Why Work for Gandara:

Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!

Benefits:

Retirement Plan 403(b) Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance Paid vacations Paid holidays 8 discretionary days Mileage Reimbursement

Additional Benefits:

Career Growth Opportunities Culturally Diverse population Student Loan Forgiveness Eligibility Clinical Licensing Support

Job Title: Housing Specialist | Hampden County

Work Location: Holyoke, Ma.

 

*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply 

*EOE M/F/D/V

*Union/Non-Union

 

Job Summary:

The Young Adult Housing Specialist (YAHS) is responsible for coordinating the operation of outreach and case management services for Rapid Rehousing program participants. The YAHS is responsible for engagement and individualized case management for homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless young adults. The YAHS will provide housing support and case management to youth in RRH housing. The YAHS will attend homeless service provider meetings as necessary, in particular the local Network to End Homelessness Unaccompanied Youth sub-committee meeting.    

Duties and Responsibilities:

Engage potentially high-risk clients in individualized case management, safety planning, and planning for housing, employment, and/or education. Establish positive professional working relationships with individuals assessed and served. Provide linkages to community resources that increase opportunities for stable housing and economic independence. Complete substance use, educational, and job readiness assessments with participants and develop service plans with participants to achieve goals as necessary. Teach necessary skills such as transportation, budgeting, etc…, that enable independent functioning as needed. Work with participants around establishing a housing/resume history, overcoming CORI challenges, maintaining an income, and developing good practices of self-care, as appropriate. Provide in-home individualized case management, advocacy, safety planning, planning for housing, employment, and/or education to participants, including, but not limited to the following activities: Assist participants in finding permanent housing, work closely with landlords, meet with participants 2-3 times weekly, monitor the progress of participants in accordance with tools provided and adjust as needed for 12 months. Provide aftercare outreach and assistance. Develop relationships with potential funding sources, establish and maintain community linkages and collateral contacts, including area shelters, and local housing organizations. Participates in collaborative projects with other agencies/CoC as applicable to the position and knowledge base.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree preferred. Associates degree and/or 2 years' experience in homelessness services. Ability to work effectively with other community agencies (i.e. School Dept., DCF, Juvenile Court, etc…) required. Must have valid driver’s license.

The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training