Housing Specialist - Coordinated Entry, Council for the Homeless

Do you have experience working in a social service setting with people who are low income and/or homeless? Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness in Clark County? Do you thrive in a role that allows you to implement innovative solutions and work towards the goal of ending homelessness? If so, the Council for the Homeless (CFTH) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Housing Specialist - Coordinated Entry to join our team and play a crucial role in transforming lives.

CFTH operates the Housing Solutions Center, our community’s one-stop access point for over 40 housing assistance programs, including emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, and programs designed for specific populations such as families or unaccompanied youth. The Housing Specialist – Coordinated Entry role primarily working with domestic violence survivors and individuals fleeing domestic violence that are homeless throughout the coordinated entry process from initial assessment to diversion and/or housing placement. This position is co-located at the local YWCA community office 2-3 days each week and at the CFTH office the rest of the week. 

Your skills and experience will support our mission as you:

• Use a client-centered, trauma-informed, supportive, nonjudgmental and empathetic approach with an equity lens when meeting with individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness and provide the full array of housing options available to them to increase housing stability.
• Create, complete, and maintain accurate files and data entry when utilizing assessment tools to determine what programs the individual or family is eligible for and what programs would give that individual or family the best chance for long-term success.
• Maintain flexibility within a collaborative team to ensure that program structure meets the needs of the individuals and families experiencing homelessness within Clark County.
• Be informed and driven to implement program best practices and solutions that bring Clark County closer to ending homelessness while working in an environment with constantly changing priorities and roles without losing enthusiasm for the organization's mission.
• Work collaboratively with partnering agencies and government funders to ensure that all eligibility determinations are accurate and supporting documents satisfy the funding requirements for each program.
• Work collaboratively with community partners to advocate and educate the community about the value of Coordinated Assessment.

Pay and Benefits

• The starting salary for this position is $26.24 per hour. In compliance with the Equal Pay & Opportunities act, the full salary range for this position is $26.24 - $31.49 per hour.
• Bi-lingual pay differential.
• Full-time, non-exempt position working in-person/onsite 40 hours per week, 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday. May be required to work a few hours on weekends and holidays when needed.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance for the employee only.
• Benefits package also includes 5.58% paid into WA PERS by employer, 12 company paid holidays, and generous paid time off and separate sick time accrual.
• Meaningful work that addresses affordable housing and homelessness in our community.

• At least four years’ experience working directly with people who are low income and/or homeless or equivalent. 
• At least one-year experience working with and/or coaching volunteers/interns. 
• Experience working with diverse populations, including those who are symptomatic in their mental health and/or substance use.
• Experience with public speaking, providing presentations and facilitating meetings. 
• Strong organizational, communication and time management skills.
• Valid driver’s license and access to automobile required. 
• Strong cultural awareness and humility.
• Proficient with Google Drive and Microsoft Office Suite, with strong computer skills.
• Experience with de-escalation and crisis intervention on the phone or in-person.

Preferred Experience  

• Lived experience as someone who is low-income or homeless.
• Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
• Writes, signs and/or speaks a language(s) other than English that is represented in the diverse community served. 
• Experience providing formal assessment(s).
• Identify as a member of a population(s) disproportionately affected by homelessness.
• Knowledge of Clark County resources and agencies that serve people experiencing homelessness. 

Candidates from Communities of Color, Veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and those who identify as LGBTQ+ are highly encouraged to apply. 

A cover letter and resume are required when applying for this position. For more information on the Council for the Homeless please visit our website at www.councilforthehomeless.org. Please note, those candidates deemed to best match our requirements will be contacted for an interview. We do not discuss application status during the selection process. Applications will be reviewed as they come in.

The VHA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as covered veteran in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.