Careers

The Supportive Housing Specialist provides support services to participants in a scattered site
apartment-based program, where persons with mental disabilities/developmental disabilities reside.
This is a Full-Time, Non-Exempt Position.

Reporting Relationships
The SHP Housing Specialist reports directly to the Supportive Housing Program Coordinator

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advocate for consumers; link consumers to community services.
• Engage program participants/consumers for purposes of developing rapport and building trust;
• Assist SHP case managers with locating appropriate rental units in neighborhoods; assist with
  contacting landlords and negotiating lease agreements, where appropriate.
• Assist SHP Case Managers in apartment set-ups, especially focusing on assisting consumers with
• becoming acclimated to their new environment
• Continuously monitor and assess consumers adjustment to their apartment and the surrounding
• Assist participants to develop or enhance skills necessary to live successfully in the community, including: awareness of rights, self-advocacy, and verbal negotiation, problem-solving, money management, housekeeping, personal hygiene, community mobility, shopping, nutrition management, leisure time activities.
• Accompany consumers to medical appointments, as needed.
• Accompany and assist consumers with shopping in the community, assisting with diet recommendations and special needs.
• Maintain case records consistent with OMH, ECDMH and agency guidelines.
• Report and document significant events/incidences, in a timely manner and consistent with agency and Justice Center policy procedure and protocol.
• Regularly inform the program supervisor of the status of program participants;
• Report to the program supervisor, within 24 hours, any issue which may adversely affect a participant’s well-being, i.e. arrested and incarcerated; missing consumer.
• Know and support agency vision, mission, goals, objectives, policies and plans;
• Know and support program(s) goals, objectives, policies, procedures and protocols;
• Represent the agency as directed;
• Assist SHP case managers with regular scheduled housing inspections; as needed
• Attend staff meetings, individual supervisory meetings, training programs and other meetings,
  as directed.
• Assist SHP case managers with delivering consumer specific services to participants; as needed
• Assures that the rights and dignity of residents are maintained at all times; assure/assist that resident grievances are processed in a timely manner; if needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma and five(5) years full time work experience working in the Human Service
• Candidates who do not have the preferred educational qualifications will be considered
• based on significant experience with the population.
• Minimum of One (1) year paid experience in direct service position to persons with
• handicapping Disabilities preferably in a residential setting
• Must be computer literate (Word, Excel, Outlook);
• NYS Driver’s license with evidence of good driving record, personal reliable transportation
• Must undergo and pass a criminal background check
• Other Skills/Abilities
• Ability to work independently and initiate change
• Possess an even temperament
• Have strong organizational and time management skills
• Work effectively within a team setting
• Have superior interpersonal skills in collaborating with other providers and consumer centered
• community support systems
• Value cultural difference, collaborative efforts, and person-centered services
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written skill
• Strong negotiation, judgment, problem solving, and time management skills are essential for success at this position.

Other Skills/Abilities

• Ability to work independently and initiate change
• Possess an even temperament
• Have strong organizational and time management skills
• Work effectively within a team setting
• Have superior interpersonal skills in collaborating with other providers and consumer centered
• community support systems
• Value cultural difference, collaborative efforts, and person-centered services
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written skill
• Strong negotiation, judgment, problem solving and time management skills are essential for success at this position.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other
related duties as necessary to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.