Housing Stabilization Specialist (Shelter-Focused)

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

Bridges to Independence is a non-profit organization that leads individuals and families out of poverty and into stable, independent futures. We offer a continuum of aid and support for all family members, helping them attain financial security and self-sufficiency. Sullivan House is a 44-bed emergency shelter serving individuals and families in Arlington County, Virginia. The HousingStabilization Specialist (Shelter-Focused) provides shelter and rapid rehousing services, engaging in a collaborative process of assessing, planning, facilitating, and advocating to meet the needs of individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

NONE

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiating housing-focused case management services for all shelter guests within 7 days.
• Complete orientations with new shelter program participants
• Review immediate program participants' needs and connect them to appropriate resources to meet them.
• Utilizes crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, counseling, and problem-solving techniques to engage and establish rapport with guests.
• In the absence of housing staff, it builds and maintains partnerships with landlords, management companies, and non-profit providers to identify and secure affordable housing for guests locally and in surrounding jurisdictions.
• Assist program participants with removing barriers to housing.
• Determine program participants' goals using a person-centered, strengths-based /solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
• Within 10 days, develop individual housing plans for families/individuals (including the goals, objectives, steps, and timetable the family will follow to achieve housing).
• Review case plans regularly and provide families and individuals with the information, resources, and encouragement necessary to complete them.
• Maintain accurate case notes, client data, and other records according to agency and professional standards.
• Provide referrals and educate families/individuals about available resources, including —but not limited to—transportation, school, food, housing, childcare, behavioral health, physical healthcare, etc.
• Advocate on behalf of Bridges’ families/individuals as needed to help them access essential social services and other programs to improve their ability to move from shelter to housing.
• Approach challenging program participants with understanding, optimism, and compassion.
• Assist in tracking program participants' outcomes and service trends to promote ongoing evaluation and improvement of services.
• Work with HousingLocator to assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice within reason.
• Work with the Intake & Data Quality Coordinator to ensure correct intake information and assessments for program participants.
• Work collaboratively with Bridges staff to address program participants' needs and offer resources and expertise as needed.
• Keep Sullivan House Manager up to date and aware of program participants' interactions and the progress of the program participants.
• Review participant cases on a bi-weekly basis to ensure progress toward permanent housing.
• Maintain a complete working file providing activity documentation and copies of all corresponding paperwork.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local schools, organizations, and community groups to collaborate on shelter needs, whether individually or organizationally.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Always maintain a professional atmosphere.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor, colleagues, and stakeholders, relaying necessary/essential information.
• Attend training and professional development opportunities regularly.
• Support team building and teamwork opportunities and events.
• Perform other general duties to support the organization’s mission, as requested.
• Collaborates across Bridges’ Employment Services, Youth Development, Rapid–Rehousing Program, and the Bonder & Amanda Johnson Community Services Center.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. The successful candidate shall possess a master’s degree in social work or a related field and at least three years of community-based social services experience or a bachelor's degree and at least five years of community-based social services experience or other related experience with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, housing instability, or lived experience.
2. This position requires the ability to work independently, with limited supervision.
3. The ability to relate to clients, volunteers, visitors, staff, and the public. Able to work a flexible and staggered schedule to accommodate program participant meetings.
4. The ability to successfully pass a background check and possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record to be approved by our insurance carrier.
5. Requirements include interacting and communicating effectively with others, both orally and in writing, and proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other web-based databases.
6. Must demonstrate an acceptance and respect for cultural diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, sexual and gender identities, abilities, and religious backgrounds, and an ability to work collaboratively in an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse environment.
7. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AFTER HIRE:

• Low-Barrier Homeless Services Training Rapid Re-housing Training
• Homeless Services & Pets Training Harm Reduction Training
• Crisis Intervention
• De-escalation Techniques
• CPR Training & First Aid Training DEI Training
• Unconscious Bias Training Housing Grant Training CAS Policy Training
• Rental Kharma ALP Refresher
• Harm Reduction Training
• PSH Eligibility Information Session FEC
• Equal Access Training AEC Training
• CPS Mandated Reporter Training
• SOAR Trained & Certified(within 90 days of hire)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Stand or Sit: As needed Walk: As needed
• Use Hands/Fingers: 100%
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or BalanceAscend/descend: As needed Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl: 100%
• Talk/Hear Communicate: 100%
• See: 100%
• Carry Weight, Lift/Move: As Needed

Bridges to Independence is proud to be an EOE/ADA employer that values diversity.

All staff at Bridges to Independence are expected to operate from a trauma-informed and equity approach. We believe that people, including underserved populations, must have access to needed services.

Bridges to Independence will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.