Status: Full-time

Pay Range: Beginning in the high 20s. Commensurate with experience.



Summary: The Housing Resource Specialist (HRS) will work as part of a team comprised of staff from two different agency partners. The team utilizes a Harm Reduction/Housing First Model to assist long-term homeless women in finding and maintaining housing. Team members will respond to each participant’s unique needs and goals by providing on-going support, advocacy and assistance in accessing community services to ensure stability in housing and integration in the community. Housing Resource Specialists must be knowledgeable about and able to respond effectively to the complexities of participants’ lives and the co-occurring challenges and conditions associated with long-term homelessness.



Major Responsibilities/Activities:



* Provide relevant support to participants to obtain and maintain housing

* Conduct persistent outreach to potential participants within Simpson women’s shelter and other relevant shelters, building trusting respectful relationships with hard to engage women.

* Network with other agencies and individuals to help access housing.

* Cultivate relationships with landlords willing to provide housing for participants.

* Assist clients with completion of necessary forms to access housing.

* Review with each participant issues of renter expectations, renter/landlord conflict resolution, and tenant rights.

* Assist in administrating rental assistance. Assist participants to secure and maintain housing, apply for benefits and assist with accessing and moving furnishings.



Provide quality case management service and on-going crisis intervention to participants



* Maintain a caseload of a minimum of 10 to 16 case management participants.

* Offer regular and quality contact with participants to maintain trust, to assist in crisis prevention and to assist in meeting individual needs.

* Conduct needs assessment, develop individual service plan with participants and provide supports necessary to achieve goals.

* Assist in crisis prevention/ intervention when needed to ensure housing stability.

* Communicate and coordinate services with all other team members. Attend and participate in team meetings.

* Provide flexible services during times that meet needs of participants.



Complete accurate and thorough documentation and recordkeeping in a timely manner



* Maintain individual files, including case notes, signed data privacy, intake and discharge summaries, and Release of Information

* Develop reports as required

* Maintain accurate records including employee time sheets, travel expenses and billing information.

* Participate with funding reports, grant writing and site visits as requested.

* Other duties as assigned



Provide positive representation of SHS through public relations and networking



* Communicate and coordinate services with all team members. Attend regular team meetings, other required meetings.

* Interpret and promote the program to constituents, speak to community organizations or church groups.

* Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff as well as volunteers

* Network with providers of similar services

* Participate in professional meetings, workshops, and staff meetings.



Demonstrate essential knowledge, abilities and skills



* Ability to work very well independently, with excellent skills in teamwork and collaboration.

* Ability to be flexible and manage time.

* Knowledge of Harm Reduction/Housing First Model and commitment to that model.

* Knowledge of trauma-informed service and motivational interviewing techniques.

* Ability to communicate effectively, positively and professionally with female participants, providers, family members and others.

* Ability to work with individuals from very diverse backgrounds.

* Ability to perform non-traditional tasks while meeting participant needs



Scope of Position: This position handles a caseload of approximately 10-16 participants. They will be located in scattered site housing throughout the metropolitan area.



Participant populations may include those with chemical abuse issues, criminal histories (drug charges, prostitution, fraud, etc.), trauma, grief, and/or mental health issues.



May provide back up for other Housing Resource Specialists during periods of absence or during times of increased workloads.



Agreement with Partner’s Shared Philosophy:



* People who are homeless, who use drugs and who may live with a mental illness can successfully keep and maintain their housing.

* Housing is a right. No one should be denied housing for any period of time because of failure in treatment or for failing to choose treatment.

* People should be met where they are at and offered housing immediately.

* Harm reduction strategies are a valid and preferred way to work with long-term homeless populations.

* Housing and services are two separate areas with separate criteria for operation and evaluation. Housing should never be used to coerce people into services they would otherwise not choose.

* Full community integration will be a primary goal.

* Consumers make their own choices.

* Recovery from mental illness is possible.



Position Requirements:



* Bachelor’s degree in human service or equal experience in field is required.

* Very broad knowledge of housing resources.

* Experience with mental health and chemical health issues.

* Must be computer proficient.

* Must be capable of independent travel, have a driver’s license, have access to an automobile and have a clean driving record.

* Bilingual skills preferred.

* Three or more years of prior related experience working with women.



How to apply

Send cover letter and resume to:



WHP Housing Specialist

Simpson Housing Services

2100 Pillsbury Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55404



No phone calls, faxes or emails please.



SHS is an EOE.