Housing Support Specialist

Overview

The Housing Support Specialist I is responsible for guiding youth on their path to independence through effective relationship building, coaching skill development, support with identifying and accessing resources and community supports, service coordination, and documentation of services provided. This position works with youth in transition from the experience homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness.

Supporting, Supervising, and Counseling Youth

• Building relationships with youth to facilitate effective collaboration in developing the service plan and achieving progress towards obtaining permanent housing
• Providing supportive services for up to 7 residents
• Providing independent living skills coaching to a variety of marginalized populations, in order to prepare them for independent and stable housing
• Referring youth to community resources to build community connections
• Orienting youth to program
• Supporting youth through on-call, 24/7 phone access; in person if needed. This includes serving after hours on a rotating basis in the DSS ILA Caseworker/Trainee role for crisis response only, which may involve crisis response for 17 year-olds and/or clients who are parenting their young children.

Assessment of Needs;
Planning and Coordinating Services

• Interviewing youth to determine needs, strengths, and abilities
• Assessing desired skills which will aid in independent living
• Support in identifying stable and independent housing options
• Coordinating services to reduce barriers; linking youth with appropriate services

Documentation

• Maintaining documentation of services in our Electronic Client Record.
• Maintaining program structure to ensure equality and equity of services

Independent living skill development of youth:

• Youth will identify their areas of growth and you will provide education and support through teaching skills needed
• Providing independent living skills coaching related to housing
• Connecting youth to community resources to meet identified needs

Other:

• Collaboration with community partners, including Rapid Rehousing Partners, for the facilitation of planning for youth transitions
• Responsible for attending all related training, meetings and special events as scheduled
• Assist with on-call
• Other duties assigned by supervisor

Work Hours

This is a Monday through Friday 10 am to 6:30 pm position which requires flexibility with schedule to meet the needs of the youth. Additionally, will be assigned on-call for all Independent Living programs on a rotating basis with other team members.

Education and Experience:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field
• 2 years or more of experience working with marginalized populations

Preferred

• Master’s degree in social work or related field
• 2 years or more of lived experience of being a member of a marginalized population
• 2 years or more of working with the LGBTQ+ community
• 2 years or more of serving youth with a diagnosis of being on the ASD spectrum or youth-identified as neurodivergent

VHBG's leadership team encourages employees to bring their authentic self to work, whatever that means for that employee. We do this through unbiased recruiting practices, advocating for employees to participate in our inclusion ambassador council, implementing employee feedback and offering training opportunities focused on diversity, inclusion and equity. VHBG nurtures belonging and retains a highly engaged workforce in order to achieve the best experience and outcomes for our clients.

VHBG is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, age, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status as a protected veteran, disability, or other status protected under federal, state, or local law.