The Asset Development Specialist will provide direct support to individuals with multiple barriers to housing, who are enrolled in Rapid Rehousing. The individuals served will have significant barriers related to income and benefits, and they will require more intense individual work in order to attain the appropriate income to sustain housing. The Asset Development Specialist will work with individuals to create and carry out goals on their individual housing plans. The Specialist will be responsible for housing pre-placement and stabilization services, including all aspects related to income maximization and asset development. The Specialist will utilize the SAMHSA SOAR (SSI / SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery) model to apply for SSI and SSDI with guests. Due to the complex needs of most of these individuals, the case load size will reflect the time needed with each case. This position will complete SSI / SSDI applications and act as a benefits expert to the system, providing information and training necessary in and out of the agency.
DUTIES :
1. Responsible for the day-to-day operation, supervision, and execution of the Mainstream benefits including SSI, SSDI, and Income Maximization for guests at the Boston Public Health Commission Emergency Shelters.
2. Enroll eligible individuals into the program, collect and maintain all required paperwork and documentation.
3. Enter all required work into the ETO database in a timely fashion with accuracy.
4. Work with individuals to create an individualized housing plan in pre-placement and stabilization plan once housed.
5. Engage all benefits-eligible clients in the SOAR application process; assist clients in additional mainstream benefit applications including, but not limited to SNAP and MassHealth; follow clients through the completion of the application process until benefits have been secured.
6. Attend all required meetings; participate in internal and external committees related to asset development.
7. Facilitate small groups on budgeting and other life skills topics related to housing success.
8. Successfully connect individuals to benefits, resources, supports, and jobs which build income and assets to sustain housing.
9. Provide housing placement services to program participants to move them into permanent housing. This may include completion of housing applications, assisting individuals with the housing search process, assisting individuals with interpreting and signing tenancy agreements, and conducting inspections of units when applicable.
10. Maintain individual records, including database files, paper files, and incident reports.
11. Accompany clients to appointments as needed.
12. Provide advocacy services with community agencies and other available and appropriate resources with the goal of supporting each guest's access to housing and benefits.
13. Participate in weekly social service treatment team and other assigned meetings and trainings.
14. Collect data and prepare reports for funding sources and the bureau.
15. Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Bachelor's Degree or a minimum of (3) years of equivalent experience in a social service setting.
SOAR certified (will train).
Valid Driver's License.
Minimum of three (3) years' experience in the human services field.
Knowledge of government benefits systems, medical benefits, and Boston area service providers.
Strong written communication and documentation skills.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Products including Excel and Outlook.
Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, particularly around housing, substance use, mental illness, and economic factors as precipitants to homelessness.
Requires knowledge and belief in Housing First philosophy and strategies.
Basic math and budgeting skills.
Strong commitment to using Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care to promote.
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