Homeless Prevention Spec

 Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit.
THE IMPACT YOU WILL BE A PART OF WITH JOINING MATRIX

• Over 30 program locations throughout Detroit and surrounding areas
• 20,000+ individuals benefiting from Matrix services every year
• The largest Head Start Program in the city of Detroit
• The largest HIV treatment and prevention program in Detroit
• After school youth services and academic enrichment
• Workforce Development and Financial Literacy Programs
• Housing Education and Home Buying Assistance
• Healthy Senior Living Program

FOCUS ON PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT. Tuition Assistance. Professional Development Support. In-House Learning and Professional Development Platform.
WE EMBRACE WORK LIFE BALANCE. Vacation Banks. Paid Holidays.
BENEFITS OPTIONS. Medical/Rx. Dental. Vision. Life/AD&D Insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts. Combine Short- & Long-Term Disability. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 403(b) Retirement Account.
CEO Starr Allen-Pettway has been honored by the Michigan Chronicle as a distinguished nonprofit leader in Southeast Michigan.
CORE VALUES:

• Positive Attitude
• Always Learning
• Results Through Accountability
• Building Relationships

TITLE: Homeless Prevention Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Adult & Senior Division

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Adult Programs 

SUPERVISES:  None 

FLSA:  Exempt | Full-Time

TERM: Position is grant funded and renewal is based on program performance & funding

JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTABILITY

The Homeless Prevention Specialist will provide financial assistance, case coordination and service linkages for households at risk of homelessness with the goal of helping them retain housing.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field
• At least 2 years or more recent experience working with community residents facing critical hardships.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required. 
• Able to maintain confidentiality of all discussions and records.
• Resourceful, patient and sensitive to the needs of staff, children and families.
• Culturally sensitive to work in a diverse community.
• Some transportation required for employment
• Evening and weekend work may be required.

GENERAL RESPONSIBITIES

1. Facilitate intake and enrollment of qualified clients. financial assistance as needed to prevent homelessness. 
2. Ensure all needed documentation is acquired for financial assistance payments and is maintained in client case file.
3. In cases where prevention is not possible, shall assist households in identifying safe affordable housing opportunities.
4. Shall complete housing habitability inspections and visual lead-based paint inspections as required to facilitate housing placement.
5. Shall provide ongoing case management to those at risk of being homeless.
6. Regularly meet with customers in their homes to develop individualized goals.
7. Shall provide all relevant and available wraparound services including budget development, life skills, and resource navigation to assist clients reach their goals.
8. Shall maintain referral networks with a variety of sources. 
9. Participate in monthly case management, Continuum of Care (COC) and Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND) meetings as monthly and be an advocate on all issues related to those who are homeless or is at risk of homelessness.
10. Input all necessary cast data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
11. All other duties as assigned.

CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND ETHICAL CONDUCT:

• All personnel of Matrix must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement efforts into their everyday performance. All employee of Matrix must adhere to the federal regulations and requirements for Head Start operations including the Performance Standards, Licensing rules, and be of Good Moral Character as stated in the Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrate and actively promote an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of Matrix Human Services

WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works in a normal office environment with usual pressures of managing personnel and dealing with time constraints. Because of multiple sites within the department and the need to meet with others within the community, it is common to drive to several locations, sometimes in inclement weather. Handles large volumes of paper and forms.