Supportive Housing Specialist

Summary: The Supportive Housing Specialist provides case management and housing assistance services to individuals who qualify for Permanent Supportive Housing in Montgomery County, MD. This is a hybrid position, with a combination of fieldwork/ office work/work-from-home remote duties. This position works with the Bethesda Cares team to implement Housing First practices on behalf of persons experiencing homelessness and is responsible for the following:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide initial information and screening for potential participants. Interview eligible candidates and assess the appropriate level of financial support, including assistance for security deposits, rent or utility arrears, and moving costs.
• Assess tenancy issues such as late payments, property damage, lease violations, income, and financial assistance needs.
• Collaborate closely with case managers, street outreach staff, and shelter staff in Montgomery County, MD, to ensure program participants can access permanent housing and rapidly exit homelessness.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive case management records, documentation, and up-to-date client files; provide statistical information for reports.
• Negotiate with landlords to educate property management staff about the program.
• Implement and oversee landlord relationships, network with landlords, and provide mediation services.
• Manage a caseload of 10-14 clients, conducting supportive visits to their apartments or efficiency studio units.
• Assist and collaborate with the Bethesda Cares team to identify housing options for each client, provide housing-based education, and connect clients with appropriate community resources.
• Conduct client assessments to determine suitable financial support that can help increase their income. The Supportive Housing Specialist will work with clients to develop, implement, and monitor an individualized opportunity plan, ensuring clients can retain their housing and access behavioral health or medical support when necessary.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of experience in case management, social work, or housing services, particularly in working within homeless systems, is required.
• Working knowledge of social service delivery systems' theories, principles, techniques, and practices.
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or equivalent certification is preferred but not required.

Other Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Housing First, a client-centered approach.
• Proficiency in managing data systems such as HMIS and other relevant databases.
• Knowledge of community resources available to vulnerable populations. Familiarity with program management procedures, reporting requirements, and administrative tasks related to social service programs.
• . Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required, as well as proof of auto insurance.

COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

Must have strong experience with Microsoft Excel, and Word

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to touch or feel a computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, or smartphone, and talk or hear when interacting with employees and community members. The employee is frequently required to stand for extended periods, walk, and sit. During outreach efforts, the employee may be required to walk up to two miles per day and stand for long periods. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee may regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The role involves a blend of office-based work, fieldwork, and remote work from home with frequent travel to Bethesda Cares sites, scattered site affordable rental apartment locations, encampments, and other community outreach locations across Montgomery County, MD. Fieldwork includes engaging directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, recently leased tenants living in permanent supportive housing, conducting assessments, and collaborating with local service providers. The work environment in the office is moderately noisy, supporting focused tasks and team discussions.