Flint & Genesee Group

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Provides information and referrals to program participants through an intake and screening process and assesses clients for program eligibility in an attempt to resolve a housing crisis. Provides case management support services to help at-risk households remain stably housed. Housing Stability Services include those that enable eligible households (those under 80% AMI) to maintain or obtain housing. Such services may include, among other things, eviction prevention and eviction diversion programs; mediation between landlords and tenants; housing counseling; fair housing counseling; housing navigators that help households access ERA programs (or other assistance programs) or find housing; case management related to housing stability; housing related services for survivors of domestic abuse or human trafficking; and specialized services for individuals with disabilities or seniors that support their ability to access or maintain housing

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist and assess both walk-in and call-in clients with program eligibility, screening, intake, and referrals to necessary organizations.
• Assess identified clients for assistance through rapid re-housing and homeless prevention and outreach assistance programs.
• Housing stability services.
• Activities related to assisting tenants to apply for assistance.
• Assisting with connecting to Finance counseling, Legal Services, and Interpretation services.
• Administer Service Prioritization Decision Assistant Tool (VI-SPDAT) in order to prioritize service delivery for the various housing programs.
• Coordinate services with local homeless shelters, homeless outreach programs, and other agencies within the county that serve the homeless population.
• Practice shelter diversion and advocate for shelter placement when necessary.
• Assists with Motel Vouchers when applicable and appropriate.
• Conduct a comprehensive housing assessment while creating a specific housing plan with the client.
• Collect vital documents including birth certificates, social security cards, proof of residency, proof of income, and proof of homelessness.
• Landlord engagement/negotiations.
• Conduct home inspections for any client looking to move into a new place of residence.
• Conduct case management with active clients
• Conduct case management and housing navigation services for households needing new rental units.
• Maintain client records and client confidentiality.
• Conduct Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assessments and assist clients with the application process.
• Maintain and populate the HCV homeless preference waitlist, including the recertification process.
• Understand, utilize, and update referral sources for the Agency and share information with coworkers and clients.
• Timely client documentation and reporting in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database.
• Participates in all required Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH) and HMIS trainings relating to housing.
• Work as a cooperative team member at all times.
• Community outreach to increase program awareness and reach underserved populations.
• Meet and report regularly with the supervisor.
• Reports complaints, grievances, and incidents within the department and/or Agency, and files 3200 forms with DHHS, if needed.
• Informs designated Agency staff, or CEO, of incidents of abuse, neglect, suicidal or homicidal symptoms, and/or inform designated Agency staff, or CEO, of any unsafe work conditions.
• Participates with the Continuum of Care (COC) Meeting Group and any necessary subcommittees relating to housing and/or the HARA.
• Attends staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Performs job-related duties as required for department/program operations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.

All duties and responsibilities are judged to be essential functions in the terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent with a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in areas of housing or outreach assistance. A Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field and previous HMIS experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to use empathetic listening to compassionately understand the needs of a marginalized population and use the understanding to motivate your work.
• Ability to be discreet with confidential records and sensitive information, maintaining client confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Excellent customer service skills.
• Work as a cooperative team member.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise good judgment.
• Knowledge of computers, working with Microsoft Office, database entry systems, and e-mail using Outlook.
• Knowledge of Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database and trainings.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, maintain records, and collect and evaluate client data.
• Ability to work with management on budget allocations and funding as relating to reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to work with community organizations and use community resources to meet client needs.
• Ability to possess reliable transportation for attending regular meetings and attending community-based events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees and other agencies.
• Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures while communicating with clients and the public in a courteous and effective manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to talk and hear to effectively communicate and educate individuals, and communicate with supervisor and clients in a timely manner.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time; walk low-moderate distances; sit for prolonged periods of time; use hands and fingers to handle, touch, and feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop or kneel; and/or crouch or crawl pending activity, event participation, and/or other work-related item within various environments.
• Must be able to lift/move up to 25 pounds for transporting program supply materials, if needed.
• Must be able to be flexible in various work environments and be able to drive low-moderate distances for programming, meetings, and community event activities.
• Must be able to work in an environment that has a moderate noise level, and may experience low-moderate interruptions throughout the day while in the office, and moderate-high interruptions while in the classroom/community.
• Must be able to tolerate changing weather conditions.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Staff must abide by all policies and procedures of Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, which includes the Agency’s stance on abortion, the Agency’s Mission and Vision, and the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy outlined by the Catholic Church and Code of Ethics.

Must pass all background and clearance checks including, but not limited to a criminal background check, DHHS central registry clearance check, and others as deemed applicable, and must have a valid driver's license and carry auto insurance.

Individual must have an overall general knowledge of computers and relevant software, and be willing to work irregular hours which includes evenings, holidays, and weekends, if needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person - 1480 N M 52, Owosso, MI 48867