Summary:
The housing Specialist is responsible for assisting and supporting clients in housing resources, benefits, and placement through the entire treatment experience from admission to discharge; Connects and engages the client to housing resources and support services to aid continuity of care and self-sufficiency post-discharge, monitors the course of treatment for each client in a pro-active manner to minimize the barriers that might compromise the client's treatment and post-treatment living environment. This position requires a strong knowledge of appropriate personal and clinical boundaries, a consistently positive attitude, and the ability to deal with difficult, uncertain, and stressful situations in a positive manner. Provides direct housing casework services to clients living with substance abuse histories in our inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Responsibilities:

Conducts client housing needs and risk assessment to determine client housing histories and requirements needed during treatment and post-treatment.

Collects client data and connects the client to housing entitlements; follow-up with processing and approval for housing readiness

Conducts housing services orientation and referrals.

Meet with clients on caseload according to regulations and policy to identify client housing needs and progress towards meeting housing goals.

Assist client with creating an individualized housing case management plan that will outline the client's goals and housing objectives, as part of the multidisciplinary team.

Conducts individual and group services in accordance with a treatment plan including housing options, housing entitlements, benefits, and community resources.

Assist with client crisis; communicates with managerial, clinical, and support staff when clients' needs demand additional monitoring or attention when experiencing a crisis, etc.

Ability to redirect and de-escalate crisis situations, conduct emergency management, and has an understanding of proper emergency procedures.

Document all client care in EHR and records/reports all client/staff incidents as required.

Meets with the client according to the care plan to review and discuss discharge plans, continuing care, and community resources needs (continued treatment, entitlements, housing, etc.)

Create community housing and entitlement resource banks, make client referrals, and follow up on all referrals.

Escort client to appointments as needed.

Conduct post-discharge follow-up and document all in the client record and reporting forms.

Maintain the charts of clients in accordance with OASAS and agency requirements;

Participate in weekly Clinical Team Meetings.

Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in social services, counseling, or related area required.

Housing case management experience needed.

Minimum of two years housing case management experience working with the substance abusing and/or homeless populations preferred.

Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

Must have exceptional communication skills both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups regarding confidential and sensitive issues.