Housing Search and Stabilization Coordinator at Transition House

Housing Search and Stabilization Coordinator 

Are you passionate about being in service to others? Do you want to make a difference in survivors' lives? Do you want each workday to look different?

JOB TYPE

• Salary range is $55,500-$57,000 commensurate with experience.
• Full Time: 35 hour work week with one hour unpaid lunch and some evening flexibility needed. 
• No weekends. 
• On site work required, with one day Work From Home
• Reports To: Director of Housing Services

This search is being assisted by Jessye Kass Consulting for Transition House.

Role Summary:

The Housing Search and Stabilization role provides housing search to survivors of domestic violence in the Transitional Living Program, and provides stabilization support to survivors in the Rapid Rehousing Programs and those who moved on to permanent housing. 

Our Culture: Why work with us?

Our greatest asset is our employees, encompassing a variety of origins, concepts, viewpoints, and life journeys. We've established a diverse and inclusive atmosphere filled with individuals who share a common purpose. Our leadership is characterized by openness, approachability, genuineness, and a commitment to nurturing our staff. 

Transition House values diverse life experience and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Bilingual/bicultural applicants, survivors of domestic violence, persons of color, people with disabilities and GLBTQI people are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Who we are:

Transition House’s mission is to end domestic violence in our community. Sparking social change in Cambridge, Massachusetts since 1976, we are an innovative organization that develops prevention tools and provides holistic support and a range of housing options for individuals and families surviving domestic and intimate partner violence. To learn more about us: https://www.transitionhouse.org

Who you are and benefits to you:

In this exciting role, and reporting to the Director of Housing Services, your strengths will be highlighted as an effective communicator, proficient with technology, self-starter, resourceful, and well-organized. Your visionary mindset, creativity and strong problem solving abilities will be recognized. 

• You are unabashedly passionate about being of service. 
• You work from a philosophy that sees people, not problems and are committed to fostering a workplace culture that is client centered, and trauma informed.
• You enjoy finding creative solutions, and researching resources to new housing challenges and crises. 

This role provides:

• Salary range is $55,500-$57,000
• Additional compensation for fluency in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Amharic
• Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, 3% match 401K retirement plan, and generous paid time off, with over 10 paid holidays off.  
• Ongoing professional supervision, clinical supervision, and opportunities to participate in education and training regularly throughout the year. 

A day in the life of this role: 

A Housing Search and Stabilization Coordinator means being a part of a high functioning Residential Team of (20) full-time & part-time staff who are zealous advocates with a passion for supporting and empowering people. You will also share time together with your colleagues and participate in events like bowling, team dinners, and more. 

• Your focus will be supporting survivors of domestic violence who are residing in our agency’s subsidized units across the Metro-Boston area as part of our Independent Shelter Program for 2-3 years, as well as survivors who have relocated to their own housing through a subsidy or our Rapid Rehousing Program. 
• You will provide stabilization support and housing search to some 15 to 20 clients at a time. There is some travel required although a vehicle is not required for the role. You will get a chance to sit on various housing committees, attend training, and present at workshops, and create and maintain important partnerships.
• You will be supervised by a Director who is flexible, communicative, responsive, caring, and does not micro-manage. Clinical supervision is available to all of our team members. Above all, you will be able to provide life changing support to individuals and families survivors of domestic violence. 

Summary of Duties: 

Housing Search for clients in Independent Shelter Program:

• Provide bi-monthly housing search, application support, and coordination of services
• Correspond with respective housing authorities, and advocate for priorities, and preferences for which clients are eligible for under domestic violence, elderly/disabled, or homeless statuses. 
• Maintain and build positive and collaborative relationships with housing agencies/authorities, property management companies, landlords, real estate agents, brokers, etc.
• Identify and address barriers to housing like issues with past criminal activity and criminal records, loss of essential documents, and assist clients in obtaining or renewing documents. 
• Attend relevant housing training, forums, and remain up-to-date on pertinent information regarding housing opportunities, housing laws, and changes that impact program participants. 
• Coordinate and accompany program participants to housing appointments, appeals, viewings, etc.
• Develop and facilitate housing related workshops with the Director of Housing Services, and the Housing Search Coordinator.

Stabilization and Case Management:

• Support survivors who have moved into long-term housing as they acclimate and adjust to all aspects of living independently (i.e. transitioning schools or worksites, understanding local public transit options, or grocery store/food pantry, etc.).
• Ensure program participants understand lease agreement and rental responsibilities. 
• Work with survivors to prevent food insecurity by applying or recertifying for health and welfare benefits. 
• Identify and develop opportunities for program participants to engage in skill building programs, goal planning, credit-building to support their success as they regain independence, and self sufficiency. 
• Assist program participants in learning, and understanding how to apply for housing stabilization and homelessness prevention funds as necessary.

What we need from you:

• Knowledge of housing needs and subsidized housing landscape in Massachusetts.
• Strong research, organization, and presentation skills. 
• At least 2 years of case management experience working with low-income and diverse populations, preferable domestic violence and trauma survivors. 
• Ability to communicate clearly both in writing and verbally in English.
• High level of proficiency with the Internet, Google Suite, ZOOM, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellence, professionalism, integrity, and accountability coupled with a high level of comfort working within a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Ability to develop and sustain strong collaborations with colleagues and providers from multiple external community organizations.
• Able to climb stairs frequently, and move items up to 30 pounds.

It is our policy to complete a Criminal Offense Record Information (CORI) background check prior to hire. Findings will not automatically disqualify candidates.

This role provides:

• Salary range is $55,500-$57,000
• Additional compensation for fluency in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Amharic
• Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, 3% match 401K retirement plan, and generous paid time off, with over 10 paid holidays off. 
• Ongoing professional supervision, clinical supervision, and opportunities to participate in education and training regularly throughout the year.