The Housing Initiative Program (HIP) is designed to reduce the incidence of homelessness by providing permanent supportive housing. HIP embraces the Housing First model, where homeless individuals are moved directly from emergency shelters into permanent housing with wraparound services once the individual is housed. The Service Coordinator provides case management to participants referred by the County in order to facilitate and support the participant/family in maintaining stable and affordable housing in the community. Home-based visits with participants are required.

Responsibilities:

Perform assessments with participants, including the administration of assessment tools. Assist the participant in locating and securing housing through the HIP program. Develop and maintain Individual/Family Service Plans and Service Agreements with individual participants and their families. Provide education and training to program participants in budgeting and financial wellness that will facilitate the regular payment of rent, utilities and other bills. Provide eviction prevention interventions, such as advocacy and linkage with community
resources to prevent eviction; conflict resolution; and lease behavior requirements. Provide training and education on being a good tenant and adhering to the lease, including
ongoing support with activities related to household management. Coordinate and link the participant to services including primary care, substance use treatment, mental health, medical, vision, nutritional and dental providers; vocational, education, employment and volunteer support; and natural supports. Provide entitlement assistance including obtaining documentation, navigating, and monitoring application process and coordinating with entitlement agency(s). Facilitate independent living skills, including household management, social skills,
communication skills, conflict management, community integration, and health and safety. Provide referrals and linkage to community resources, benefits, entitlements, emergency services, and other social and health supports that promote maintaining stable community housing. Utilize a person-centered approach with participants. Assist clients with completing and submitting service applications. Maintain contact with other community providers and resources to facilitate referrals and to provide follow-up and monitoring. Conduct housing inspections on a bi-annual basis and/or as otherwise needed. Complete required program information and enter pertinent client documentation into an
electronic database. Ensure all participant files are complete and that confidentiality is
maintained. Submit documentation and reports as required in a timely, thorough, and accurate manner. Ability to effectively work both collaboratively as a team and independently in the community.

Requirements: 

Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work or another human services field. At least two years of experience providing human services. Experience working with persons of diverse cultural backgrounds and a variety of behavioral, health and social concerns is required. Strong verbal and written communication skills and familiarity with local resources required. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. A criminal justice background check and a child protective services check will be required prior to providing direct services in the program. A current, valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance (which meets minimum MD state requirements), and a current driving record are also required for driving to participant homes or meetings. Basic computer and related IT skills are required.