Housing Resource Specialist Co-Op - Pine Street Inn

SCHEDULE: 40 hours, Monday – Friday, Monday Wed Friday 7:45 am to 4:15 pm, Tuesday & Thursday 10 am to 6:30 pm

Pays $ $19/hour

LOCATION: 434 Harrison Ave. and other PSI shelters

JOB DESCRIPTION:

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

The Housing Resource Specialist Co-op is responsible for providing services in the Rapid Engagement Center (drop in center). At the Rapid Engagement Center we assist shelter guests in a self-directed individual housing pathway in order to find permanent housing, mainstream benefits and other community resources as needed. The Housing Resource Specialist Co-Op exhibits excellent customer service and possesses a sense of initiative, is self-directed, works well with groups, has a good sense of humor, and is knowledgeable about housing resources in the Boston area. The Housing Resource Specialist Co-Op is able to research and access new housing opportunities and is regularly updating all resource materials for guests and staff. The Housing Resource Specialist Co-Op is able to discern which guests are able to manage housing searches independently and which guests need more hands on help.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or GED

PREFERRED:

• Bilingual, with an emphasis in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole
• Preferred coursework in social policy, social work, human services, psychology

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:

• Interest in human service field work
• Knowledge of effective crisis intervention techniques and ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations
• Excellent customer service skills; highly developed and effective interpersonal skills
• Ability to use internet, social media, and other research tools to identify resources and housing opportunities
• Fluent in 2010 MS Office Suite, applications (Word, Excel, etc.), email, and internet browsers
• Experience in maintaining confidential records and information
• Experience in prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working in a team-oriented environment
• Superior organizational and written communications skills and demonstrated project management experience

PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to access different building locations and program sites
• requires stooping, bending, and stretching
• Ability to use a computer for email, word processing and spreadsheets; and other office equipment (fax, copier etc.) as needed
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergency situations

MENTAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

• Superior attention to detail
• Ability to adapt to changing goals and priorities
• Must be able to perform a wide variety of difficult tasks at the same time
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Ability to take initiative
• Must be self-directed
• Demonstrated commitment to Pine Street Inn’s mission, positive approach to change, promoting best development practices
• Highly developed organizational skills and excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills are essential
• Must be able to take direction well
• Works proactively to keep up with program innovations and new administrative technologies
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented team environment
• Enthusiasm, positive sense of humor and can do attitude
• Must be able to work with diverse constituencies in a stressful environment
• Ability to work independently as needed and also function as a member of a team

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Responsible for helping the PSI meet housing placement goals and reducing length of stay for shelter guests.

• Responsible for gathering and disseminating resources regularly to guests and staff.

• Meets with guests daily to provide resources and assist with housing applications and obtaining necessary documents for housing applications (i.e.; IDs, birth certificates, verification of homelessness, etc.)

• Enters efforts and referrals into Clarity

• Maintains files for guests served; tracking all referrals and housing applications.

• Makes referrals to appropriate resources as needed (i.e.; benefits applications, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, etc.)

• Available to attend housing related appointments with guests as appropriate.

• Uses motivational interviewing skills to help guests move through stages of change to take action steps toward housing and accept reasonable housing placements.

• Accepts supervision and guidance and actively participates in efforts to improve quality of performance.

• Protects and maintains confidential information and adheres to Pine Street Inn’s policies and procedures.
• Collects and compiles information for reports and contracts.

• Conducts research to support projects as assigned.

• Assists in preparing for monitoring and audit visits.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES, IF INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION, PLEASE SUBMIT A PROMOTION/TRANSFER APPLICATION TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT WITHIN 10 DAYS OF POSTED DATES.

Pine Street Inn is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.