Housing Specialist

Southeast Health Center - 901 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46203
The Housing Specialist contributes to Homeless Initiative Program's (HIP) Mission by ensuring that all clients seeking housing will be assisted with professional services in a kind atmosphere offering full service and linkage to meet all expressed needs. Key outcomes include: assessing clients housing barriers and needs; housing search and placement including all aspects of finding permanent, safe and affordable housing; developing and maintaining positive relationships with landlords, management companies and local housing agencies; consistent communication with clients and Case Managers; and ensuring that all guidelines for housing placement services are followed and all data entry and documentation is submitted in a timely manner.
Key Expected Outcomes

• Actively participate in all scheduled staff/team and supervision meetings.
• Actively participate in HIP Housing Committees to develop housing goals on client centered care plan.
• Stay in close communication with all partners, internal and external, regarding where a client is in housing search and placement process.
• Assess housing barriers of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs.
• Provide direct support to clients in all aspects of permanent, safe and affordable housing placement including assistance with applications for non- subsidized and subsidized housing, including state and federal housing, project-based section 8, and with income restricted housing (LIHTC, HOME programs) as well as market rate housing in the greater Indianapolis area of client's choice.
• Ensure all units pass a Housing Quality Standards inspections prior to a client moving in.
• Participate in the development and facilitation of housing Rent Smart Workshops that both educate and inform clients about housing options, fair housing, tenant rights, etc.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with housing authorities, landlords, and management companies and outside agencies in order to maximize housing options for clients.
• Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords, debtors, and creditors on behalf of the client; develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing.
• Collaborate with other agencies and community supports to maximize client outcomes, program goals and agency mission.
• Transport clients as necessary.
• Collect and report program data, including but not limited to HMIS reporting and funding required data.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned.
• Establish and promote positive communication among all team members of HIP to increase collaborations and efficiency.
• Represent HIP in a professional manner at all times, providing courteous service to both internal and external partners and presenting a positive image of HIP so as to always act as an ambassador of HIP services.

Diversity & Inclusion

• We commit to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment, where all employees, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feels valued and respected.
• We take a nondiscriminatory approach and provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement in respective departments, programs, and worksites.
• We strive to respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensures that all voices are valued and heard.
• We pledge to modeling diversity and inclusion and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

Who is HealthNet?

HealthNet is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization of community-based health centers located in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN Since 1968, HealthNet has improved the health status of the neighborhoods it serves by making quality health services accessible to everyone. HealthNet annually provides affordable health care to more than 61,000 individuals through its network of 9 primary care health centers 5 dental clinics, 9 school-based clinics, a mobile health unit, and additional support services. HealthNet's mission is to improve lives with compassionate health care and support services, regardless of ability to pay.
Requirements
Education, Experience, Degrees, Licenses

• Currently not sponsoring work visa.
• Requires a minimum of two years of previous experience in related field performing similar duties: property management, housing advocacy, or social service.
• Requires strong written and oral communication skills with ability to present to groups
• Requires experience with Microsoft office
• Requires organizational, problem solving, and critical thinking skills
• Requires professional appearance and manner
• Requires ability to work independently, effectively as part of a team and with a diverse group of clients, staff and community members.
• Requires experience with computer and knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Behaviors

• Knowledge of affordable housing programs and different requirements of various subsidy applications and documentation processes.
• Knowledge of housing issues, including tenant's rights and landlord/tenant law.
• Possess strong organizational skills, and attention to detail to accurately complete documentation requirements.
• Strong group facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with families and individuals with a variety of needs, abilities, and social economic backgrounds
• Experience working independently to accomplish goals and tasks assigned.
• Effective problem-solving skills, including successful conflict resolution.
• Ability to respond flexibly to a fluid and evolving program environment.
• Requires knowledge and belief in "Housing First" philosophy and strategies.
• Excellent communication, listening, mediation, and writing skills.
• Creative thinker with an adaptive personality.
• Demonstrate knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.
• The capacity to empower clients and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
• Ability to act independently in performing duties requiring discretion, critical thinking, self-direction, sound judgment and flexibility in work situations.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Maintain expected work schedule of Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with possibility of extended hours to ensure timely reporting and client/staff safety.
• Must be able to work proficiently in Microsoft office
• Must be able to travel for meetings throughout the community
• Must have reliable transportation. Drivers of privately-owned vehicles must have valid driver's license and meet state required automobile insurance minimums. May be required to transport clients
• Must be able to pass a background check consisting of National Sex Offender Registry, Criminal History and driving record.
• Valid driver's license required.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to be involved in degrees of prolonged standing, walking, sitting, bending, squatting, and stooping; as well as abilities of repeated bending, stooping, and squatting.
• Able to lift, push, and/or pull light to moderately heavy weight up to 20-30 pounds is a necessary function of this position.
• Able to perform duties during periods of varied and/or prolonged work hours.
• Must be able to read, write, hear, and communicate effectively in the English language by both orally and written.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plan
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings Account & Difference Card Available within certain medical plans
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance, AD&D
• Group Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity
• Domestic Partner Leave
• Wellness Programs
• 401k Match
• Paid Time Off (23 days) accumulates at start of employment and available to use.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral program

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
HealthNet is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.