Housing Coordinator

Job Summary

Performs highly responsible and professional social work and homeless response coordination involving a wide variety of responsibilities. Provides general oversight of homeless programs and grants within the Scott/Carver housing collaborative. Applies for, administers, and reports on grant funding. Assists in identifying housing resource opportunities for clients experiencing housing instability. The incumbent represents the needs of clients through active participation in community and collaborative groups and is the primary resource educator to internal and external teams.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Performs professional social work activities in support of homelessness programs and program participants. 
• Researches, applies for, administers, and monitors various grants related to housing and homelessness. This includes ensuring funding requirements/guidelines are met and leading provider selection process. 
• Maintains Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) by ensuring appropriate data entry and partner participation. 
• Manages all data management systems as indicated by housing partnerships and funders; ensures data entry is completed for all clients as defined by requirements. 
• Prepares reports, data, and information as needed to illustrate the tasks, activities, and outcomes of program efforts. Gathers, analyzes, and evaluates data to guide decisions. 
• Acts as lead for Point In Time (PIT) count, Wilder County, Needs Assessment Planning, and collection of HMIS data to determine homelessness numbers in Scott County. 
• Develops operational standards, documentation, and record keeping for funded subsidy programs.
• Develops and recommends fiscal policies, procedures, and program requirements consistent with various federal and state mandates, coordinating across all relevant program areas. 
• Serves as a resource to staff in developing and implementing service plans related to housing. 
• Represents Scott County and serves on various state and regional committees. Serves as the liaison with program providers. 
• Provides leadership in community initiatives related to housing and homelessness. 
• Monitors housing and homelessness environment at a local, state, and federal level to identify potential programming or fiscal changes. Advocates for internal and community system changes that impact access to grant opportunities and affordable housing. Provides recommendations regarding homelessness programming needs within the community. 
• Collaborates with prospective and current community landlords to expand housing units. 
• Provides program information and requirements to Scott County residents and various Scott County teams. Provides referral information and program clarification as needed on housing and homelessness resources.
• Supports response to emergency housing loss situations (flood, fire, pandemic, etc.)
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery. 
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree (Master's preferred) in Social Work, Psychology, sociology, or closely related field and two years' experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or housing instability. One must possess a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. Strong preference given for experience with managing grants, for working with individuals with mental illnesses, and for experience with housing development activities for those experiencing homelessness.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Adult Services Manager. Work is performed according to established professional guidelines and procedures, as well standards and procedures which are determined by county, state, or federal regulations. The employee exercises considerable independent judgment in implementing new work methods and procedures. Work may be reviewed by the Social Services Manager for overall standard of performance.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work. 
• Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of specific housing funding streams and processes, such as the Group Residential Housing program, residential services supported through Medicaid waiver funding, Medical Assistance state plan services and the HUD Continuum of Care process.
• Knowledge and understanding of the key features, similarities, and differences of the wide range of residential services, models, settings, and housing and financial programs within this position's areas of responsibility.
• Knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and needs of clients seeking residential services, including vulnerable adults, families and youth, people experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Person-Centered/Family-Centered Practices, Recovery-Based Services, and other strategies/approaches that promote people receiving supports in the most community integrated settings possible.
• Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of public and private entities involved in housing.
• Knowledge of social services, criminal justice system, education, and other community services.
• Knowledge and understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English.  
• Ability to conduct interviews.
• Ability to exercise sound decisions within the framework of federal, state, county, division, and department guidelines.
• Ability to maintain regional partnership participation and leadership at local, metro, and statewide level.
• Ability to communicate effectively via written documentation, in person, or over the telephone. 
• Ability to analyze complex case situations to evaluate the needs for support services. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions and determining when additional case review or action is needed. 
• Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions. 
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties. 
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and in the field in community-based settings. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple clients. One may be exposed to agitated, upset, aggressive, hostile clients; out of control children and pets; and unknown conditions in office, home-based and community settings. Evening and weekend hours may be required for accomplishing this work.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files, equipment, and items related to client care necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.