Housing Assistant

Vision

To end homelessness.

MISSION STATEMENT:

All youth experiencing homelessness and youth at risk of being homeless are empowered to be contributing, self-supporting members of their community.

JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Housing Assistant
REPORTS TO: BHPD

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, full-time
CLASSIFICATION: Hourly
LOCATION: 300 North Willow Street Wasilla AK 99654
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:

The Housing Assistant is an integral part of the My House team. This position provides direct support to the Housing Intake Coordinator as well as providing client services under the guidelines of the SNAP program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engage SNAP eligible youth in the delivery of job exploration, job searching, and job attainment services.
• Maintain SNAP auditable files supporting the individual work completed with the client, this may include resumes, job applications, career exploration paperwork.
• Complete and submit accurate monthly reports to the SNAP program and attend the monthly SNAP meetings.
• Maintain lines of communication with Case Mangers, Peer Support and Supervisors.
• Engage in face-to-face contact with youth to help assess their needs, provide peer support, education and help facilitate connections and completion of applications for SNAP, Medicaid, Tribal enrollment, WIC, SSDI, and other assistance agencies.
• Complies with agency policies and procedures, and demonstrates professional, ethical, and confidential conduct in all work behavior.

• Facilitate regular house meetings to reinforce program expectations, communication and accountability
• Enforce house rules and guidelines by providing support, guidance, and oversite that hold youth accountable in the upkeep of the homes
• Administer and document AM/PM medications in accordance with program protocols
• Providing trauma informed emotional support
• Assist clients with housing transitions, including move-in/move-outs
• Transport client to and from appointments and essential services
• Offer supportive conversations, and guidance during transportation and daily interactions
• Help clients identify challenges and develop healthy coping strategies
• Connect clients with community resources
• Support clients in developing life skills and independent living skills
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured environment in transitional housing
• Providing after-hour support to clients ensuring safety, stability, and continuity of care
• Collaborate with empowerment leaders to ensure classes are personal growth and skill building focused by providing input
• Demonstrating time management by connecting clients with empowerment staff to increase engagement
• Collaborate with team to ensure consistent and effective client care
• Hold the role of an advocate for the organization
• Encourage and role model recovery and resilience in ways that are specific to the needs of everyone
• Communicate effectively and be a part of a team of professional staff working together to support and encourage youth to set and accomplish goals, establish healthy boundaries and become productive.

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community providers and stakeholders to reduce stigma and advocate for our youth.
• Support clients with daily living skills related to cleanliness, hygiene, shopping, food prep and budgeting.
• Other duties and tasks as negotiated.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or general equivalency degree
• Strong understanding of community resources and referral agencies
• If in recovery must be in remission for two (2) year and working a program of recovery
• CPR/First Aid/AED certified or able to obtain within 90 days of hire
• Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory state and federal
  background check, approved National Provider Identifier Standard (NPI) status, and
  state Approval as a Qualified Addictions Professional (QAP) or a Provisional (QAP)
• Must have a valid Alaska Driver's License, insurable under My House vehicle

Insurance and be at minimum 21 years of age.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Associates Degree in Social work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or
  Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
• Certified as a Peer Support Professional I (PSP I)
• Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certified
• Current NPI and QAP

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate the ability to respond to crisis situations and emergencies
• Working knowledge of housing resources, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing.
• Ability to deescalate agitated clients
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with clients
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and initiative
• Working knowledge of health care portability act (42CFR and HIPPA)
• Demonstrate positive work ethic
• Ability to communicate proficiently verbally and in writing

Disclaimer

The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.