Temp Housing Specialist (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025) - The Salvation Army Eastern Territory

Location: Marshall House Overflow Shelter (Harford, CT)

Status: Non-exempt, Part-time, Temporary (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025)

Hours Per Week: 15

Schedule:  Mon-Fri, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Scope & Purpose of Position:Will support families who are experiencing homelessness. Will use a housing-first approach and trauma-informed practices to build trust-based and collaborative relationships. Will respond immediately to help the guest overcome barriers to accessing services and advocate and connect them to crucial resources to help them resolve their immediate crisis to help them access housing to end their homelessness. Will coordinate with the Greater Hartford Coordinated Access Network (GH-CAN) and attend community meetings and case conferencing.

• Serve as a positive and professional representative of The Salvation Army.
• Maintain a professional and organized workspace.
• Advocate for the mission of the organization and uphold the agency’s values.
• Utilize a strength-based approach when working with guests, employees, the agency, and the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Housing-Focused Case Management

• Assist guests in self-resolving their housing crisis.
• Prepare and complete intake packages for guests.
• Maintain a caseload of sheltered guests.
• Provide case management to guests, which consists of the following:
• Meet with each guest within two business days of intake to assess housing barriers, determine service needs, and complete the initial housing plan.
• Complete a VI-SPDAT for the guest after two weeks of entry into the shelter.
• Update each guest’s housing plan at least once per month.
• Schedule weekly meetings with each guest to review individual housing plans.
• Assist guests with accomplishing goals, becoming “document ready,” and obtaining housing.
• Document case management in the guest file through case notes, referrals, and housing plans within two business days of interaction.
• Work to reduce the average length of stay in emergency shelters by increasing the number of guests who exit to permanent housing.
• Deliver services with safety, respect, and effectiveness.
• Utilize the Harm Reduction model and the Trauma-Informed approach during the delivery of services.
• Attend CAN meetings to advocate for guests and ensure coordination.
• Collaborate with McKinney Vento Liaison to ensure children are enrolled in and attending school.
• Collaborate with CAN housing providers to expedite moves to permanent housing.

• Must embrace, support, and reflect well on The Salvation Army’s mission and values.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a minimum of a two-year degree in human-related services and two years of related experience required.
• A minimum of two years of case management experience is required.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite programs required.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are required. Spanish speaking preferred.
• Experience working with at-risk populations or persons experiencing homelessness; knowledge and belief in the “Housing First” philosophy and strategies preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work well under pressure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work environment.
• Flexible work schedule, including night and weekend work required.
• Committed to working with the homeless population.
• Must maintain a professional appearance.
• Must complete the KeepSAfe training and other required training upon hire.
• Self-motivated and dependable.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation or access to transportation required.  The license must be free of restriction by both the granting state and Chesterfield Insurance.
• Must be empathetic and caring.

Learn more about The Salvation Army's Southern New England Division at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southern-new-england/ 

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.