Position Summary:   

The Housing Specialist is primarily responsible for coordinating services and monetary assistance to participants in the CYF Homeless Prevention housing program.  The main duties include: assessments, advocacy, resource supports, housing planning and monitoring supports for the participants.   

Familylinks' Homeless Prevention Program provides one-time monetary, housing and basic assistance to CYF families who are housing instable or at immediate risk of homelessness.  Families who are referred to this service need to be residents of Allegheny County, and active with Allegheny County CYF.  Funds will be used for families whose goal is preservation or reunification.  The CYF Homeless Prevention Program's participants will be accepted without regard to criminal records, eviction histories, employment, credit worthiness, income or other barriers-key elements of the Housing First approach.  Funds can be used to pay back-due rent, back-due utilities', security deposits or a portion of first month's rent into a new unit.  The program will following the Housing First Model, consumers are housed in scattered site apartment houses/apartments throughout Allegheny County.   The consumers are the lease holders.   

Position Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a Social Service related field is preferred and at least two years of relevant experience in case management. 
• A minimum of two years' experience and knowledge working with the homeless population is required. 
• A valid PA Driver's License and access to a vehicle is required.   
• This position must be available to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed.   
• Solid computer skills including experience with Microsoft products such as Outlook, Word, and Excel are required.    Experience working in the KIDS and/or HMIS systems is a plus. 
• Presentation skills and a professional manner along with the ability to interact with a diverse group of applicants and landlords are also required.   
• Excellent written and verbal skills. 
• Self-directed, flexible with strong problem-solving abilities. 
• Support the organization's mission along with sensitivity of cultural and workplace harmony.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Accept OCYF referrals for designated participants and maintain regular and timely interactions with OCYF caseworker and families. 
• Participation in OCYF Conferencing and Teaming meetings. 
• Completion ofi a housing triage, upon the eligibility assessment meeting to identify natural supports and other options in attempts to divert the household from homelessness, without assistance of the program.  If diversion is not a viable option, and the participants meet the eligibility requirements, a Housing Stabilization Plan will be created by the Housing Specialist.   
• Act as a mediator between current landlords/property managers, the participant, and future landlords/property managers. 
• Create a budget and educate participants about budgeting throughout their interaction with the program. 
• Provide workshops/trainings to participants in the program. 
• Assist participants with navigating the housing system, including the private market, public housing, and the Housing Choice Voucher system. 
• Participate in appeals for the Housing Voucher denial process, when appropriate. 
• Identify gaps in identification and other necessary documentation for housing, vouchers and other rental arrangements. Assist participants in obtaining these documents, where appropriate. 
• Maintain and contribute new potential landlords to an internal landlord database. 
• Inspect identified potential or current apartments to meet county requirements, prior to admission, and during involvement in the housing program. 
• Transport participants to view housing options and meet with landlords, when necessary. 
• Work in partnership with OCYF Case Workers and Supervisors. Participate in each household's teaming and conferencing. 
• Testify in court for each household, where necessary. 
• Assist with landlord networking, marketing, and education 
• Submit client rental vouchers/utility bills for reimbursement within 24 hours. 
• Make participant referrals for job training, education, supportive services, community resources and housing options. 
• Maintain case records/files on each participant admitted to the program. 
• Complete participant service plan and progress notes. 
• Maintain contact with participants and document accordingly. 
• Co-facilitate the Prepared Renters Workshop (PREP), when needed. 
•  Participate in county audits.   
• Participate in all staff development, training and meetings, as required. 
• Enter monthly data requirements in KIDS, Client View, HMIS (if appropriate), and Allegheny Link. 
• Enter and track all outcome information. 
• Coordinate all functions of the rental properties, including but not limited to, renting of the properties, collecting of rents, and evictions. 
• Work closely with property tenants to resolve issues, assist with referrals for informal Familylinks services, and work with the housing entities such as HUD, Local Housing Authorities, Housing Alliances, and Coalitions. 
• Respond to emergency calls for repair work, including off hours. 
• Inspect, identify, and report maintenance issues needing addressed to Supervisor. 
• Establishment of rental assistance needs and service eligibility recertification with participants. 
• Maintain weekly contact with participant and document accordingly (service verification form). 
• Coordinates all functions of the rental properties, including but not limited to securing housing, preventing eviction and tenant/landlord liaison. 
• Submission of client rental and utility vouchers for reimbursement. 
• Advocacy on behalf of clients to access other services. 
• Maintain case records/files on each participant admitted to the program. 
• Participate in all staff development, training and meetings as required. 
• Enter data requirements in KIDS and HMIS, complete reports and participate in county audits. 
• Enter and track all outcome information. 
• Attends all meetings, trainings and supervisions as required.