Description

Under the supervision of the Manager of Youth on Fire works to create, implement, and oversee the Housing Search Services within the Youth on Fire program; provide housing search services directly to clients. Assist with administrative tasks. Work collaborative with internal and external colleagues to ensure access to services.

Representative Duties:

1. Implement housing search services within Youth on Fire:

• Implement and maintain a housing search services program with the Youth on Fire program.
• The program will be modeled off AIDS Action’s Housing Search model, but tailored to the needs of Youth on Fire.
• The program should allow for low threshold access for all members interested in housing, but allow for more intensive services for those clients ready to take the next step.
• Establish a mechanism for referrals from external providers. Follow up with external providers when referrals are incomplete.
• Respond to inbound calls from external providers and clients in need of housing search services.

2. Program leadership, and program development:

• Coordinate and supervise all program activities.
• Serve as a resource on affordable housing for all Youth on Fire staff. Respond to questions and requests for housing information from Youth on Fire staff. Serve as a guide to staff navigating the affordable housing system.
• Ensure that Youth on Fire has accurate information on current affordable housing lotteries, opened and closed waiting lists, and recently advertised units
• Assist with client and program level data collection and entry into electronic databases needed.
• Gather up-to-date information on services offered in the community that may be relevant to Youth on Fire clients

3. Provide direct housing search services to homeless youth:

• Provide housing search services for clients.
• Work with clients to determine appropriate housing possibilities and create an individualized housing service plan including short and long term goals associated with stable, affordable housing. Work with clients to set priorities and take steps toward reaching these goals.
• Coordinate services with Medical Case Managers and other service providers; collaborate to arrange appointments with clients and to gather documentation necessary to housing search process.
• Attend all housing related appointments with clients, including interviews, appeal hearings, apartment viewings and lease signings.
• Work with clients to identify possible barriers to obtaining housing. Discuss criminal, credit and eviction history. Request CORI and credit reports with all clients willing to do so. Proactively plan strategies to appeal housing denials and present mitigating factors.
• Maintain up-to-date client records within YOF’s electronic database, including assessments, individual service plans, progress notes, clinical indicators, and other required paperwork.
• Provide clients with easily accessible and low-threshold services that operate within the harm reduction framework.
• Facilitate at least one weekly Housing Search groups for YOF clients. Provide housing information and application assistance to any client attending this group.
• Attend AIDS Action Housing Search and Advocacy team meetings, and come prepared to contribute to the conversation. Attend weekly administrative supervision and monthly clinical supervision meetings. Attend quarterly All Staff meetings. Attend staff trainings when offered. Attend external meetings of other advocate groups and information sharing groups, as appropriate.

4. Meet agency participatory expectations

• Adhere to all agency and departmental policies and procedures
• Participate in quality assessment and improvement activities as requested
• Adhere to the highest principles of client confidentiality
• Adhere to established safety policies, procedures and precautions; enforce agency’s policies and clinical procedures, including safety and crisis procedures.
• Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintains and provides agency with records of continuing education activities

5. Perform related duties and projects as assigned

Requirements

• BA or equivalent two years human services and/or case management experience.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with youth services; understanding of HIV care, treatment, and prevention.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills. Ability to develop and implement sound administrative systems.
• Strong computer skills and proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Outlook, as well as electronic databases required. Experience with Microsoft Publisher and WordPress, preferred.
• Experience advocating for clients with government assistance agencies, housing authorities, private landlords or realtors preferred.
• Experience and comfort in issues related to substance use, harm reduction, homelessness, mental health, and/or bilingual/bicultural and GLBT communities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to meet the following physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations
• Sit at a computer station for extended periods of time
• Ability to keyboard for extended periods of time

We offer competitive salaries, and for those who qualify, an excellent benefits package; including comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans, and a retirement plan with employer match. We also provide 11 paid holidays, paid vacation, and more.

LGBTQ-identified persons, people of color, and others from historically underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.