Unsheltered, Missing, and Transitional Youth Services (UMTYS) Housing Specialist

The UMTYS Housing Specialist is responsible for implementation and ongoing operations of UMTYS housing programs. They provide coordination, maintaining utilities, contracts, and essential functions of housing programs, including housing regulations. Further, the Specialist will build/maintain relationships with internal/external stakeholders related to the housing programs. Additionally, the Housing Specialist monitors the program’s room and board budget and provide support to clients and staff related to move in and move out days.  This position requires varying shifts, including variable evenings and weekends. This position is a fast-paced position requiring applicants to stay on their toes! The Housing Specialist will utilize the Positive Youth Development approach. Further, they will assist the UMTYS leadership team with ensuring that the Federal Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) grant objectives and goals are carried out, while ensuring compliance with all FYSB rules and guidelines. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provide housing coordination  and facilitation to UMTYS programs, its clients, and its staff.
• Assist clients in applying for housing options and support through process until housing is secured.
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, housing agencies, governmental agencies, and community organizations, including but not limited to in person tours of potential housing options throughout northeast Ohio.
• Directly supporting clients during their first day of new housing program to ensure working utilities, address maintenance needs, being present for service requests, and providing clients with basic needs supplies.
• Monitor housing programs’ room and board budget; reporting periodically to UMTYS leadership.
• Ensure effective utilization of UMTYS housing programs, including but not limited to, providing support during placement, monitoring the use of bed days according to grant requirements, and as applicable, involved in discharge planning collaboration.
• Work collaboratively with entire UMTYS staff to ensure streamlined processes and eliminating homelessness for youth/young adults.
• Represent the Agency in the development or maintenance of relationships with other organizations, including community agencies, public agencies, and referral sources.
• Maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct.
• Possess, employ, and train staff in, a practical understanding of:
  • basic child, adolescent, and family development.
  • issues that are relevant to homeless youth.
  • interventions used in helping runaway and homeless youth.
• Ability to qualify as an approved Agency driver to drive clients to other locations to access basic needs supplies.
• Own a cell phone to be used for accessibility during working hours.

OTHER DUTIES:
 

• Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and on-going training that will provide the skills necessary to implement the program.
• All required trainings, certifications, and licensure must be kept current in accordance with applicable licensing and accreditation regulations and standards.
• Maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct and adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
• Contact UMTYS leadership with any emergency situations (i.e. in need of clinical support, AWOL, safety concern for yourself or the well-being of a client or family member, a client threatening to harm themselves or others).
• Respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence all information obtained during the client’s treatment. All client-related documents should be handled in accordance with Agency guidelines on confidential material.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:
 

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field required.
• Licensure: None required
• Skills/Competencies:              
  • Core Expertise: Possess skill, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential duties of their role; keeps knowledge up to date.
  • Independent Judgment: Demonstrate ability to perform job responsibilities with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.
  • Cultural Competency: Demonstrate awareness, sensitivity and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal background and characteristics.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Communicate clearly using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills in a professional context; demonstrates clear understanding and use of professional language.
  • Professional & Ethical Conduct: Adhere to professional values such as honesty, personal responsibility, and accountability; Applies ethical concepts within scope of work and adheres to Agency policies and procedures.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Function effectively as a member of a professional team that includes employees, clients and family members.
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making: Recognize problems and responds appropriately; gathers information and sorts through it to identify and address root cause issues; makes timely decisions including strong organizational skills, prioritization, and ability to work in a fast paced environment.
  • Service Orientation: Anticipate, recognize, and meet the needs of others, whether they are clients or not.
  • Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate competence in utilizing Agency computer systems and software as required to perform essential job functions.              
• Experience: Minimum of two years’ professional experience working with youth and families preferred. Proven experience working with troubled teens and their families. Practical understanding of the underlying issues that lead to youth homelessness. Some experience working with Microsoft Office and modern technology required. Experience working in a fast paced environment with ability to adapt to changing tasks with varying prioritization levels.

Bellefaire JCB is an equal opportunity employer, and hires its employees without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Bellefaire JCB is a partner agency of the Wingspan Care Group, a non-profit administrative service organization providing a united, community-based network of services so member agencies can focus on mission-related goals and operate in a more cost-effective and efficient manner.