Housing Specialist

• Actively participate in all scheduled staff/team and supervision meetings.
• Actively participate in HIP Housing Committees to develop housing goals on client centered care plan.
• Stay in close communication with all partners, internal and external, regarding where a client is in housing search and placement process.
• Assess housing barriers of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs.
• Provide direct support to clients in all aspects of permanent, safe and affordable housing placement including assistance with applications for non- subsidized and subsidized housing, including state and federal housing, project-based section 8, and with income restricted housing (LIHTC, HOME programs) as well as market rate housing in the greater Indianapolis area of client's choice.
• Ensure all units pass a Housing Quality Standards inspections prior to a client moving in.
• Participate in the development and facilitation of housing Rent Smart Workshops that both educate and inform clients about housing options, fair housing, tenant rights, etc.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with housing authorities, landlords, and management companies and outside agencies in order to maximize housing options for clients.
• Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords, debtors, and creditors on behalf of the client; develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing.
• Collaborate with other agencies and community supports to maximize client outcomes, program goals and agency mission.
• Transport clients as necessary.
• Collect and report program data, including but not limited to HMIS reporting and funding required data.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned.
• Establish and promote positive communication among all team members of HIP to increase collaborations and efficiency.
• Represent HIP in a professional manner at all times, providing courteous service to both internal and external partners and presenting a positive image of HIP so as to always act as an ambassador of HIP services.

• We commit to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment, where all employees, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feels valued and respected.
• We take a nondiscriminatory approach and provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement in respective departments, programs, and worksites.
• We strive to respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensures that all voices are valued and heard.
• We pledge to modeling diversity and inclusion and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

• Currently not sponsoring work visa.
• Requires a minimum of two years of previous experience in related field performing similar duties: property management, housing advocacy, or social service.
• Requires strong written and oral communication skills with ability to present to groups
• Requires experience with Microsoft office
• Requires organizational, problem solving, and critical thinking skills
• Requires professional appearance and manner
• Requires ability to work independently, effectively as part of a team and with a diverse group of clients, staff and community members.
• Requires experience with computer and knowledge of Microsoft Office.

• Knowledge of affordable housing programs and different requirements of various subsidy applications and documentation processes.
• Knowledge of housing issues, including tenant's rights and landlord/tenant law.
• Possess strong organizational skills, and attention to detail to accurately complete documentation requirements.
• Strong group facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with families and individuals with a variety of needs, abilities, and social economic backgrounds
• Experience working independently to accomplish goals and tasks assigned.
• Effective problem-solving skills, including successful conflict resolution.
• Ability to respond flexibly to a fluid and evolving program environment.
• Requires knowledge and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.
• Excellent communication, listening, mediation, and writing skills.
• Creative thinker with an adaptive personality.
• Demonstrate knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.
• The capacity to empower clients and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
• Ability to act independently in performing duties requiring discretion, critical thinking, self-direction, sound judgment and flexibility in work situations.

• Maintain expected work schedule of Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with possibility of extended hours to ensure timely reporting and client/staff safety.
• Must be able to work proficiently in Microsoft office
• Must be able to travel for meetings throughout the community
• Must have reliable transportation. Drivers of privately-owned vehicles must have valid driver's license and meet state required automobile insurance minimums. May be required to transport clients
• Must be able to pass a background check consisting of National Sex Offender Registry, Criminal History and driving record.
• Valid driver's license required.

• Able to be involved in degrees of prolonged standing, walking, sitting, bending, squatting, and stooping; as well as abilities of repeated bending, stooping, and squatting.
• Able to lift, push, and/or pull light to moderately heavy weight up to 20-30 pounds is a necessary function of this position.
• Able to perform duties during periods of varied and/or prolonged work hours.
• Must be able to read, write, hear, and communicate effectively in the English language by both orally and written.

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plan
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings Account & Difference Card Available within certain medical plans
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance, AD&D
• Group Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity
• Domestic Partner Leave
• Wellness Programs
• 401k Match
• Paid Time Off accumulates at start of employment and available to use.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral program

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