or agency vehicle.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
To execute this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION:
High school diploma or GED.

Completion of college coursework in Social Services field and/or related field preferred

EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of two years related work experience demonstrating the skills and abilities outlined in the job description preferred.

Prior experience working with homeless populations with disabilities preferred.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
Familiarity with the broad range of supportive housing related services available to clients, including ability to refer clients to the appropriate services.

Effective verbal and written communication skills, including ability to write reports and resolve conflict.

Bilingual English/Secondary Language preferred based on the needs of the clients and the program.

Ability to inspire and motivate clients to help overcome barriers.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.

Ability to safely transport clients to and from activities and appointments.

CPR and First Aid certification preferred; required within six months of hire.

Willing to work non-traditional hours and days to meet the needs of this position.

Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation with required automobile insurance, and be insurable by agency insurance carrier.

Pass required background investigation including medical examination and TB clearance, acceptable criminal record statement, Department of Justice fingerprint clearance, and child abuse index clearance.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and stand; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and talk or hear; reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Fresno EOC.

REV 09/18/2019