Housing Specialist

PDA is hiring a Housing Specialist

• Post Lease Up position. Through the program, the Housing Specialist

• Post Lease Up will provide advocacy and intensive, clinical, and innovative interventions for preventing evictions or resolving potential eviction proceedings due to behavioral health issues/challenges in affordable/market rate housing and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) tenants in King County. Everyone in this space is a leader. The Housing Specialist Post Lease Up will be a valued member of the PDA Team, assisting in the various program services housing functions to support our continued agency success across the direct program areas. Reporting to the Co LEAD Housing Manager , this position is customer-centered and cultivates and stewards' relationships for the benefit of our agency. Thus, the desired candidate is expected to come to the position with a fun and positive spirit of collaboration and innovation and see the opportunity to resolve issues by taking initiative that works for all. This team intentionally fosters trust and team building, and the individual in this position will enhance these efforts. We are a multifaceted hands-on team in a high functioning and fast-paced origination and jump in to assist each other often, no matter role or title.

Organization Description

The Public Defender Association (PDA) is a non-profit corporation which advocates for legal system reform and develops alternatives that shift from a punishment paradigm to a system that supports individual and community health. We also provide technical assistance to community partners who are committed to these goals. We advance justice system reform and alternative practices and policy through several core programs and policy initiatives. Grounding reform in a public health and safety framework, PDA develops new strategies and implements models that improve on conventional responses to crime and public order issues. In collaboration with community and government partners, PDA uses policy advocacy, organizing, litigation, and public education to achieve its goals.

Job Description

The CoLEAD Housing Specialist (Post Lease- up Support) will carry a dedicated case management caseload to provide housing and tenancy support for a minimum of one year for participants who will be moving into their new residence using an Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV). Some support for those who have transitioned to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) may be needed as well. Using the Housing First and Harm Reduction model, The Housing Specialist (PLS) will support housing stability by providing direct-service assistance to maintain their housing while also attending to requests from Public Housing Authorities (PHA) and landlords regarding support for the participant. This position will directly outreach and engage weekly to support the participants in assessing and identifying barriers they may have to remain stably housed.

The Housing Specialist (PLS) will also support the CoLEAD Housing Manager to develop a structure for aftercare that aligns with the PHA request and the Housing First and Harm Reduction model.

Homeless Information Management System(HMIS)/Ex Reach--Admin

• Complete all HMIS training and refresher trainings required to use the Clarity system

• Enter timely case notes for housing documentation in both HMIS and Ex Reach.

• All households who have been awarded an Emergency Housing Voucher(EHV) will be enrolled into the King County Regional Homeless Authority-(EHV) program. Supportive case management and case notes will be documented per EHV program requirements from start of approval throughout 1 year after leasing.

• Keep track of all participants in after care status; documenting housed status, initial assessments for supports, barriers, resources and continued goals from their time in CoLEAD lodging.

After Care

• Work with the CoLEAD Housing Manager to develop a structure for aftercare that aligns with the PHA request and the Housing First and Harm Reduction model.

• Provide after care support for participants that supports housing stability and self-sufficiency by ensuring appropriate resources are accessible prior to housing and after housed such as; employment, education, furniture, additional identifying documents, behavioral health support, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment, medical support, life skills, lease support, liaison for landlord and tenant.

• Conduct intake evaluations and assess behavioral and physical health needs in order to develop support and client centered care plans with the greatest client participation possible.

• Prioritize direct outreach and engagement by participants after care plan and needs.

• Assist in preparing participants and staff with an after-care support plan by meeting with participants and CoLEAD case managers prior to their move-in date.

• Assure all identifying documents needed by the PHA are submitted within the 180 days after lease signing to prevent interruption in the participants subsidy.

• Be liaison and support participants with changes and updates to the PHA and landlords.

• Provide intensive, harm reduction, and innovative interventions to address behavioral health issues that could result in potential eviction proceedings such as but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.

• Advocate for participants' housing and successful tenancy and other access to community resources and services, ensuring that participants' needs are met, rights maintained and attending to any discriminatory practices including consulting and collaborating with community providers to ensure continuity of care.

Partnerships and Collaborations with Housing Providers and PHA

• The Housing Specialist (PLS) will build partnerships with landlords and the Public Housing Authorities(PHA).

• Respond to PHA and landlord requests for assistance regarding tenancy support for the client.

• Along with the CoLEAD Housing Manager, meet with prospective landlords to inform them on the support provided with our program and for the participant.

• Provide landlords with pertinent information related to supporting landlord/tenant issues and landlord support such as The Dept of Commerce Landlord Mitigation Program.

