Housing Specialist Supervisor

Location: New Britain Mens Shelter (New Britain CT)

Status:Exempt Full-time

Hours Per Week: 40 (including on-call responsibility for two weeks per month weekend hours as needed)

Scope of Position: Support individuals experiencing homelessness while supervising the Housing Support Workers and clients. Provide direct case management services to assist shelter clients in transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing utilizing a Housing First philosophy. Collaborate with clients to identify and develop plans that address and resolve various housing challenges. Act as a link to community resources and service providers. Partner with New Britain community providers to ensure the success of the Coordinated Access Network (CAN). Assist the Housing Program Coordinator in operating The Salvation Armys housing programs. Serve as an on-call supervisor and emergency contact for the shelter.

• Assist clients in obtaining identity and income documentation.
• Assist clients in developing a strength-based solution-focused and individualized housing plan that promotes the acquisition and maintenance of permanent housing.
• Assist clients in locating and securing housing of their choice; apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients on their rights and responsibilities.
• Attend workshops and training as necessary to fulfill the positions responsibilities.
• Be knowledgeable of all HUD definitions and requirements for assistance.
• Be on-call for staff emergencies.
• Collaborate with clients to identify barriers to housing stability and assist them in overcoming these barriers by connecting them to available resources and support. This includes connecting clients to cash benefits (TANF SNAP WIC SSI/SSDI) medical benefits (Medicaid HUSKY) and other in-kind benefits.
• Collect and report program data including but not limited to HMIS and funder-required data and utilization reports.
• Complete 90-day and annual performance evaluations of staff.
• Complete monthly statistical reports.
• Conduct case management and document as required.
• Conduct interviews at intake to determine clients needs goals and eligibility.
• Connect guests to supportive services including workforce development financial literacy and transportation and arrange for tenancy classes and/or skill-building in preparation for clients assuming the rights and responsibilities of a lease.
• Deliver services with safety respect and effectiveness.
• Develop a housing plan within twenty-one days of shelter entry.
• Develop an effective and timely referral network providing information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and community programs. Includes connecting clients to healthcare services (physical behavioral and mental health) and other community-based services.
• Engage with community partners including assisting clients in attending appointments providing transportation or utilizing virtual telehealth services.
• Ensure Housing Support Workers engage with shelter guests and participants relative to advancing their goals for stable housing.
• Ensure new staff requiring HMIS access are trained within 30 days of employment.
• Ensure ongoing staff development opportunities and staff credentials are up to date.
• Ensure that all safety protocols are maintained and followed.
• Ensure that participants cases are accurately tracked and achieve program outcomes.
• Establish staff schedules to ensure all services are provided for 24-hour staffing and staff-client ratios are maintained.
• Input all information into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Maintain an accurate attendance record system and ensure accountability. Process bi-weekly payroll and ensure accuracy.
• Maintain confidentiality in all job-related matters.
• Mediate and advocate with landlords/housing providers on the clients behalf to develop a Client Housing Plan (Workable Plan). This includes inspecting housing units to meet HUD quality standards and guidelines.
• Participate in program development and implementation as requested.
• Per contract requirements maintain accurate and timely case notes monthly outcome reports and files for each client.
• Professionally represent The Salvation Army at community meetings as requested.
• Promote and ensure a Housing First philosophy.
• Provide immediate and professional response to any security or safety disturbance within or outside the facility.
• Receive and store donations and pick up food and supplies as requested by the supervisor.
• Recruit and interview qualified candidates provide training and supervision for staff ensuring mandatory training is completed.
• Serve as a backup when the program is understaffed.
• Support a low-barrier trauma-informed environment for single men.
• Use shelter diversion techniques including mediation throughout a households shelter stay to assist in self-resolving their housing crisis. If it does not self-resolve within two weeks of entry complete a VI-SPDAT to be added to the by-name list.
• Use the Harm Reduction model and trauma-informed approach through service delivery with each shelter guest.
• Work to increase the number of individuals who exit to permanent housing.
• Work to reduce the clients average stay in emergency shelters.

• A degree in human services or a related field and two years of case management or at least five years of case management experience is required.
• Two years of administrative and supervisory experience is highly preferred.
• Ability to collaborate with other personnel and service providers or professionals.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and effectively relate to a diverse client population experiencing a crisis.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work well under pressure.
• Able to relate to a diverse population of clients experiencing a crisis.
• Able to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Commitment to empowering others to solve their problems.
• Commitment to racial equity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources social service agencies and landlords.
• Excellent communication skills mainly listening meditation and writing.
• Experience working with at-risk populations and people experiencing homelessness.
• Fluency in the English language is required. Spanish speaking ability is preferred.
• High level of organizational skills.
• Knowledge of and belief in the Housing First philosophy and strategies preferred.
• Must complete KeepSAfe and other required training upon hire
• Must maintain a professional appearance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-motivated and dependable.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite programs required.
• Valid drivers license and a reliable vehicle or access to transportation are required.
• Will respect and promote the interests of The Salvation Army. The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith but they are required to promote and respect the mission of The Salvation

The Salvation Army is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits program to full-time employees who work at least 30 hours per week including...

• Comprehensive health care coverage including dental/vision/hearing with low-cost employee premiums co-pays and deductibles
• Employer-funded pension plan (100% vested after five years of eligible service)
• Telehealth/online doctor visits
• $20K Basic Life Insurance including grief counseling services funeral planning services and will/power of attorney/legal document preparation (no cost to employee)
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage (no cost to employee)
• Long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental insurance coverage options (Aflac homeowners auto and pet insurance)
• Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care
• 403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan
• Generous paid time off including holidays vacation sick personal bereavement and marriage leave
• Eligibility for the federal governments Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Most importantly a job with a great purpose inspiring you to make a difference every day!

Learn more about The Salvation Armys Southern New England Division at Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color sex national origin disability or protected veteran status.