Housing Retention Counselor na 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 Retention Counselor (HRC) provides independent living and retention counseling services to individuals in Erie and Niagara County who receive regular monthly subsidy assistance from the Housing Assistance Program. The position is responsible for assisting patients to move from homelessness into permanent housing. The HRC assists all assigned patients with intakes, assessments, move-in activities, home visits, managing financial assistance funds (security deposits, rent) and providing stabilization services (case management) in conjunction with community partners. The HRC will also work towards developing and maintaining partnerships with community organizations and providers through outreach, collaboration, and education on our services. The individual must be a self-starter, understand Trauma Informed Care and Harm Reduction, and have an ability to work flexibly and creatively.

As part of the Essential Functions for this role, the Housing Retention Counselor:  

• Assesses independent living skills and works with the patient care team to develop and implement service plans that foster maximum patient self-sufficiency
• Provides short-term situational counseling for patients in crisis
• Assists patients to secure services that maximize their tenure in housing; increase their ability to maintain their household and finances, independently perform activities of daily living, uphold the terms of their lease; prevent lease violations; intervene and mitigate crisis situations; maximize tenant safety and security; and prevent avoidable evictions
• Participates in regular case conferences and team service planning
• Provides quality customer service through a Trauma Informed Care (TIC) lens
• Engages and maintains at least one monthly contact with patients to recognize circumstances when a patient is/may decompensate, relapse or otherwise show signs of behavior that could put their health and/or housing at risk, and connect to appropriate resources, including Health Home and or medical personnel
• Prepares and maintains required reports, plans, and documentation
• Educates and facilitates appropriate use of housing and supportive services
• Participates in regular home visits as per program guidelines
• Communicates, engages, and advocates on behalf of tenants and mediates conflicts with landlords while maintaining positive relationships
• Provides and promotes health and independent living skills development
• Maintains patient charts and accurate data input to ensure compliance with state, federal, and local regulations

 Qualified Candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in health, human or education services and one (1) year of qualifying* experience OR Associate degree in health, human or education services and two (2) years of qualifying* experience; 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; awareness of and sensitivity to the issues and health disparities faced by underserved populations is essential

* Qualifying experience means verifiable full- or part-time experience in care coordination with the following populations: persons with a chronic illness, and/or persons with a history of mental illness, homelessness, or chemical dependence. Experience with families preferred.

 Job Type: Full-time   

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree (plus 1 year experience) OR Associate degree (plus 2 years experience) .  

Required Experience: Care coordination working with clients experiencing chronic illness, homelessness, mental illness, and/or chemical dependence

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