POSITION SUMMARY: The Stabilization Specialist assists families at the shelter prepare for, secure and maintain permanent housing. The Stabilization Specialist works closely with the Housing Specialist. The work includes, but is not limited to, identifying and addressing barriers which may prevent families from obtaining permanent housing, screening families for eligibility for various housing programs and assisting families to apply for same, developing an individualized re-housing and stabilization plan for each family/individual, working effectively with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, human service and community agencies to obtain and sustain permanent housing. The work also entails conducting home visits and accompanying families and/or individuals to various community services. The Stabilization Specialist conducts home visits to families placed in permanent housing for up to two years after their placement.

POSITION DIMENSIONS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Education:

Required – B.A. or B.S. degree preferred. 3 years of experience in human services/housing/homelessness field may substitute for B.A/B.S. degree, in which case a high school diploma is required.

B. Experience:

Required – B.A. or B.S. degree and one year of experience in human services/housing/homelessness field. High school diploma with at least 3 years experience in human services/housing/homelessness field.

C. Knowledge/Skills:

? Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

? Excellent interpersonal skills.

? Knowledge of homeless and housing issues, including housing subsidies.

? Must be able to develop professional relationships with landlords, property managers, and other community personnel to secure and maintain permanent housing options.

? Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

? Preferred Bi-lingual in Spanish and English.

? Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

? Must be willing to drive in Boston and surrounding communities.

? Must be willing to work a flexible schedule at times, including some evening hours.

? Knowledge of community resources.

? Ability to work both independently and as a team member.

? Ability to establish and maintain strong collegial relations with co-workers and service providers.

? Good computer literacy.

? Demonstrates a customer focus.

? Demonstrates team spirit in carrying out responsibilities.

? Possesses a work ethic that supports agency policies and goals.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (Job Specific Competencies):

I. Essential Functions/ Performance Standards

JOB KNOWLEDGE - The extent to which the employee demonstrates technical and professional knowledge of job requirements and takes personal responsibility to maintain and improve that knowledge:

1. The employee is able to fulfill all of the requirements of the job assigned in a satisfactory manner as demonstrated by:

1. To develop and maintain a warm, friendly, professional, cooperative atmosphere in the shelter in which families live and staff work.
2. To safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of the residents and staff and to treat all individuals with dignity and respect at all times.
3. To provide housing search and stabilization services for all families.
4. To conduct house visits with all families placed in permanent housing for one year after placement.
5. To accompany families to community venues related to housing search and placement.
6. To perform duties that ensure the health, safety and well-being of individuals and staff, including working with Case Managers, Housing Specialist, Program Director and Support Staff, to this end.
7. To assist families in the development and implementation of Housing and Stabilization Plans.
8. To maintain appropriate records pertinent to Housing Search and Stabilization Plans and other records as necessary and as directed by the Program Director.
9. To implement and instruct families in EOHLC regulations and guidelines.
10. To assist the shelter in meeting the EOHLC benchmark for rehousing families on an annual basis.
11. To meet with all families on a weekly basis to review housing stabilization plans.
12. To attend staff meetings, management meetings, supervision meetings and other meetings or trainings as directed by the Program Director.
13. To maintain current First Aid and CPR certificates.
14. To establish and maintain professional, courteous communication at all times with all families, co-workers, colleagues, community representatives, medical personnel, legal personnel, EOHLC personnel, and all others involved in the families’ lives.
15. To abide by all Dimock’s personnel policies and procedures.
16. To represent Dimock’s Mary Eliza Mahoney Shelter program to the public in a professional manner at all times.
17. Other related tasks under the direction of the Program Director.

QUALITY - The extent to which the employee performs assignments accurately and completely, and consistently meets the job requirements with minimal supervisory oversight and follow-up:

1. Adheres to the center/departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.
2. Can be depended upon to meet established standards and achieve desired results.
3. Pays attention to details in performing job.

EFFICIENCY - The extent to which the employee’s performance demonstrates an effective organization of assignments, meets expectations of volume and takes initiative to improve the systems that are responsible for the delivery of care and services.

1. Shows ability to prioritize responsibilities in order to achieve desired results in required time frame.
2. Takes responsibility for delivery of services as part of team effort in unit/department.
3. Takes initiative in making suggestions for improvement of services.
4. Meets deadlines without causing undue disruption.
5. Utilizes human resources, time, and supplies efficiently.

HUMAN RELATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS - The extent, to which the employee contributes to a positive work environment, communicates effectively and courteously and conducts him/herself in a manner consistent with the mission and values of the Dimock Center:

1. Projects a positive attitude in professional and personal interactions in the work environment.
2. Uses effective verbal and written communication skills.
3. Cooperates with others, demonstrating respect and courtesy.
4. Maintains professional behavior in stressful situations.

MATURITY/RESPONSIBILITY - The extent to which the employee demonstrates the personal and behavioral characteristics of a mature adult and assumes responsibility for his/her job:

1. Exhibits professional demeanor in tone of voice, appearance, and movement.
2. Maintains a high standard of confidentiality regarding the patients, visitors, and co-workers.
3. Demonstrates serious effort to improve job performance

ATTENDANCE: The extent to which the employee adheres to the center’s time and attendance policies and demonstrates flexibility in meeting scheduling needs of the department.

1. Adheres to The Dimock Center’s policies regarding attendance and tardiness
2. Follows policies related to work and breaks
3. Assists in meeting scheduling needs in helping to cover for absences, emergencies, times of heavy workload, holidays, and vacations.

Salary Range: $18-$27/hr