Rapid Rehousing Specialist
Job Description
Job Description Job Description Description: The Rapid Rehousing Specialist works with participants, family members and community supports to identify and secure short and long-term housing resources. The Rapid Rehousing Specialist coordinates services, benefits, training and activities designed to foster recovery, maintain stable housing and increase self-sufficiency in a manner consistent with MHP recovery principles.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
• Collaborates with participants to identify, develop, and access resources and supports to increase their success with self-sufficiency, community integration and community inclusion. • Supports participants with program orientation, recovery plans and acquiring stable housing (housing searches, coordinating with property owners, etc.); facilitates the self-review of their progress upon each encounter. • Obtains necessary information during the intake process, and collaboratively documents participant progress in MHP’s electronic health records system and participant files at the time of service; ensures that all data is correct by verifying the information with the participant. • Complies with all other established quality and regulatory standards, including initial and annual housing inspections in accordance with Housing Quality Standards guidelines, verifying and documenting that participants’ housing meets Fair Market Rent standards, supervision and training requirements, etc. • Collects and maintains monthly subsidies, rent receipts and any other relevant financial paperwork. • Assists participants in managing their financial records in relation to their rent, utilities, etc. • Cultivates and maintains working relationships with any relevant external party, i.e. property owners, referral sources, the county, etc.; attends professional meetings as required (i.e. coalitions, committees, etc.); collaborates with partner agency to provide support and case management coordination. • Assists participants with benefit acquisition (medical, mental health and substance abuse services), the self-management of crisis situations, peer support groups, budgeting, and other topics defined by participants. • Supports participants in the community when participating in housing searches, events, visits, etc. • Participates in recertification meetings to determine participants’ on-going program eligibility; acts as the property owner liaison and contacts property owner proactively to recertification to ensure there are no problems. • Maintains compliance with all MHP policies and procedures. Reports known conduct taken by any MHP employee (including yourself) who violates any MHP policy or law on which you have been trained, or should know of, such as laws criminalizing theft or violent crimes, and reports the matter to management or to the Director – Quality Improvement & Compliance and/or Human Resources. • Other duties as assigned to fulfill MHP’s mission. Requirements: • Associates degree preferred in a related field,
• HS Diploma required. • 2+ years of related work experience (including internships and volunteer work). • Must possess Housing Quality Standards certificate within 6 months of hire. • Credentialed as a Certified Peer Specialist is preferred. • Must possess a valid driver’s license. • Must possess basic computer skills to perform job duties including desktop computing, e-mail, time sheet management, electronic health records, internet research, etc. and the ability to learn software applications relevant to your position. • Strong skillsets in oral and written communication, cultural competence, interpersonal relationships and teamwork, attention to detail, customer service, time management, autonomy, problem solving and organization. • Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices. • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service. • Certified in First Aid/CPR or the ability to obtain the certification as required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to: • Sit at a desk with ergonomically appropriate equipment. • Lift up to 15 lbs. • Remain awake during entire shift, including break times. • Ability to perform the essential job functions while meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards safely and successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. • Frequent talking and listening. Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly and accurately; possible exposure to loud and/or vulgar language and hostile gestures, given participant mental health diagnoses and challenges. • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance and be available for flexible work schedule, including one evening/week, one weekend day/month, and/or work holidays/overtime as needed. • 50% of a Rehousing Resource Specialist’s time is spent in community settings and/or on outreach. Must be able to travel within the community, including in inclement weather, which may not be handicap accessible: walk, drive agency vehicles, and/or take public transportation depending on the needs of the program. • Ability to carry computer equipment, and ascend/descend stairs carrying computer equipment.