Housing Specialist The Housing Specialist is a member of the multi-disciplinary team primarily responsible for providing housing-focused case management and support to adults who have a diagnosis for mental illness, justice involved and served by the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team (Albany and Schenectady Counties). The Housing Specialist also acts as a generalist providing an array of non-clinical services, assisting individuals in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining safe, stable, affordable, and appropriate housing.
Duties include:
Utilize motivational interviewing and other evidence-informed strategies to engage individuals and, in collaboration with them, assess housing needs, strengths, preferences, and barriers to obtaining and maintaining safe, stable, and affordable housing. Identify and address issues that may impact housing stability, including chronic homelessness, mental illness, substance use, justice involvement, previous incarceration, financial barriers, tenancy history, and other individual circumstances. Develop and maintain professional relationships with landlords, property managers, municipal housing authorities, housing programs, shelters, supportive housing providers, and other community housing resources. Maintain current knowledge of available housing resources, eligibility requirements, admission criteria, application procedures, SPOA processes, waiting lists, and anticipated timelines. Educate individuals regarding tenant rights and responsibilities and advocate with or on behalf of individuals, as appropriate, with landlords, property managers, other tenants, housing providers, and financial assistance agencies. Assist individuals with identifying and securing appropriate housing and support them throughout the housing transition process. Complete or assist individuals with completing housing referrals, applications, SPOA applications, financial assistance applications, entitlement forms, and other required documentation within established deadlines. Identify immediate housing or other crisis needs and coordinate appropriate interventions and services to promote the safety and stability of the individual. Provide ongoing case management services designed to support housing stability, community integration, and independent living. Maintain regular contact with individuals on the assigned caseload and, in collaboration with the individual and treatment team, develop and adjust a schedule of visits based on the individual's needs and level of support. Provide education, coaching, and support related to daily living and independent living skills necessary to maintain stable housing and community living. Assess individual needs and provide referrals, information, and assistance related to basic needs, including food, clothing, household supplies, furniture, transportation needs, and other essential resources. Identify individuals' social, recreational, and community integration needs and provide education, referrals, and linkages to appropriate community activities, neighborhood resources, and social supports. Mohawk Opportunities programs and offices may be located in multi-level facilities with stair access. Services are provided throughout the community and may include visits to individuals' apartments and residences, including locations on upper floors. Provide transportation to individuals when necessary, using agency vehicles. Maintain access to a reliable personal vehicle and be willing to use the personal vehicle for approved business purposes.
