Housing First Coordinator - Homeless Services, Tenancy Preservation

Eliot’s Homeless Services Division is seeking a Housing First Coordinator to work in our Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP) which  provides clinical consultation to the court in eviction cases that are entitled to “reasonable accommodations” due to the presence of a documented mental health or physical disability. In this role you will assist the Housing Court, including judges, mediators, and social service providers, in maintaining stable housing for tenants by helping with referrals for treatment and support in order to resolve tenancy issues and prevent eviction. Eliot’s TPP staff may also provide consultation to cases where an eviction is imminent and additional community support services are needed.

Successful candidates will have the ability to collaboratively work with people experiencing homelessness, medical complexity, and/or untreated behavioral health concerns.  Housing Coordinators will identify and address barriers to obtaining and maintaining long term sustainable housing while utilizing a housing first approach. Working knowledge of area resources/providers is a plus.  

Responsibilities:

• Provide initial assessment of individuals referred by the Housing Court, Legal Services, the Department of Mental Health, or another authorized referral source.
• Create individual case management/clinical plan in collaboration with the person served; identifying root cause of current housing instability, coordinate treatment action steps and measurable goals, interventions, and outcomes to prevent homelessness and stabilize current housing situation if possible.
• Provide linkages across agencies through intensive clinical assessment and identification of consumer needs with the goal of preventing homelessness, either through stabilization of the current tenancy or through securing alternative housing.
• Maintain a thorough, current knowledge of local public and private resources including entitlement/benefit programs, housing, residential, and other community services.  
• Possess a working knowledge of Massachusetts Housing Law, Tenant and Landlord rights and responsibilities, including the eviction process
• Work collaboratively with Court appointed Housing Specialists to resolve disputes between Tenants/Landlord referred to the Housing Court. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related discipline or 2 years professional experience working with the homeless adult population is required. 
• Working knowledge and/or experience with evaluating eligibility criteria based on disabling condition(s), reasonable accommodation options through Housing Court systems, dispute mediation, and housing and entitlement resources is required.  
• Valid Massachusetts Drivers license

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm (Ability to work a flexible work schedule contingent upon program needs.)