Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern IL

Housing Specialist

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Housing Specialist: The Housing Specialist is a full time position that provides case management services to help residents in the First Step Rapid-Rehousing Program obtain and maintain their housing and maximize their capacity for independent living.  Supportive services focus on helping them meet the obligation of their lease or occupancy agreements and develop the skills to live stably in the community.  Must complete the 40 hour Domestic Violence training with a goal of become ICDVP within 18 months of employment. The Housing Specialist works a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the residents. This position is reports to the Director of Residential.  

 

Qualifications: BA/BS in psychology, sociology, social work, or closely related field strongly preferred. Experience working with survivors of domestic violence preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills, social service training and experience, ability to work with diverse populations, and ability to handle stressful situations, and use sound judgment required. Local travel necessary, reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and ability to drive the agency van also required.

 

Typical Duties/Responsibilities:    

• Complete intake documentation to include assessment of housing skills and supports checklist, and the development of a safety plan that extends beyond the stay in the shelter.

• Assess family needs including representing family, discuss family’s history of abuse, DCFS involvement, child abuse or neglect within family, develop service plan for survivor and children, determine presenting issues of client, and children in family, and determine parent issues.

• Assistance with budgeting, paying rent, access to employment, medication monitoring and management, daily living skills training or assistance, medical and health services, counseling and support in achieving self-identified goals, children needs, complying with house rules, conflict resolution, advocacy, transportation and community building as needed.

• Collaborate with other department staff working with the client and/or family in other departments of the agency as permitted by client and appropriate.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other community resources, both internal and external.

• Develop relationships with area landlords to facilitate client placement. Maintain housing directory

• Meet with supervisor weekly to discuss client needs, concerns, and program implementations in addition to typical case management issues.

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and in-service training as requested.

• Act as “On Call” personnel in the absence of DRS

• Attain monthly and annual goals

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General and Related Responsibilities:

• Assist with agency operations.

• Assist with fundraising, outreach and community awareness activities.

• Participate in staff meetings and trainings.

• Attend VPC meetings/training as appropriate.

• Represent the Center at related community events, meetings and trainings as appropriate.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

 

All employment is at will and no employment contract shall be construed from any action, document or statement of the employer.

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Application Deadline:  July 5, 2019

To apply please send application and cover letter to teri.dunn@vpcswi.org or fax to 618-235-9521

 

6/11/2019