This is a teleworking position, with the expectation that you will be visiting clients often in the community setting within Howard County.

The Homeless Support Services team, operating the Housing Initiative Program (HIP) - provides coordination of services and direct assistance to formerly homeless individuals to promote long term housing stability in a permanent supported housing program. The Homeless Support Services (HSS) Coordinator supports the mission of The Coordinating Center by providing person centered services and service coordination within the parameters of the contract and Housing First principles. -The HSS Coordinators are responsible for complying with the Howard County Housing Initiative Program contract requirements, integrating technology to maintain database(s) integrity, report writing and maintenance of documentation. The HSS Coordinator provides ongoing outreach to program recipients, works interdependently with the Coordinated Entry System (CES), HIP Housing Locator and HIP Community Health Nurse (when applicable) and collaborates with community agencies to engage recipients in activities which ensure residential stability. This is a non-supervisory position, reporting to the HIP Program Director, Homeless Support Services.

This position requires a commitment to and culturally competent approach to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. At The Coordinating Center we aim to dismantle inequalities within our policies, systems, programs, and services by embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) and leading with respect, acceptance, and compassion. It’s what makes us exceptional in achieving our mission and drives us to deliver culturally competent and effective care coordination services. We believe we are stronger together.

Essential Responsibilities

• Completes required number of monthly face-to-face contacts to meet the specific individual needs and contractual requirements based on acuity and specific program enrollment. Services are to be provided in the residence and in the community, with a focus on community integration.
• Secures information such as medical, psychological, and social factors to jointly develop an individualized, recovery based, goal plan consisting of time specific goals and objectives (SMART). Goals/objectives to be based on individual needs, desires, strengths, resources, and limitations, addressing the complex strengths and challenges of all individuals served.
• Completes county approved acuity scale according to established timelines. Utilizes scale to determine the intensity and frequency of housing and case management services required to promote housing stability, personal recovery, and self-sufficiency.
• Responsible for completing initial face to face meetings within required time frame, educating clients on HIP and TCC services.
• Facilitates smooth transition from homelessness to permanent supportive housing and/or from PSH to PSH. Ensures that all required leasing information is obtained and submitted timely.
• Works jointly with clients and County housing locators to ensure units meet individuals’ requirements, needs and desires. Assists with housing location as needed.
• Obtains housing, medical and other documentation to assist recipient with enrollment and reapplication/ redetermination process.
• Obtains documentation of disability in accordance with County and State Assistance in Community Integration (ACIS) pilot project.
• Advocates and assists in obtaining services and benefits for individuals on the program.
• Provides good tenant training and skills coaching.
• Ensures all recipients apply to receive Housing and Urban Development Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing benefits.
• Provides information and referrals to community and government programs for emergency needs and other needs identified by recipients.
• Promotes positive health behaviors to support optimal health and wellbeing. Refers recipients to medical care, mental health counseling and other services as indicated.
• Facilitates and maintains ongoing communication between client and property owners/property managers, engages in eviction prevention services. Establishes strong working relationships with property owners and managers, advocates on behalf of individuals served.
• As needed, maintain ongoing in-person, telephone/email communication with recipient, family members and other service providers to assist with the coordination of services and maintenance of residential stability.
• Accesses and records client, residential and community resource information and care coordination activity in various databases.
• Develops and maintains an active network of community resources and alternative funding sources.
• Meets The Center’s and HIP contractual billing and documentation guidelines.
• Manages multiple priorities and tasks with flexibility to enhance service coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or another human services-related field.
• Two years of human services experience, including but not limited to working knowledge of social service and individual support services, Medicaid services, State and Montgomery County community resources.
• Qualifications may be amended by the County as they deem necessary. Currently, county approval is required prior to hiring individuals with some work towards a Bachelor Degree in Human Services and a minimum of 5 years’ experience serving unhoused individuals or in a related human services capacity.
• Experience with substance use, mental health, chronic health conditions and social determinants of health preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD, property owner and tenant rights and responsibilities helpful.
• Ability to travel throughout Howard County and conduct home and/or community visits in person.