Update: the application deadline on this position has now passed. Thank you for your interest.

Are you eager to support people impacted by the pandemic? Join VEAP’s dynamic Social Services team as our next Housing Specialist! If you’re a compassionate individual driven to make sure everyone in our community has access to safe and stable housing, please consider applying. VEAP has already provided over $3.5 million in rental assistance grants and we’re seeking a motivated and self-starting person to continue progress in alleviating housing instability in our community. Read more to see if you’re a good fit…

POSITION TITLE: Housing Specialist

TYPE: Full Time | Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Social Services Director

SALARY: $41,600 – $45,760 (grant funded position but not contingent on grant funding)

ORGANIZATIONAL VISION: A thriving community where all are free to pursue their dreams!

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION: Together we create pathways to stronger, more hopeful communities through access to healthy food, housing stability and supportive services.

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Provide initial intake and eligibility determination, administer financial assistance, and provide case management services for community members seeking VEAP services. Serve as an expert in the area of housing to participants in unstable housing situations. Work collaboratively with team members to promote housing stability, by providing access to basic needs, supportive services, and direct financial housing assistance to participants.

Intake and Eligibility Determination

• Conduct initial intake interviews to assess participant needs, goals, and barriers to housing stability.
• Determine eligibility for financial service requests based on funding criteria and department budget.
• Provide culturally responsive service delivery and follow-up.
• Collaborate with human service agencies, businesses, schools, churches, etc., to coordinate services.

Case and Financial Management

• Provide targeted assessment services and work with participants to develop short-term individualized case plans.
• Implement a person-centered, strengths-based approach to service delivery.
• Provide housing search assistance and supportive services to participants facing housing instability.
• Provide budget counseling and education to assist participants in establishing payment plans and managing expenses.
• Serve as an advocate and liaison between participants and property managers to develop a workable plan to obtain or maintain housing.
• Create and maintain consistent communication between several parties (tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors, etc.).
• Provide short-term counseling, outreach, action planning and information referral services.
• Administer financial assistance based on agency and grant funding requirements.
• Working knowledge of agency budget and annual priorities.

Evaluation

• Assist the Social Services Director in coordinating data entry and reporting statistics and outcomes for Social Services.

Program Support

• Maintain a broad knowledge of community resources.
• Inform and enforce VEAP program and service procedures, policies, and eligibility guidelines.
• Provide information on current needs identified in the community through direct contact with participants.
• Provide case studies to VEAP and other appropriate agencies.
• For LSW, LGSW applicants: Set an example within the department for upholding Social Work ethics as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics.

Volunteer Supervision 

• Provide back-up to train and support social service interns and other department volunteers.

Continuing Education

• Attend workshops, conferences and classes to stay current on trends in programs, services and skills needed to perform job.
• For LSW, LGSW applicants: Abide by NASW Code of Ethics and seek additional training if expectations change or are unclear.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from 4-year accredited college OR a 2-year Human Services degree with at least 1-year of relevant experience (preferred)
• Current Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Graduate Social Worker OR ability to show active pursuit of license (preferred)
• Experience working with individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness or housing instability (preferred)
• Bilingual English/Spanish—written and verbal fluency (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license (preferred)
• Experience working with under-served or vulnerable populations, including persons from diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, as well as with mental health and/or behavioral issues
• Commitment to working collaboratively with staff and partners
• Desire to work as a member of a team and promoting that team’s guiding principles
• Passion for working for a mission-based organization
• Commitment to arrive on time and be present at work during scheduled hours
• Ability to work with sensitive and/or confidential matters
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and experience with a database
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; excellent listening skills
• Motivated self-starter who thrives on working in a space of innovation
• High attention to detail and flexible in nature
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Excellent problem-solving, time management and organizational skills
• Position requires ability to sit for extended periods of time, close vision, ability to adjust focus and see color
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl

Benefits Offered

• Fully-paid health insurance premiums on select plans, as well as plans with health saving account options, 5% employer contribution in 401(k) retirement plans, 22 days Paid Time Off in first year, your birthday day off and 11 paid holidays including a floating holiday. Flexible, family-friendly and collaborative workplace.

VEAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

How to Apply

Submit resume and cover letter to: [email protected] (preferred) or VEAP Careers, 9600 Aldrich Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420. Deadline: 5:00pm February 22, 2021 to guarantee review of application. No phone inquiries please.