Housing Specialist

Provide housing advocacy for all participants through a trauma-informed approach. Assist with the housing search and application process. Make referrals to appropriate agencies and programs. Provide educational programs to program participants. Work collaboratively with facility staff to ensure the facilities are well maintained and meet all applicable standards, regulations, and laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist participants with applications to housing agencies and housing programs.
• Provide housing search services (monitor, track, and follow up).
• Assist participants in addressing housing barriers.
• Maintain accurate and updated individual case files.
• Establish linkages and act as a liaison to housing agencies and programs.
• Develop and facilitate housing-related workshops with participants.
• Educate participants on eligibility, housing availability, local and state fair housing laws, financial literacy, and Credit/CORI.
• Assist participants in permanent housing with landlord-tenant issues and mediation.
• Submit annual reports to Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and other housing agencies and funders (FHLB, etc.).
• Conduct data tracking, reporting, and analysis of outcome measures.
• Interface with and coordinate services with involved service providers (internal and external).
• Prepare for and present updates at weekly Case Conference meetings.
• Assist with facility management for Brookview House facilities, including conducting unit inspections, coordinating preventative, routine, and emergency maintenance needs (within the approved budget), conducting inventory, and completing related tasks.
• Provide stabilization services to participants living in other Brookview housing programs.
• Participate in the 24-hour on-call system.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Associate degree or equivalent experience REQUIRED; Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field PREFERRED

Experience:

Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience; experience working with and advocating for low-income families in housing court and other systems; experience with group facilitation and presentations

Experience with Motivational Interviewing PREFERRED

Licenses / Certs:

Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle REQUIRED

Skills:

Proficient with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) Proficient in MS Office (including Excel), Adobe, Google Docs, and fillable housing applications

Proficiency in advocacy and mediation Strong written and oral communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively

Fluency in English and Spanish PREFERRED

Other:

Familiarity with the impact of homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence issues

Ability to work select evenings and weekends

Availability to participate in a 24-hour on-call rotation

Ability to pass background check

Standard professional office environment, residential housing facilities, and community-based settings (housing authorities, courts, partner agency locations). Requires local travel between sites, client units, and community partner locations. Requires participation in a 24-hour emergency on-call schedule.

Vacation and PTO, insurance, and retirement.

Fluency in English. Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.