JOB SUMMARY:

The Homeless Prevention Coordinator oversees the daily operations for Homeless Prevention services. This position reviews and approves Homeless Prevention applications submitted by the Homeless Prevention Case Managers. The Homeless Prevention Coordinator will also provide the initial intake, assessment, and referrals as needed. The Homeless Prevention Coordinator will process emergency assistance requests and connect households to other eligible services.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Intake and Assessment:

• Provide triage to walk-in clients when they arrive to assess the general purpose of their visit and match them with the appropriate client counselor based upon residence, presenting need and homeless status.
• Based on assessed service needs, connect clients to short-term stability and diversion case management, emergency assistance, homeless prevention, or if appropriate, emergency services.
• Provide ongoing case management and follow-up services for clients as necessary.
• Review and process all Emergency financial assistance in accordance with established guidelines.
• Oversee distribution of concrete goods to clients and maintain appropriate inventory controls.
• Conduct assessments and determine eligibility for assistance for referrals received via the Community Health HUB referrals.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of referrals resources, ensure resource binders and database are adequate and up-to-date.
• Ensure volunteers are well-informed about available resources and supported, as needed, to ensure appropriate referrals are made.
• Coordinate and track internal referrals to internal Housing Forward programs as well as outer agency referrals.
• Administer and retrieve client satisfaction surveys on a regular basis in conjunction with Compliance Manager
• Provide reports as requested by partner agencies and Stability Services Program Manager.
• Ensure accurate and complete client information is entered all databases.
• Ensure that client paper and electronic case files, referral resources and program supplies are adequately maintained and by tracking and reporting program measures. This position will train and support AmeriCorps staff, interns and volunteer counselors, and provide direct case management services to clients as needed.
• Maintain accurate client records in Salesforce along with any paper documentation.
• Provide reports related to client services as required.

Homeless Prevention:

• Maintain a thorough understanding of rules and guidelines for providing homeless prevention financial assistance.
• Confirm all HMIS referrals are updated and accurately closed out.
• Review and approve funding requests submitted by Homeless Prevention Case Manager.
• Submit check requisitions, including all documentation as required by each funding source, on a timely basis to the Finance Department for payment.
• Maintain HP Pipeline.
• Reconcile grant balances with the Finance Department monthly.
• Monitor 6-month follow-ups on funded HP cases are complete and appropriately documented.
• Attend Alliance Homeless Prevention Committee meetings on a regular basis and provide informational updates to Stability Services Program Manager.
• Attend community events and activities to outreach to target populations.
• Communicate with landlord, if appropriate, on status of participant’s application.
• Ensure Individuals who are determined ineligible for financial assistance are offered appropriate referrals.
• Ensure all HMIS data entries are entered, including client profile, entry/exit screen and service transactions.
• Conduct assessments and determine eligibility for financial assistance for referrals received via the Suburban Cook Call Center.
• Accurately apply rules and guidelines from multiple funding sources to determine eligibility for financial assistance.
• Conduct in-person and phone case management appointments to complete application for financial assistance and provide financial counseling and case management referrals for supportive services to help participants develop ongoing stability plans.
• Accurately and efficiently, process paperwork for eligible participants in accordance with the parameters of the funding source for households determined eligible. 

General:

• Ensure a compassionate, confidential and safe environment that maintains client dignity. 
• Manage client assistance inventory and office supplies. Attend staff meetings and internal training as required and other community meetings as assigned. 
• Represent the organization professionally at all times. 
• Maintain positive relations with clients, volunteers, co-workers, staff from other agencies, agency funders, and the general public. 
• Interact effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds and treat each individual with respect and dignity. 
• Demonstrate team behavior and promote a team-oriented environment. 
• Participate in ongoing development and improvement of all program processes and relationships. 
• Participate in regular supervisory sessions with staff and Prevail Manager.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Professional and Program Development:

• If requested, participate in relevant industry seminars, workshops and networking events. Read about industry best practices to help ensure programming is in line with industry standards
• Participate, as needed, in outreach in community to engage clients and educate the community about how to refer clients for walk-in or phone assistance including shelter diversion.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor degree in social work, counseling, related field or at least one year of prior related services. 
• A minimum of two year’s supervisory experience. 
• Experience working with volunteers. 
• Ability to problem-solve and make decisions in stressful situations. 
• Strong interpersonal skills. 
• Knowledge of Salesforce system and Windows environment. Proficient in Excel and Word. Willing to learn other customized databases including HMIS.
• Must have smart phone to utilize Agency communication and collaboration tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms balance, stoop, kneel or crouch and use stairs 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Housing Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability.

Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties, as necessary. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.