The Housing Search and Information Specialist will provide direct services to those experiencing homelessness or those at-risk of homelessness. They will do so by providing a variety of linkages to housing, benefits, and community resources. Members will assist clients in addressing housing barriers in an effort to secure safe, affordable housing.
Service Activities
• Assist with intakes to assess the housing needs of that client
• Address housing barriers for the client
• Create/update lists of available housing for the clients to choose from
• Connect clients with necessary funds to pay for security deposits, rental fees, or utility payments
• Transport clients to view potential housing locations
• Maintain/develop relationships with local landlords
• Receive training for/conduct Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and other housing inspections
• Assist with independent living skills support related to addressing income and housing stabilization needs
• Gather and disperse food and clothing donations to clients
• Facilitate delivery of needed household items to clients who receive housing
• Generate information materials for clients, such as newsletters/pamphlets/etc.
• Provide follow-up support services as needed
Community Need Addressed
This position will meet the community need of finding safe, affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness.
Position Outcomes
The members in this position will provide resources and linkages to individuals to assist them in obtaining safe, affordable housing. They will also help individuals increase their self-sufficiency.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
Timekeeping, problem solving, critical thinking, volunteer recruitment and management, project development
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment