Family Reunification Housing/Alternative Response Specialist

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SUBSIDIARY: Carson Valley Childrens Aid (CVCA)

PROGRAM: Rapid Service Response Initiative (RSRI)

JOB OVERVIEW:
Family Reunification Housing program provides in-home family-centered and strength-based services to prevent child abuse and support families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This role focuses on rapid re-housing housing stability and intensive case management to facilitate family reunification. The specialist connects families to supportive services and community resources to help achieve reunification goals.
Mission and Vision: PHMC works to create and sustain healthier communities through partnerships with government foundations businesses and community-based organizations. We envision a healthier community for all.

Integrity: We are committed to building and sustaining trust across our teams partners and funders
Impact Our work is purposeful and rooted in a data driven approach.
Accountability We hold ourselves and each other responsible for getting things done effectively with managing resources and achieving sustainable results.
Inclusion and Collaboration We value and respect inherent difference of all individuals strive to amplify those voices and experiences and are committed to working together to convene diverse perspectives talents and approaches to public health.
Credibility We are a trusted resource that delivers innovative approaches and reliable services to the communities that depend on us.
Alternative Response provides emergency short term case management to families referred for housing assistance from Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth Services. ARS Specialist oversees the financial stipend to each family.

This position collaborates closely in partnership with the Montgomery County Offices of Children and Youth and Housing and Community Development to plan and coordinate services ensuring families receive comprehensive support throughout the reunification housing and prevention process. This role is funded by a grant and is contingent upon grant renewal.
The Family Reunification Housing/ Alternative Response Specialist focuses on rapid re-housing housing stability and prevention through intensive case management to help facilitate family reunification and diversion. The specialist works collaboratively with the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth (OCY) and Your Way Home (YWH) to ensure that families receive the necessary support to meet Family Service Plan (FSP) goals to achieve sustainable housing and response diversion to provide family sustainability through retention.

What We Do:
Promote Self-Reliance and Self-Sufficiency Empower parents to build skills and access resources to maintain stable housing and care for their children.
Support and Guide Parents Assist parents in achieving FSP goals through structured case management and advocacy.
Connect with Resources Link families to essential services such as housing employment childcare and mental health resources.
Provide Regular Updates Maintain open communication with OCY caseworkers providing progress reports and identifying barriers.
Generate Court Reports Develop and submit detailed reports to support court proceedings and assist in reunification efforts.
Who We Serve:
Parents with children placed in foster care or temporary guardianship.
Parents needing assistance to meet FSP goals to reunify with their children.
Families requiring ongoing support for up to 3 months following reunification.
Families in need of emergency assistance to retain family dynamic and divert placement outside of the home.

JOB RESPONSIBIITIES:

FAMILY REUNIFICATION
Respond to referrals within three business days.
Conduct intake interviews and assessments to determine program eligibility.
Meet regularly with families in their homes housing units and community settings.
Develop Housing Stability Plans (HSP) in partnership with families focusing on their unique needs and goals.
Provide life skills training parenting education counseling and advocacy.
Assess family functioning develop goals and connect families to appropriate resources.
Evaluate risk factors for child abuse/neglect and intervene with supportive services as necessary.
Collaborate with Your Way Home OCY affiliates shelter providers and community resource partners to ensure holistic service delivery.
Strengthen tenancy skills and help families sustain long-term housing stability.
Educate survivors of domestic violence on housing rights and responsibilities.
Maintain accurate client documentation in the Clarity Human Services (HMIS) database.
Attend and actively participate in Your Way Home meetings trainings and case reviews.
Submit all required paperwork including move-in packets within program timelines.
Participate in weekly supervision and Norristown Family Center program meetings.
Ensure compliance with Your Way Home policy manuals and performance measures.
Follow up with families regularly to monitor progress on their HSP.

LANDLORD AND HOUSING SERVICES:
Identify and secure permanent housing by building relationships with landlords property managers and housing inspectors.
Implement strategies for landlord recruitment and retention.
Negotiate rental terms move-in dates and ensure properties pass inspection standards.
Maintain a landlord/owner database and document housing options and outcomes.
Mediate conflicts between tenants and landlords offering solutions to avoid eviction.
Collaborate with the Office of Economic and Community Development to identify housing opportunities.
Participate in the annual landlord engagement event and community housing initiatives.
Support survivors of domestic violence by ensuring housing stability and advocacy.

ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE:
Respond to program referrals within two business days of referral.
Engage family in service planning prioritizing budget needs and family stipend purchase
decisions.
Linking families with community resources mediation between families and utility companies landlords and vendors.
Maintain detailed documentation regarding case notes required documentation and
family stipend requests and spending.
Complete and submit program reports and outcome data within required periods.
Participate in ongoing supervision staff meetings training and development.
Collaborate with community agencies and families through committee participation as
indicated by funder.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Strong understanding of behavioral best practices mental health principles and crisis intervention strategies.
Excellent problem-solving conflict resolution and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and effectively manage time.
Collaborative and collaborative approach to service delivery.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office email data entry and online platforms.
Familiarity with Montgomery Countys housing market and fair housing laws.
Valid PA drivers license and access to a vehicle daily.
Awareness of personal safety practices when working with families in the community.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelors degree in social work with 2 years of experience in child welfare shelter transitional or supportive housing OR
Bachelors degree in a related field with 3 years of experience in similar environments.
Masters degree in social work or a related field (preferred).
Bilingual (English/Spanish) or lived experience is a plus.
Valid drivers license and insured vehicle required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE:
Full time community-based work
Occasional evening hours (up to 8 PM) and weekends.
Forty-five percent in-office 45% direct client contact 10% community meetings and events.

SALARY: Grade 16
SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority