Housing Specialist

About Us:

ATASK is the only multilingual and multicultural domestic violence organization in Massachusetts dedicated to serving the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Our culturally specific services, offered in over 20 Asian languages, include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, case management and advocacy, legal consultation and representation, and English classes.

For over 30 years, ATASK has been at the forefront of empowering Asian survivors of domestic violence and abuse to rebuild their lives. Our work bridges language and cultural gaps for Asian communities and advocates for social change.

About the role:

ATASK is seeking a passionate and dedicated Housing Specialist to join our team. This role requires an individual who will advocate for civil rights, with a focus on supporting Asian survivors of domestic violence. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively to provide culturally and linguistically competent services to clients.

The Housing Specialist will help families and individuals in crisis by connecting them to supportive services and helping resolve housing challenges. Key responsibilities include assisting with housing searches, completing housing applications, maintaining relationships with housing organizations and property managers, and linking clients to community resources. Success in this role requires building strong client relationships and empowering individuals to make informed decisions toward greater independence.

Location and Commitments:

Full-time, non-exempt. Typically, five days a week with preferably one day being Saturday or Sunday

Mostly on-site at the shelter, with offsite appointments and meetings expected.

Reports to: Manager of Residential Services

Duties and Responsibilities:

Case Management/Housing Advocacy:

• Housing Counseling & Support: Collaborate with clients to create individualized housing plans. Assist with housing-related tasks such as paperwork for subsidized and supportive housing and making moving arrangements. Provide referrals to financial assistance programs such as RAFT and other rental assistance grants. Ensure clients have access to resources and referrals aligned with grant/funder requirements.
• Housing Expertise & Training: Serve as the in-house expert on housing-related matters, offering guidance and support to advocates dealing with complex housing cases. Facilitate housing-related trainings for staff. Maintain up-to-date housing resources.
• Client Follow-up: In collaboration with the Shelter team, continuously monitor and evaluate client progress towards their overall goals.
• Agency Representation: Attend and represent the agency at housing-related meetings with other providers, community groups and funders.
• Record Maintenance: Accurately document client services, outcomes, and progress in line with program and agency standards. Maintain client data and case notes in Civicore or any other required data system.
• Compliance & Reporting: Ensure all data collection, reporting, and service delivery meet agency and funder requirements. Submit reports on time and adhere to agency policies and funding regulations.

Shelter Operation:

• Answer and ensure coverage of the 24-hour helpline and provide follow-up to callers as needed. Provide crisis intervention for hotline callers as needed.
• Facilitate communal living and communication for a diverse population of residents.
• Ensure client confidentiality at all times
• Oversee and maintain internal and external safety of the house (shoveling snow, monitoring door, etc.)

Administrative:

• Maintain current and accurate records of services and data
• Attend staff meetings, supervision, case meetings, and contribute to the ongoing development of ATASK’s culturally responsive service delivery system
• Participate in the ATASK Silk Road Gala, cultural and fundraising events and research projects as needed
• Engage in ongoing professional development
• Engage in community outreach, research collaborations and policy advocacy
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job description duties are not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employer.

Qualification, Strengths, and Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of housing programs, such as subsidized housing, transitional housing, affordable housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), and emergency rental assistance programs, required with 2-3 year's experience preferred
• Bilingual English and Asian language speaking preferred
• Deep cultural understanding of the targeted LEP immigrant community.
• Experience with domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma, and/or crisis work preferred
• Must have appropriate boundaries and understanding of and commitment to maintaining strict client confidentiality.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with strong documentation and communication skills
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite
• Be able to work independently and part of a team
• Committed to completing ATASK DV training
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle or reliable transportation, and willingness to travel preferred
• Committed to ATASK’s mission and goals, and to ending a culture of domestic violence
• Ability to pass a background check (CORI) required