JOB SUMMARY:
Problem-Solving is a humanistic approach that works to reduce system in-flow by creatively assisting households by maintaining their current housing or identifying an immediate and safe housing alternative. The Problem-Solving Specialist will engage and assess families in the Service Provider Area (SPA) 3, and will provide time-limited and light touch case management support when needed. The Problem-Solving Specialist assigned to direct contracts will perform all the duties as indicated in that contract and by the assigned supervisor.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:
-Manages a caseload between 25-30 participants that qualify for services on any given month.
-Engage participants through the use of active listening, motivational interviewing, and a trauma-informed approach in order to facilitate problem-solving conversations involving difficult/personal questions
-Facilitate the usage of a universal assessment tool to determine vulnerability, assisting participants with collecting documents necessary for housing, and providing linkage to ongoing supportive services.
-Identify safety or health issues and provide appropriate crisis intervention and safety planning.
-Determine if there is a need for Adult Protective Services (APS) or Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and take any action required by State Law. This may include completing and submitting incident reports when necessary.
-Research options outside the homeless services system, acquire resources, and make successful referrals, including following up with participants to ensure that referrals were accessed.
-Provide mediation between households and property owners/family/friends to assist in resolving housing crises, including negotiating terms of agreements between participants and their hosts.
-Partner with legal service providers to resolve housing crises.
-Assist in budgeting with participants and determine what level of minimal assistance is necessary to be successfully housed or have housing crisis resolved.
-Meet participants on a weekly to monthly basis for continued support on housing needs based on their Housing Stability Plan.
-Maintain accurate records of clients’ participation and progress in accordance with agency regulations and expectations.
-Transport participants as needed or drive to meet them out in the field.
-Participate in agency and program meetings, including supervision.
-Attend trainings and learning collaboratives, and present information to the Family Solution Center (FSC) and partner agencies, when relevant.
-Establish and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies, housing providers, and related resources.
-Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum Qualifications
Option I: A Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field
Option II: Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a related human services field.
Option III: Successful demonstration of required skills through current or past USHS direct employment or temporary assignment may be considered in lieu of the standard required years of experience.
