Housing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Housing Specialist

Program/Dept: Housing Stability Programs

Reports To: Housing Stability Programs Manager

FLSA Status: Regular/Full-time/Non-Exempt

Probationary Period: Ninety (90) days

Work Schedule: M-F; occasional flexibility required

WFH Status: Eligible for Hybrid with community-based responsibilities

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Housing Specialist supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness in securing permanent housing through short- to medium-term housing assistance programs. Working with participants referred through the BoS Coordinated Entry system, this position helps ensure equitable access to housing resources and timely connections to safe and stable housing.

Using a housing-focused, trauma-informed, and participant-centered approach aligned with Housing First principles, the Housing Specialist partners with participants to identify housing opportunities, coordinate rental assistance, and remove barriers to successful placement. The role serves diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and promotes safety, choice, dignity, and long-term housing and economic stability.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
• Experience working with individuals or families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or crisis situations preferred.
• Experience supporting survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or trauma-impacted populations strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with housing programs, landlord engagement, or community resource coordination preferred.
• HMIS or comparable database experience is desirable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Housing Placement & Support

• Partner with participants to develop housing-focused service plans that support rapid placement into permanent housing.
• Assist participants in identifying and securing housing opportunities.
• Support completion of housing applications, lease-up processes, and move-in coordination.
• Coordinate rental assistance and housing-related financial supports in accordance with program guidelines.
• Collaborate with Housing Navigator and landlords to facilitate successful housing placement.

Participant Engagement & Barrier Reduction

• Provide strength-based, participant-centered support focused on achieving housing placement.
• Assist participants in addressing barriers related to income, employment, benefits access, transportation, or tenancy readiness.
• Promote participant choice, self-determination, and dignity throughout service delivery.
• Provide trauma-informed and survivor-centered engagement when supporting individuals impacted by domestic violence or human trafficking, including safety considerations and confidentiality protections.

Service Coordination & Community Collaboration

• Connect participants to community resources including behavioral health services, employment supports, financial assistance, and stabilization services.
• Coordinate with Housing Access staff to support smooth transitions from Coordinated Entry into housing programs.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, service providers, and community partners.
• Participate in case conferencing and team coordination meetings.

Documentation, Data & Program Accountability

• Maintain accurate and timely participant records and documentation.
• Enter and manage participant data within HMIS and agency databases in accordance with program requirements.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, confidentiality standards, and funder regulations.
• Support reporting and tracking requirements.

Professional Development & Program Support

• Participate in supervision, training, and team meetings.
• Maintain knowledge of housing resources, program requirements, and best practices in housing placement services.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of housing services and participant outcomes.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Model CAPSC’s mission, values, and commitment to reducing barriers and promoting equitable access to services.
• Demonstrate participant-centered, trauma-informed service delivery.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant and agency information.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with participants, staff, and community partners.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Represent CAPSC professionally within community partnerships.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support evolving program needs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Understanding of Housing First and housing-focused service models.
• Ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple participant cases and competing priorities.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to respond appropriately in crisis or complex situations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based data systems; ability to learn HMIS or comparable databases.
• Knowledge of community housing resources preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Combination of office-based, remote, and community-based work.
• Local and occasional statewide travel may be required.
• Ability to meet participants in community settings and housing locations.
• Regular interaction with individuals experiencing crisis situations or housing instability.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening.

Head Start, Early Head Start, Childcare, and Home Visiting Programs are also subject to the following: Head Start and childcare licensing require a criminal record check and fingerprinting to be completed before employment. An initial physical examination record, including a TB screening, must be obtained within 60 days of hire, updated every three years, and kept on file with Human Resources. If a TB screening indicates high risk, results of a TB test must be kept on file, including any treatment received. An initial driving record check will be conducted. License information will also be submitted to the agency’s automobile insurance carrier.

MISSION VISION &VALUES

Mission: To reduce barriers to help clients improve their economic stability and well-being through education, advocacy, and partnerships.

Vision: To eliminate poverty.

Values: Collaboration, Client Focus, Accountability, and Communication.