Housing Specialist

Horizon House, is a nationally recognized provider of services to adults with support needs due to developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, and substance abuse. Horizon House is Pennsylvania’s oldest psychiatric rehabilitation agency. Since 1952, we have been dedicated to helping people with mental illness, drug and alcohol addictions, developmental/intellectual disabilities, and homelessness to stabilize their lives and to help them live as independently as possible in the community. With over 100 locations throughout South and North Eastern Pennsylvania and the state of Delaware, Horizon House provides services to a diverse population focusing on individual strength and choice.

*****This is a Case Manager Position that assists individuals in accessing resources related to creating Housing Stability*****

We are seeking qualified candidates for the Housing Specialist position to work with our Intensive Care Case Management (ICCM) team in Philadelphia, PA. This position assists participants with obtaining housing, obtaining housing resources and promoting participant self-sufficiency and independent living. Some of the responsibilities would include:

• Source market for affordable housing for semi/independent client living.
• Assist participants in finding and maintaining a safe and affordable place to live: apartment hunting, finding a roommate, landlord negotiating, cleaning, furnishing and decorating, and procuring necessities (e.g., telephone, furnishings, linens, etc.).
• Conduct initial assessments to collect participants information in order to develop comprehensive histories.
• Develop a resource directory for independent living sites based on client preference.
• Facilitate participate group on preparedness for independent living.
• Participate with individuals'  development and refinement of individual recovery  plans incorporating participants' strengths, in
  determining level of self-sufficiency skills.
• Serve as an advocate and encourage participants to assume a proactive role in their rehabilitation process.
• Coordinate referrals with other agencies/facilities to meet the assessed needs of the clients.

Assist participants in identifying, applying for, securing, and maintaining safe, stable housing while addressing psychosocial factors that impact tenancy and community functioning.

Support participants with activities of daily living (ADLs), including budgeting, household organization, appointment coordination, understanding lease obligations, and developing daily routines.

Serve as a liaison and advocate between participants, landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and healthcare providers to promote housing stability and continuity of care.

Support participants during transitions, including hospital discharges, housing moves, benefit changes, and community placements.

Engage participants using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented practices that promote independence and self-efficacy.

Collaborate with the multidisciplinary Team to integrate housing and case management goals into individualized treatment plans within a shared caseload model.

Participate in daily  Team meetings, treatment planning, and coordinated service delivery.

Document all services accurately and timely in the electronic health record in accordance with agency policies, and regulatory requirements 

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services/Social Services, Healthcare, or a related field and 3 years of experience in the Mental ·Health/Substance Abuse field.
• Proficient communication and analytical skills; must be detail oriented.
• Knowledge of mental health systems and supports with some knowledge of multiple support systems for substance abusers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a focused team.
• Possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record

Scope:

• Frequent talking and listening. Possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, fold, kneel, stack, stoop and bend which may include direct intervention with clients.
• May require crisis intervention in emergency situations.
• Flexibility in scheduling and available to do 24 hour on-call coverage.
• Local travel required, including transporting program participants.
• May be required to report to work during emergencies, including inclement weather.

Horizon House offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefit package including:

-  Medical & dental,
-  (9) nine paid holidays,
-  Generous paid time off,
-  Tuition reimbursement,
-  Retirement savings plan,
-  Voluntary tax sheltered annuity,
-  Transit benefit program,
-  Opportunities for advancement and more.

Qualifications

Education Required

• Bachelors or better in Human Services or related field.
• Bachelors or better in Social Services or related field.

Experience Required

• 3 years: Experience in the Mental Health/Substance Abuse field

Licenses & Certifications Required

• Driver's license

​​Horizon House, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer