Position: Full Time Bilingual Housing Resource Specialist

Location: Passaic County 

The Housing Resource Specialist (HRS) is responsible for conducting intake interviews, verifying consumer eligibility, assisting consumer needs; coordinating rental assistance process; identifying resources; and providing information and referral to other community resources to help meet consumer needs for individuals and families identified as homeless or at risk of homelessness.  Provides direct services to a caseload of up to 25.    The HRS is also responsible for case management; record keeping; documentation; data entry and data processing in the EmpoweOR and Homelessness Management information system (HMIS) and other computer databases as required. 

Responsibilities:

• Conduct intakes and direct interviews with individuals and families to determine their eligibility for homelessness prevention services.   Responsible for evaluating and verifying families' applications for direct funds, verifying eligibility based on specific instruments, HUS requirements and the families' budget and resources.   
• Obtain completed and signed Consent/Authorization and HMIS intake forms from each consumer
• Provide virtual and in-home case management services to meet the family's goals on the Service plan.   These goals may include but not limited to: housing location, landlord readiness, identification of formal and informal supports, parenting skills, and structuring daily routines.   Exhibits knowledge of client's psychosocial and medical needs as appropriate.  Assist each family in improving their housing stability through the agreed upon Service plan that could include:  credit repair, NJ tenant's rights and responsibilities, prevention of lease violations, and financial literacy.   Identify a plan to set tenant up for success with following terms of their lease, maintaining their home, and fulfilling their financial commitments.   
• Develop and maintain working relationships with private and public services agencies in the community to ensure that consumers received all available community resources.   
• Provide linkage to community resources which can include but not limited to: emergency services, housing, child care, educational and vocational needs or services, food stamps, cash assistance, WIC, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability,health care treatment, and Division of Developmental Disabilities.  Connect families and youth to Family Success Centers, sports and recreational activities, creative arts and educational programs.  
• Facilitates transportation solutions for appointments, meetings, and activities which are part of their Service Plan.   Plans efficient transportation routes for individuals to any appropriate services. 
• Serve as an advocate and maintain regular communication with landlords and other agencies while the consumer case is being processed to help prevent evictions when possible.   Models advocacy techniques for consumers.
• Review rental and utility arrangements including Summons or Warrant of Removal and obtain the landlords ledger to determine the exact amount of the participants indebtedness, and ensure all monies needed to cover the rent are accounted for.
• Request and manage client assistance funding from community partners and Department of Community Client-specific funding for wraparound services.   
• Prepare a file folder with each consumer's records and documentation, as well as all required project forms, in an orderly manner according tot he project file checklist.
• Consult with the director on all new cases and/or dispositions on current ones, and emergency needs.   Prepare and submit tracking sheets and other required reports, etc. of consumers assisted as well as those waiting for assistance to the Director.  Present completed files with all required documentation to the Director for review and approval.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in agency planning and evaluation activities as required including consumer satisfaction surveys to determines the quality of the services provided.    
• Meet regularly with supervisor for individual and group supervision for case review.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• At least two years of professional experience; including case management, crisis intervention, and housing services experience
• Must speak both English and Spanish Fluently
• Proficiency in WORD, EXCEL, Microsoft office, and other software programs
• Possession of a valid NJ driver's license, and access to a vehicle to facilitate attendance at meetings and training.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of social service programs and community resources
• Knowledge and proficiency in the usage of EmpowOR and HMIS databases
• Mathematical abilities and attention to details to ensure accuracy and accountability in reporting.
• Analytical skill to clarify program regulations and staff adherence to procedures.
• Organizational skills to coordinate statistics from varied departments.
• Interpersonal skills to act as agency liaison with consumers, community partners, and agency administrator and supervisors.
• Excellent consumer service and ability to maintain consumer confidentiality at all times
• Ability to work with a culturally and economically diverse population.   

https://centerffs.e3applicants.com/careers/Bilingual-Housing-Resource-Specialist-784