Supportive Housing Specialist

If you are looking for employment with a purpose where you can help improve the daily lives of the members of your community, then consider a career with Pioneer Human Services!

We are currently looking for a Supportive Housing Specialist with a passion for human services. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with an organization focused on a transformative path towards social change, creating pathways for rehabilitation, reintegration, and redemption.

Who we are – Our Mission
We empower justice-involved individuals to overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

For over 60 years, we have proudly served our clients and customers with quality, professionalism and compassion. We are a nationally recognized social enterprise with multiple business units and diverse facilities across Washington state, dedicated to delivering value to our communities and providing a chance for change. 

What you'll do

This position will work with our Co-Occurring and Opiate Use Disorder programs and in surrounding community. The position provides client advocacy, support in obtaining community services including but not limited to healthcare, social services, resources, housing and employment training and recovery education and support. This position supports the Residential Services Division of Pioneer Human Services by ensuring the provision of quality and cost effective behavioral health services under our residential treatment umbrella.

Supportive Housing services are a specific intervention and evidence based practice for individuals experiencing barriers to housing stability with verified risk factors. Supportive Housing services help individuals who are homeless, unstably housed, or face barriers to living independently, live with maximum independence in community-integrated housing. Activities are intended to ensure successful community living, ease transition into the community and support integration through the utilization of skills training, cueing, community supports, modeling, direction and guidance as identified by the person-centered assessment and individualized goal plans. Primary/essential duties are but not limited to:

• Follow SAMHSA Evidence-Based Practices for Supportive Housing services
• Provides strong positive client/customer service.
• Utilizes critical thinking and judgment to identify the most appropriate client support.
• Prioritize referral of chronically homeless individuals for the available housing.
• Screen individuals for program eligibility including disability, homelessness, and income eligibility.
• Complete Housing Needs assessment.
• Engage with individual to work on community housing goals
• Works to support individuals by leading the negotiation, preparation, and administration of leases and housing assistance documents.
• Coordinates moves with participants.
• Ensure participant has all needed move in supplies.
• Supports participants and program requirements by reviewing and analyzing financial information or criminal records to determine housing options and to determine rent adjustment.
• Investigates and assists in resolving participants housing challenges and disputes in conjunction with the individual and their treatment team in order to contribute to stable housing,
• Work with client to obtain and maintain housing; work with independent living skills, etc.
• Ensure participant is receiving appropriate level of supportive services to assist in maintaining housing and community relationships
• Ensure every program participant has a sign agreement and a supportive service plan
• Participate in goal planning; Offer updates in terms of progression through level system or recommendations for discharge.
• Ensure frequent communication with program participants, through home visit, office visits, telephone calls and other modes of communications.
• Provide housing support to program participants i.e. help with other housing applications, SSI documents, DSHS support or referral, budgeting, food bank and meal service information, library cards, applying for Hopelink, ORCA cards, home organization, time management, encourage and educate about self-care, and provide referral to community resources- Outreach to program participants not engaging in services
• Communicate regularly with landlords of program participants, respond promptly to problems that arise with the participants and inform Program Manager of problems and resolutions of all problems.
• Updates and maintain data collection and reporting systems.
• Maintains records, completes state and Federal required forms, maintains files, and writes reports that meet auditing requirements.
• Document outcomes as they relate to SAMHSA Fidelity
• Completes clinical documentation and required paperwork within 24 hours of the service. Documents relevant and required information and services (including peer support, case management, phone calls to providers, participants, or others, education, outreaches, referrals, etc.) provided in the identified service record (electronic or otherwise) assuring continuity of care as a tool for communication with other team members.
• Develop and maintains an active landlord list.
• Understands the principals of public housing practices, housing policies rules and regulations, housing quality standards and property management procedure and practices.
• Understands Federal, State, and local housing rules, regulations and programs to include rental assistance programs for low-income households
• Understands Landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Understands housing quality standards for decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
• Meets deadlines and completes assignments by due dates as designated by Director or designee
• Complete rental assistance and submit the application and back up eligibility information to applicable housing organizations (Plymouth Housing, Housing Authorities, etc.)
• Verify continued eligibility and residence of each person receiving rental assistances and promptly report any changes in the person’s status, house hold composition, financial or residence to housing assistance programs.
• Must be available to perform the essential functions of this job whenever scheduled to work.
• Collaborate with treatment team in order to prepare individuals for community placement
• Work and develop strong positive relationships with community landlords.
• Interprets, explains, and enforces policies, rules, regulations and legal documents as needed.
• Strong coordination through Coordinated Entry provider.
• Provide education to community partners regarding supportive housing.
• Collaborate with community partners to obtain housing options for participants.
• Communicate and partner with area Housing Authority’s on a regular basis.
• Liaison between PHS and area’s community housing programs.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports and correspondence
• Promotes and models teamwork and collaboration with coworkers and clients.
• Work with QA to ensure program is meeting SAMHSA Fidelity standards.
• Adheres to professional and ethical standards.

What you'll bring

• AA degree in any related field (Human services, business administration, social work, public health, criminal justice, etc.)
• 2 years’ experience working with individuals who experience behavioral health challenges
• Must obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential (Must apply within 7 days of employment
• Be a self-identified client of behavioral health services
• Successfully pass and maintain the state certified peer counselor examination administered by the mental health division or an authorized contractor according to 18.19 RCW.
• May occasionally need to transport clients to appointments. Must have valid driver’s license, ability to meet the requirements of a Company Approved Driver including minimum personal vehicle insurance if driving a personal vehicle on Company business and acceptable driving record.

Preferably you'll bring

• BA/BS Degree in any related field (Human services, business administration, social work, public health, criminal justice, etc.)

• Experience with state substance use residential treatment facility services
• Experience working with people from diverse cultures

What we offer

Our employees are important. That’s why at Pioneer Human Services we’re committed to competitive industry compensation and a comprehensive employee benefits program that helps our employees stay healthy, feel secure and maintain balance. Employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment in:

• Medical
• Flexible spending
• Dental

• Vision coverage

After 60 days of full-time employment coverage for

• Life,
• AD&D, and disability

Other benefits include:

• Dependent Daycare flexible spending. 
• Tuition assistance program: Pioneer pays 100% of a bachelor's degree tuition and 50% for graduate programs. Available for full-time status employees after 3 months of employment.
• Retirement plan: Pioneer contributes 3.5% of an employee's annual compensation into retirement plans. An additional 3.5% match is offered to those who contribute 6% on their own.
• Employee recognition programs: gift cards, additional time off, weekend getaways and more.
• Public transportation discount.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).

EEO

Pioneer human services is an equal opportunity employer of minorities/women/individuals with disabilities/protected veterans and does not unlawfully discriminate under federal, state, or local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status. EEO is the law poster EEO is the law poster supplement 

Pioneer Human Services is a Drug-Free Company

Pioneer Human Services is a drug free company. This position has been deemed safety sensitive under RCW 49.44.240(3) and is subject to both pre-employment drug testing and drug testing during employment, to include testing for marijuana.