Housing Support Specialist

The Center for Human Development, (CHD) is seeking a Housing Support Specialist to join our DYS Transition to Independent Living Program (TILP) which provides placement and casework support to youth 17-22 aging out of foster care. This position will require on-call rotation evenings and weekends

This model uses unstaffed placement in agency leased community apartments throughout Western Mass. Young people will be provided the opportunity to practice skills, explore, test ideas and behaviors and gain valuable insight into how they want to function in the world. The Caseworker role is dynamic and multifaceted. Appropriate candidates will possess a professional skill set as well as an ability to perform direct service with hands on outreach work. Casework is goal oriented and aimed at increasing young people’s safety, stability, well-being, and self-sufficiency so that they can transition to living independently. You will assis with placing, supporting and supervising referred youth ages 17-22 in scattered site community apartments.

• →Interview and screen young adult referrals
• →Complete formal processes of intake, assessments of skills and safety, treatment plan development and progress reviews
• →Utilize multiple databases for documentation
• →Maintain organized and thorough documentations with adherence to time lines
• →Develop positive rapport with youth
• →Develop appropriate goals for youth growth based on assessments and be accountable to support those goals through specifically identified tasks
• →Participate in all moving in and out activities including seeking and securing rentals, furnishing and moving of belongings, cleaning and maintenance or facilitation of maintenance of properties as needed
• →Shops for and prepares apartments for youth move in
• →Maintains a regular schedule of contact with clients and weekly viewing of placements
• →Attend weekly team review meetings and participate in regular supervision
• →Collaborate with DYS funding source to form a supportive team and inform on youth progress. 
• →Attend virtual and in person meetings for case coordination and reviews
• →Counsel, support and coaches from a prospective of positive youth development with an understanding of trauma informed interactions
• →Transports clients in matters related to service delivery (e.g. medical/counseling appointments, school, outside agencies, court appearances, etc.
• →Assist with seeking and facilitate participation in employment, job training opportunities and educational programming
• →Maintain knowledge of community resources for services and housing
• →Provide direct instruction of independent living curriculums/modules
• →Assist clients with budgeting and shopping for food weekly
• →Conduct both announced and unannounced visits to apartment sites
• →Identify unaddressed client needs and collaborate with funding source and community resources to assist the youth in meeting them (i.e. medical, mental health, financial, skill development, parenting needs)
• →Facilitate transitional planning for discharge
• →Monitor for client contract compliance
• →Participate in schedule of on call coverage

• Associates or Bachelors Degree preferred
• The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with people, particularly youth/teenagers
• Previous caseload and outreach experience preferred
• Knowledge of life coach responsibilities, experience preferred
• Must have a vehicle for work use and current driver's license
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates preferred

The Center for Human Development (CHD) provides a broad range of high quality, community-oriented human services dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. At CHD we are celebrating differences, inclusion is not just a policy- it is a daily practice. Multicultural, multilingual, and fluent in sign language, CHD is a reflection of those we serve. 

If this sounds like the right job for you, do not wait - apply today to join our team. We look forward to hearing from you!  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities