- Salary
- $57k – $67k/yr
- Location
- Renew - Moses Lake, WA, WA, US
- Education
- Certification
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description
PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Housing Specialist provides pre-tenancy and tenancy-sustaining services to individuals who are homeless or unstably housed, helping them obtain and maintain community-based housing. The Housing Specialist may also include coordination services to individuals discharging from institutions, substance use hospitals, state psychiatric hospitals or community psychiatric inpatient beds and enroll them in CBRA program. Working under general supervision, this position assists individuals with housing readiness, connection to resources, and ongoing tenancy support to promote stability and independence.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This position is a specialized, direct-service role focused on housing stability rather than broad clinical treatment or case management. Unlike clinical providers or case managers, this role centers on helping individuals secure and maintain housing by addressing barriers related to income, benefits, independent living skills, and lease obligations, while collaborating with the broader treatment and support team.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
- Conducts functional needs assessments with individuals to identify housing preferences (e.g., type, location, household composition, needed accommodations) and related support needs such as budgeting, income resources, credit, and tenancy obligations, laying the groundwork for appropriate housing options and community integration.
- Assists individuals in connecting with social service and housing resources to identify, apply for, and secure housing that meets their medical and daily living needs, reducing barriers to obtaining safe and appropriate housing.
- Develops individualized housing and community integration plans based on the functional needs assessment and person-centered goals, establishing clear short- and long-term objectives and strategies for securing and maintaining housing.
- Coordinates and links individuals with a range of services, including primary care, substance use treatment, mental health services, medical/vision/dental care, vocational and educational supports employment and volunteer services, probation/parole, crisis services, end-of-life planning, and natural supports, promoting stability and continuity of care in all life domains that impact housing.
- Provides entitlement and benefits assistance by helping individuals obtain necessary documentation, navigate and monitor application processes, and communicate with entitlement agencies, supporting stable income and resources needed for housing.
- Assists individuals in accessing supportive services such as individual or family counseling, support groups, and other natural supports, helping them preserve the highest possible level of independent living in the community.
- Supports individuals in developing independent living skills (e.g., skills coaching, basic financial management, anger management), enhancing their ability to manage daily responsibilities and remain successfully housed.
- Helps individuals communicate effectively with landlords and property managers regarding tenancy expectations and, when authorized, disability-related accommodations and emergency procedures, promoting constructive relationships and lease compliance.
- Collaborates with individuals to review, update, and modify housing support and crisis plans on a regular basis to reflect current needs and address housing retention barriers, reducing the risk of eviction or loss of housing.
- Connects individuals to training, education, and practical resources on tenant rights, responsibilities, and household management, strengthening their capacity to meet lease requirements and maintain a safe, stable living environment.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
- Associate of Arts (AA) degree in humanities or closely related field
- One year of demonstrated experience providing supported housing or similar services.
- Two years of demonstrated experience providing supported housing, case management, or similar services.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in human services, social services, behavioral health or closely related field.
- Experience providing supported housing services in rural settings.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, serious mental illness, and/or substance use disorders.
- Experience working with local community-based organizations, landlords, property managers, and housing providers.
- Knowledge of County and Agency policies and procedures.
- Washington State Driver’s License with proof of automobile insurance and acceptable driving abstract.
- Background Check: Must have an acceptable background report, at time of hire and every three years afterward.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:
- Work is performed in a combination of office settings, client homes, shelters, and other community locations such as service agencies and landlords’ offices.
- May encounter individuals experiencing emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or aggressive behavior.
- May be exposed to variable conditions and working environments.
- May experience interruptions and moderate noise levels in shared or community environments.
- Duties require driving between locations in varying road and weather conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and move between office and community settings during the workday.
- Occasionally lifts, carries, or moves materials (e.g., supplies, files, small equipment) up to 25 pounds.
- Uses standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers, for documentation and communication.
- Must have sufficient vision, hearing, and verbal communication to conduct visits, complete documentation, and interact effectively with individuals, landlords, and community partners.
- Although not the primary focus of this position, Renew facilities provide clinical services so all positions may be exposed to potentially verbally and physically aggressive individuals and/or environments, as well as exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.
Skills
Compliance
