PSH Housing Specialist

Job Type

Full-time

Description

ABOUT MIRIAM'S KITCHEN

Miriam's Kitchen works to end chronic homelessness in Washington, DC. We advocate for permanent supportive housing as a long-term solution, while meeting short-term needs by providing healthy meals and high-quality social services to individuals who are chronically homeless.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The PSH Housing Specialist will support a reduced PSH caseload and provide primary programmatic support to frontline case managers in navigating the housing process, including reviewing housing applications, and liaising with the Housing Authority.

They will support case managers and supervisors in advocating for complex and escalated cases with landlords and DCHA and ensure that housing application records are maintained.

The PSH Housing Specialist will provide community-based support services to a primary caseload of up to 9 residents who were formerly chronically homeless, with flexibility to increase primary caseload as determined by the Senior Director of Housing and staffing needs.

PSH Case Managers work together as a team to help individuals from homelessness to housing through the housing identification process, and to provide support services to chronically homeless individuals in permanent supportive housing to help residents maintain stable housing and achieve the highest level of self-sufficiency and quality of life possible.

Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Housing Specialist Role

• Lead the team as the main point of contact and internal coordination for submitting all paperwork for voucher applications, initial lease-ups and relocations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key external partners at DCHA and DHS.
• Communicate evolving DCHA and DHS program policies / procedures to MK Direct Service teams.
• Deliver as-needed internal trainings on the housing process and resources across departments.

PSH Case Manager Role

Develop trusting relationships with Permanent Supportive Housing residents. Engage residents to collaboratively develop goals and service plans for housing, mental health, substance abuse, health, education, income, employment, and other goal areas.

Support residents' work toward goals through individually tailored services and by facilitating effective connections to community services and resources.

Examples of support services include successful tenancy problem-solving, independent living skill-building, connection to public benefits and employment assistance, money management support, and connection to medical, mental health, and substance abuse services.

• Provide outreach, case management, crisis support, advocacy, and other needed services to residents, primarily in the community and residents' homes, but in any setting necessary, including streets, shelters, jails, hospitals, program office, etc.
• Meet or exceed the monthly client contact requirements of two contacts per month, including one home visit per month. (Note : DHS requirements may at times be altered in response to the COVID public health emergency).
• Support residents' wellness and independence.
• Monitor residents' medical and mental health needs and facilitate referrals for support as necessary.
• Act as a liaison with landlords and other community stakeholders to promote the success of residents and the PSH program.
• Collaborate with other service providers in the community to ensure that residents are receiving high-quality, effective services to meet their needs.
• Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation (e.g. case notes, incident reports, home visit reports, monthly and quarterly reports).

Maintain appropriate confidentiality of resident's information and records.

• Actively look for ways for Miriam's Kitchen to expand or change PSH program to better meet residents' needs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling or other related social service / science disciplines AND one year of experience providing case management services, or a masters' degree in these fields.

Note : Internships for related degrees are considered experience in the field.)

• Enthusiastic about Housing First approach.
• Strong familiarity with housing process and related systems (especially DCHA and housing providers).
• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred.
• Ability to work as a member of a culturally diverse team. We are actively recruiting diverse applicants.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Strong sense of boundaries.
• Valid driver's license and ownership of a motor vehicle.
• Strong interest in and commitment to ending chronic homelessness in DC.
• An understanding of the structural and systemic causes of homelessness.
• Ability to pass background checks as required by government contract.
• Comfort working with a diverse population with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences.

Experience

A bachelor's degree in a human service field PLUS one year of experience providing case management services, or a masters' degree in a human services field, is required per our contract for services.

Benefits

• Miriam's Kitchen is proud to offer comprehensive benefits that support the continued health and wellbeing of our team including : 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance;
• generous medical coverage for dependents; 100% employer-paid short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance;

employer retirement contributions; generous annual paid leave, and annual professional development funds for all full and part-time team members.

EOE STATEMENT

Miriam's Kitchen values a diverse workforce reflective of the community we serve. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Salary Description

$57,800 - $62,850