Position Overview
The Housing Retention Specialist is responsible for supporting individuals and families who are transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing. This position focuses on maintaining housing opportunities, promoting long-term housing stability, and providing intensive case management services to ensure successful tenancy outcomes.
The Housing Retention Specialist serves as a key resource for clients by developing individualized housing stability plans, connecting participants to community resources, enhancing self-sufficiency, and intervening early to prevent housing crises that could lead to eviction or a return to homelessness. The position requires strong collaboration with landlords, property managers, community partners, and social service agencies to preserve housing opportunities and support positive client outcomes.
Key Responsibilities Client Needs Assessment
Meet with clients over multiple interactions to help them prioritize and obtain the housing and supportive services available to them, with the patience and understanding that it takes an average of 8-10 contact attempts before a client begins to trust the CM and voluntarily engage in case management services.
Housing Placement
Help clients find and access housing programs Complete housing applications Create and execute a long-term housing plan
Linkage to Supportive Services
Screen clients for eligibility and provide referrals to appropriate services Find resources using 2-1-1 and other community resources approved by the team supervisor Complete a warm handoff or other coordination assistance with partner agencies
Advocacy
Call, email, provide verification of homelessness, or offer other communication to partner agencies to help clients access resources Offer to accompany clients to appointments if the client has difficulty navigating services or representing their needs Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with various stakeholders to help clients achieve their goals and maintain City Nets positive reputation in the community.
Data Collection
Thoroughly, accurately, consistently, and timely gather and document various types of data
To better understand client needs o To accurately assess client eligibility for community resources-to share with funders and stakeholders to improve the countys service landscapeTo enter into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the countys Coordinated Entry System (CES)
Follow all Coordinated Entry System protocols and organizational procedures
Compliance and Goal-Meeting
Consistently meet all assigned productivity and outcome goals In all activities, comply with all contracts, funder requirements, and City Net procedures and policies Meet or exceed all goals and requirements established for this position