Other duties and responsibilities:

• Staff participants as needed (or bi weekly) with the CoLEAD Housing Manager, Outreach Care Coordinator and Co-Executive Director.

• Work closely with PDA Eviction Mitigation Specialist staff and CoLEAD Housing Manager, to form an in-house team of housing resources experts, provide back-up for each respective role and case consultation when needed.

• Along with the PDA Co-Executive Managing Directors, advocate for criminal legal system exposed populations (LEAD/CoLEAD participants) access to housing.

• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with CEA staff, King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) staff, Public Housing Authorities and local permanent housing providers including those who provide Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) in Seattle/King County.

• Provide services consistent with CoLEAD/PDA program policies and procedures.

• Participate in housing consultation, supervision, program meetings and in-service training; participate in clinical reviews and case conferences for participants on caseload.

• Comply with the agency's clinical accountability policies and procedures; maintain timely and complete participant records; comply with all applicable laws.

• Comply with applicable program data collection, as needed.

• Ability to do basic computer work in Google Suite (including appropriate and timely use of Gmail, calendar, google drive), HMIS, Zoom, Excel, Word, and other related programs to support the work of CoLEAD.

• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years or more experience in engaging and working with adults with behavioral health issues that have difficulty engaging with traditional (clinic-based, abstinence and compliance-based) programs.

• Ability to implement harm reduction strategies including but not limited to trauma informed care and low-barrier assistance.

• Knowledge of or experience in clinical interventions for addressing behavioral health issues including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and other mental health therapies.

• Knowledge of supportive housing and PSH programming for people previously experiencing homelessness.

• Ability to meet state requirements for Agency Affiliated Counselor or higher credential.

• Ability to communicate, engage, and work effectively with internal and external staff from various backgrounds.

• Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of behaviors.

• Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients.

• Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect

• Current Washington State Driver's License.

• Education in the social services field.

• Passion for engaging and advocating for individuals that require low barrier social supports.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Substance Abuse Counseling Certification in Washington

• Chemical Dependency Professional Trainee (CDPT)/Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP); and/or

• Social Worker Certification in Washington

• Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW)/Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW); and/or

• Mental Health Certification in Washington

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Location

The PDA Office is in Seattle, WA; present configuration is to work on-site five days per week, as we have a need for fulfilling an essential part of our programs, thus we will support access to obtaining the vaccine with the support of our Medical Director. Normal hours will be M-F days, with standard hours established in consultation with the Housing Mitigation Specialist.

Compensation

This position will be 1.0 FTE Within the position salary range, salary increases 3% annually, subject to Board of Directors approval. An additional annual cost of living increase is provided at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Benefits include:

• 401k match of up to 4% of salary, beginning after six months of employment

• Annual, 2% of salary, profit sharing contribution to 401k, provided in most years

• Generous medical and dental benefits for employees and family members

• Flexible Spending Agreement for both medical and dependent care needs

• 15 days' vacation per year, increasing to 20 days' vacation per year, after 5 years

• 12 personal/sick days, accrued annually;

• Unlimited ORCA card

• Monthly $50 employer cell phone contribution if required by position

This is a Fair Labor Standards Act exempt, at-will position; continuation in the position depends on both performance and funding.

Benefits and employment are subject to change based on budget, organizational needs, and other considerations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PDA is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. PDA actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity. PDA is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious affiliation, marital status, sexual identity, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, those directly impacted by the criminal justice system, people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact us.

Safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Pertinent to the current Covid-19 pandemic, employee safety is paramount, and for this position will include training and guidance on how to work with individuals with behavioral health issues during any type of public health pandemic. This position requires interacting with other individuals; PDA will make every effort to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to it's employees, which includes, but is not limited to: masks, latex/nitrile gloves, eye protection, but it is recognized that, due to widespread shortages, appropriate PPE is not now and may not be available. PDA has made requests to all available supply chains and will furnish protective gear as it becomes available. Whenever not using full PPE, employees will be trained to and will follow CDC guidance/best practices to limit possible exposure, e.g. maintaining 6-foot distance from all other individuals, including co-workers.

PDA holds employee safety as a core feature of this position and will adhere to local public health guidance to ensure safety for employees and the communities they serve. It must be recognized that during public health pandemics, the entire landscape poses risk, and that performing the duties of this position with complete adherence to social distancing and sanitation recommendations from public health authorities is the best strategy for safety and health on the job under these types of conditions. Cell phone and computer will also be included for this position.

How to Apply

Provide your cover letter and resume. Please Note: Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls, please.