Job Title: Youth Housing Stability Specialist
Department: Client Services
Program: Housing Stability Program
Reports To: Youth Housing Stability Program Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time
Position Summary
The Youth Housing Stability Specialist provides rapid re-housing services to youth (ages 18-24 years old) and youth families that have experienced homelessness, with the ultimate goal of stabilizing them in their housing situation. Direct service responsibilities include determination of eligibility for housing services; assessment of needs; intensive case management; supportive services and referrals to appropriate agencies that can address program participants’ needs related to housing, income, and well-being. The Housing Stability Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate financial assistance records, service delivery records, and reporting requirements.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):
Client Services
- Consistently interact with youth using person-centered and Strength’s based approach while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Collaborate with community partners to identify families and/or individuals who are experiencing homelessness (or at-risk of homelessness).
- Conduct screenings and determine if families or individuals meet program eligibility requirements.
- Assist in housing identification, applications, move-ins, and housing sustainability.
- Communicate professionally and appropriately with property managers to maintain strong partnerships.
- Provide comprehensive case management services for diverse populations living in poverty, including people with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
- Meet regularly to assess clients’ needs and provide appropriate case management to address those needs linking clients to Caritas of Austin’s programs and other agency programs.
- Ensure that clients are safe and linked to appropriate resources following any crises.
- Facilitate and coordinate access to mental health, substance abuse, and physical health services. Develop and monitor individual housing services plans with a general goal of housing stability.
- Maintain a caseload of up to 15 households.
- Once the client is housed, 50% or more of meetings will be held within the client’s home or in a community space.
- Transport clients to agencies and services, as needed.
Targeted Community Outreach and Engagement
- A minimum of 10% of time will be spent on developing and maintaining relationships with groups in the local community or elsewhere that can assist with client resources.
- Prepare and conduct presentations about Caritas of Austin services in relation to housing stability program(s) to internal and external audiences.
- Be actively involved in community meetings pertaining to housing and other supportive services in the Austin/Travis area.
Collaboration
- Work with Caritas of Austin’s Community Housing Specialists and community housing programs/landlords to identify and secure safe, affordable housing for clients.
- Build relationships with other service providers that serve youth and other target populations.
- As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas of Austin’s Employment Specialists to link clients to employment. Research and stay informed about other local employment resources.
- As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas of Austin’s Education Specialists to link clients to education programs. Research and stay informed about other educational resources.
- Attending program collaboration meetings and training sessions, internally and externally, as requested by the supervisor.
- Be present and active in community wide YHDP activities, meetings, and events.
Client Data and Record Keeping
- Manage case data by entering it in a timely manner into Service Point, the database utilized by Caritas of Austin for the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Regularly prepare and maintain accurate records and reports, following the Caritas of Austin’s Housing Services Department Documentation Guidelines.
Organizational Support Functions
- Work cooperatively with all components of Caritas of Austin services.
- Engage in appropriate teamwork functions in order to provide a professional work environment and effective service delivery.
- Attend Caritas of Austin staff meetings, Housing Services Department meetings and other meetings and training sessions as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education
Required: Bachelor’s degree; social work or a related degree preferred
Preferred: Master’s degree in social work or a related field; social work license
Experience
Required: Minimum 1 year employed as a professional case manager assisting low-income, diverse, and underserved populations in a social services agency.
Preferred: Past work in housing programs or with people experiencing homelessness; experience working with youth and young adults; experience with Crisis Intervention.
Computer Skills
Experience with internet, MS Office, various software, excel spreadsheets, databases - HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) helpful.
Other Requirements
Required: Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days of employment.
Preferred: Bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish or other language)
Salary/Benefits:
- Base Salary Range: $43,467-$49,702
- The salary offered will follow Caritas of Austin salary guidelines based on candidate's education and experience.
- Employer paid health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance for employees.
- 14 Paid Holidays per year.
- 20 days of accrued PTO in year one with increases up to 31 days per year.
- Retirement plan with employer match.
- Discounted Rates on Gold’s Gym and Legal Shield memberships.
- Mileage Reimbursement.
- Monthly Phone Stipend.
- Monthly Paid Parking for employees who office from Downtown Location.
Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
