HOUSING ASSISTANCE PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Full-time - Entry Level

John Day, OR

About the position

The Housing Assistance Peer Support Specialist will provide increased opportunities for stabilized housing through BHRN grant funds to members identified as having behavioral health challenges. The role involves working with community partners to secure more permanent scattered site housing support and linking participants to community social support services.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate housing services which include identifying housing, securing public housing authority approved rentals, advocating and mediating housing concerns on behalf of participants, and connecting participants to a comprehensive service array.
• Assist participants in the application process, development of the agreement of support, housing budget, and establishment and maintenance of landlord/neighbor/community relationships.
• Work in conjunction with Transition Coordinator to ensure that all eligible members in State Hospitals and Licensed Residential are identified and being considered for placement into the rental assistance program.
• Educate local community partners on eligibility requirements for rental assistance and encourage referrals.
• Monitor the rental assistance budget, review requests for disbursals, and collaborate with team on monitoring household income when required.
• Establish and maintain the rental bank which includes working with local housing options to develop the scattered site rental options.
• Complete other tasks as assigned to support the rental assistance team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or social work preferred or have three years of experience working in a social service field.
• Experience working in housing field preferred.
• Able to pass a criminal history background check and have a current driver's license.
• Effective listening skills; exhibits empathy and concern for people.
• Objective, solution-oriented problem-solving skills.
• Handles highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Resourceful; able to network and connect people to appropriate resources.
• Flexible; able to multi-task in response to time-sensitive and changing situations.
• Strong planning and organizational skills; follows through.
• Resilient; stays positive and solution-oriented.
• Must have excellent typing skills, knowledge of basic office software programs, and ability to effectively use such software.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 6% initial 401K match
• Potential for tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Relocation Benefit of up to $4,000 if moving over 100 miles
• Student loan forgiveness
• Paid licensure supervision
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Benefits