Housing Specialist (039) DASH - apply job code: 20064

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen is a non-profit, social services agency dedicated to helping those individuals in need and improving the quality of life to members in the community.

Employment Specialist, Edison, NJ

Job Code: 20064

Scheduled Work Times/Locations

• Part-time: Biweekly Hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM)
• Flexibility for occasional nights and weekends when necessary

Job Summary:

The Housing Specialist’s primary role is to support individuals and families who are referred through DCA experiencing homelessness and are in need of housing preparation case management. S/he will provide identification of barriers to tenancy, identification of credit and criminal histories, monthly budgeting, linkages to housing adjacent systems of care and mainstream benefits and entitlements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess and evaluate client’s risks and barriers to obtaining and maintaining stable housing based on the CoC Network’s criteria through assessments completed via telephone or face to face in the field.
• Utilize a strengths-based and client-centered approach when conducting interviews to help clients identify strengths, successes, and resources that they can use to develop plans to move towards self-sufficiency and to retain/secure permanent housing.
• Use conflict resolution and mediation skills to resolve an individual’s or family’s housing concerns.
• Utilize community resources to link clients with self-sustaining sources of income, benefits, and other economic supports as well as professional resources to assist the client in reaching their goals.
• Creation of a housing stabilization plan (HSP) to include identification of barriers to tenancy, identification of credit and criminal histories, monthly budgeting, linkages to housing adjacent systems of care and mainstream benefits and entitlements.
• Coordinate appropriate linkages to available mainstream services (i.e., mental health services, addiction recovery programs, medical appointments, and employment resources) focusing on housing stability.
• Facilitation, coaching and collaboration for HCV applicants working with DCA Field Offices from issuance of RFTA materials, applicant briefing and connection with DCA Field Office Housing Navigation staff.
• Provide assistance for clients in budgeting, financial counseling, employment search, locating permanent housing, and addressing transportation and other needs.
• Ensure all documentation is completed properly and within required timelines; timely input of all data into databases as required.
• Maintain appropriate and professional relationships with partner agencies.
• Attend collaborative meetings with DCA, DCA Field Offices, OHP and partner agencies that will assist in preventing and ending homelessness.
• Perform any other task that will assist the agency in carrying out its mission.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Self-starter, able to work and make decisions independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: strong ability to set boundaries with clients.
• Ability to collaborate with community organizations and Supervisor.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including in virtual settings.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills: ability to prioritize tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a can-do attitude.
• Ability to lift boxes and other materials up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and program requirements.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A) from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a similar Human Service field is preferred.
• Have a familiarity with housing first, progressive engagement, and reality testing.
• Experience with conflict resolution and mediation.
• Two (2) years relevant work experience and demonstrated ability to provide effective services to clients required.
• Needs to be culturally competent across all populations. Bilingual a plus.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Competitive salary and benefit package.
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Prescription plan
• Life insurance
• Retirement fund
• Generous PTO package

To learn more about Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, please visit our web site: www.ccdom.org. Resumes can be mailed to Catholic Charities, DOM, 319 Maple Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen is an Equal Opportunity Employer