Community Based Housing Specialist- Bilingual

$43,890 - $45,000/Yr

Metropolitan Ministries - Seffner, FL

Part-time - Entry Level

Seffner, FL

Social Assistance

About the position

The Community Based Housing Specialist position at Metropolitan Ministries is a vital role aimed at transforming the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness or the risk of becoming homeless. This position is part of the Pathways to Hope Program, which provides comprehensive housing services to clients in the Tampa Bay area. The specialist will work closely with the programs team to assist clients by performing assessments to identify their strengths and barriers to stability. This involves providing information and referral assistance to connect clients with appropriate social service agencies and community programs. The role requires visiting potential housing options with clients and advocating on their behalf with landlords to develop workable plans for obtaining and maintaining housing. In addition to direct client support, the Community Based Housing Specialist will be responsible for processing eligibility paperwork for non-residential programs and completing Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) packets for rental assistance. The specialist will also engage in partnerships with local organizations, attend meetings, and apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients about their rights and responsibilities. A significant aspect of the role includes generating and compiling client outcomes and reports for funders, ensuring that all records are accurate and confidential. The position also involves proactive follow-up home visits to ensure client stability and progress towards self-sufficiency. The specialist will assist clients in developing personal budgets and provide housing and budget counseling sessions. Participation in Metropolitan Ministries' holiday efforts and fundraising events is also expected, along with meeting personal and organizational goals as outlined in the annual plan. The role requires attending staff meetings and ongoing training to stay updated on best practices and program developments.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in the community by performing client assessments to determine strengths and barriers to stability.
• Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and community programs.
• Visit potential housing options with clients as needed.
• Refer clients to financial curriculum based on assessment scores and help ensure course completion.
• Provide housing assistance to Pathways to Hope clients and mediate with landlords on their behalf.
• Cultivate relationships with landlords and utility providers, acting as a liaison between clients and landlords.
• Process eligibility paperwork for non-residential programs and complete EFSP packets for rental assistance.
• Work as a partner with THHI and attend partner meetings.
• Educate clients about their rights and responsibilities regarding residential lease contracts.
• Generate and compile client outcomes and reports within HMIS database and Excel for reporting to funders.
• Provide proactive follow-up home visits to ensure stability and progress towards self-sufficiency.
• Assist in the development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through housing and budget counseling sessions.
• Keep detailed records of every case, home visit, referral, and contact with resources on behalf of clients.
• Visit and meet with community service providers and organizations beneficial to program participants' self-sufficiency.
• Participate in Metropolitan Ministries' holiday efforts and fundraising events as needed.
• Meet personal goals and contribute to team and organizational targets/goals as stated on the KPI and in the annual plan.
• Attend required staff meetings and ongoing trainings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Service Field; previous realtor experience preferred.
• 3-5 years of Case Management experience.
• Currently possess or willing to obtain a Housing Quality Standard certification.
• Bilingual (Spanish) required.
• Requires a heart for ministry and understanding of poverty.
• High degree of maturity and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crisis situations.
• Ability to deescalate clients on the edge of verbal or physical violence.
• Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework.
• Demonstrates computer literacy with knowledge of Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Requires oral and written communication skills and the ability to write reports and conduct meetings.

Benefits

• Salary: $40,000 - $43,000
• Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates
• Preventative care is 100% covered on all plans
• 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually
• Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match
• $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries
• Employee Assistance Program
• Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Training and career development
• Discounted membership at the YMCA