Service Coordinator I, Generalist

Housing Search, Location, and Placement

• Will take the lead on housing search, unit identifications and location and lease up placement.
• Search for housing options aligned to the capacity and choices of the members and communicate program efforts to property managers to match appropriate housing options.
• Conduct HUD Quality Standard inspections to ensure the unit meets HUD quality standards.
• Coordinate lease signings with property managers and members.
• Process requests for associated application fee’s expenses and prep any required documents.
• Coordinate move ins to include furniture and appliances, as well as member transport.
• Act as liaison between client and landlord for compliance with lease, eviction prevention, good neighbor behaviors, etc.
• Once the member is housed provide retention services, creating a budget, debt management, job training linkage, problem solving skills, doing regular check ins on the client and rental unit, build a support network for the client.

• Documentation and Data Collection
• Ensure client files meet set audit standards with required documentation.
• Document services provided within 48 hours for every client contact, housing searches, placements, etc. and other documents utilizing prescribed record system. (HMIS and/or hard copy files.)
• Verify and document client’s income. Complete rent payment schedule with client and provide utility allowance calculations to client. Complete rent calculations based on rent payment schedule.
• Develop and update individual service plans (ISP) with the client’s input.
• Track and report client outcomes in file and in HMIS. Ensure timely entry of data in HMIS and Welligent.
• Ensure HMIS and Welligent data is complete and accurate.
• Any other duties as required to ensure operations are successful.

SKILLS

Experience working with homeless and chronically mentally ill population, crisis intervention, understanding and commitment to psychosocial/Recovery-Oriented philosophy, strong computer skills, ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team. Familiarity with and dedication to the Housing First and Harm Reduction models. Ability to engage individuals on the streets in a meaningful manner, which imbues trust. Understands and promotes safety first to self and team members. Demonstrates good judgement and ability to work independently. Ability to problem solve and use time management skills. Organizational skills are key. Knowledge of HUD TBRA (Tenant-Based Rental Assistance) guidelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with people who experience homelessness and or are diagnosed with a mental-illness or Social Work/Mental Health related Bachelor's degree and minimum of 1 years' experience working with people who experience homelessness and or who are diagnosed with mental-illness in a community or housed setting necessary.
• Ability to work as a part of a team is crucial.
• Knowledge of issues facing program members, (e.g. health, substance abuse, mental health, physical health, domestic abuse, child welfare, resources for undocumented person), excellent written and verbal communication skills, must be able to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry and documentation.
• Microsoft 365 Office is essential.
• Must have own transportation and current California driver's license and insurance with good driving record at all times during employment.

Supplemental information

Work with people experiencing homelessness whether on the streets, in shelters or other places of habitation or services, may present inherent challenges and difficulties such as: exposure to bed bugs or other infestations, unpleasant smells or odors, individuals who may have poor hygiene or unclean homes due to homelessness, mental health symptoms, or poverty. Additionally, in working with our members, employees may encounter instances of profanity, sexually explicit or derogatory language, or verbal or physical expressions of anger and trauma. Very rarely do these situations ever escalate to physical contact, and negative or derogatory communication patterns can often be negotiated successfully. All direct care staff are provided adequate training to develop skills to deescalate crisis situations that may arise and Step Up has established procedural safeguards for all employees to mitigate (but not eliminate) these inherent risks of employment.

Physical requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Keyboard data entry required.

Step Up utilizes the principles of trauma-informed care and mental health recovery. These principles inform our Core Values of Hope, Wellness, Voice and Choice, Respect, and Collaborative Relationships. As representatives of Step Up, employees agree to adhere to these values in their interactions with members, colleagues, supervisors, and associated community members.

Step up core values

HOPE – We believe all people have the capacity for positive growth and change. We use hope to inspire and motivate ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

WELLNESS – We believe in promoting a culture that supports healthy and fulfilling lives. We use a supportive environment to foster well-being for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

VOICE AND CHOICE – We believe in the right to choose and be heard. We use voice and choice to create meaningful outcomes and empowerment for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

RESPECT – We believe in promoting interactions that are non-judgmental, transparent. We use respect to guide all of our words and actions with ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS – We believe in forming partnerships to share resources, knowledge, and experiences. We use collaborative relationships to strengthen accomplishments for ourselves, our members, our colleagues, and our community.

Step Up provides equal employment opportunities without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, mental or physical disability, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

Step up is an equal opportunity employer