Housing Support Client Specialist in Saint Paul, Minnesota at Mental Health Resources Inc

Housing Support Client Specialist

4-Day Work Week Option Available

Location: St. Paul, MN

Pay Range: $22.56 - $28.65 hourly

We are committed to providing salary ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations.

Mental Health Resources, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We embrace diversity and inclusion and take a person-centered care approach to the population we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

See what employees have to say about working at MHR!

www.mhresources.org/careers

The Housing Support Client Specialist is responsible for housing support client coordination and benefit administration for MHR's Housing Support Program. This position coordinates and maintains program output consistent with agency standards and coordinates program goals and activities to ensure targeted outcomes are achieved.

A few of the benefits offered by MHR:

• MHR is looking for candidates who are Spanish speaking, Hmong speaking, and Somali speaking. You may receive a $1000 salary bonus for passing the language proficiency exam.
• Initial orientation program AND on-going in-house training program.
• iPhone, laptop computer, and Wi-Fi provided for staff.
• Health insurance (including family health coverage) with employee costs in the top 6% of most affordable health care options. Competitive dental insurance.
• Automatic enrollment in retirement plan after 1 year with a 3% employer contribution.
• 9 paid holidays and 18 days accrued PTO during your first year.
• Annual merit-based salary increases.
• Schedule primarily Monday-Friday daytime hours.
• MHR is committed to working towards racial equity and combating racism.
• MHR is a tobacco free workplace promoting health & wellness for the individuals we serve and our employees.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete all activities related to obtaining and maintaining housing, such as educating recipients about tenant rights and responsibilities, offering resources for legal assistance or services/supports, advocating for recipients with counties, coordinating with landlords, ensuring recipient understanding of program and benefit policies, and assisting recipients with obtaining and maintaining housing support benefit.
• Communicate and consult with recipient and/or service providers to make sure necessary paperwork is obtained on behalf of recipient to ensure benefit compliance, and provide guidance with matters such as tenant’s specific housing needs.
• Provide supportive response, intervention, and resource provision to individuals during a housing- related crisis.
• Help identify benefits that tenants are or could be utilizing (e.g. SNAP, SSI, waivers) and discuss housing options and the Housing Support benefit.
• Support tenants to pay their portion of rent and follow the terms of their lease.
• Request and/or administer pooled funds on behalf of tenant.
• Ensure recipient confidentiality and privacy that complies with MHR policies and procedures/HIPAA/MN Medical Records Act.
• Process tenant referrals and applications, ensuring program application packets are complete, valid, and accurate before submission.
• Schedule and conduct program briefings with clients upon entry and as needed.
• Execute and track fund administration for rent, utilities, deposits, and other eligible housing expenses for program participants.
• Document incoming and outgoing payments using spreadsheets and housing payment software.
• Communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships with benefit recipients, service providers, county workers, and property owners and managers.
• Collect and verify income documentation and other required verifications.
• Perform calculations to determine appropriate payment amounts and to estimate award portions.
• Perform habitability inspections as needed.
• Research and make information available for clients regarding properties available for rent and additional resources that may be helpful, including food shares, tax assistance, free phone and internet offerings, and other housing-related resources.
• Attend and participate in housing provider meetings and committees as assigned.
• Maintain accurate, thorough and professional recipient records.
• Data collection, data entry and required reporting for all applicable DHS, HUD, State and County requirements.
• Assume other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree in human services-related field preferred.
• Experience in housing administration, benefit/voucher administration, bookkeeping, housing stabilization services, supportive housing, or other community-based services with adults recovering from mental illness, chemical dependency, and other disabilities strongly preferred.