POSITION SUMMARY:

The Housing Coordinator is responsible for providing housing coordination services for Young Adult Services clients so they can move from a structured residential program to living independently within the community. This position works with various landlords and real estate agencies in the West Haven area to find affordable rents. The position will work with the YAS Financial Coordinator and YAS clinical staff in a coordinated effort for the best interest of the YAS client. The position will also work with the client in applying for housing and utility assistance programs in the West Haven area. This position will represent ABH® and its services in a positive and professional manner and adhere to ABH®’s best practices, guidelines, policies and procedures as established, promoting ABH® as a leader in behavioral healthcare in all interactions and work.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide housing coordination services which will enable YAS clients to move from a structured residential placement to living independently within the community.
• Provide services in the general area of the LMHA and other areas requested by the various LMHA Project Managers and approved by the contractor.
• Work with landlords and real estate agents to develop and maintain a list of landlords with available apartments.
• Be involved with securing and negotiating any and all leases entered into by clients.
• Ensure that lease agreements adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the DMHAS YAS Client Support Funds Services manual.
• Provide a copy of each fully executed lease to the various LMHA Project Managers.
• Maintain a list of Residential Support Sites and Scattered Site Housing vacancies.
• Oversee and execute all inspections outlined in the YAS Client Support Funds Services policies and procedures manual.
• Handle all damage claims, inspections, and determinations required to resolve them including, but not limited to, working with the YAS treatment team to have the client involved when or if necessary.
• Coordinate and communicate with the YAS treatment team of any pending evictions or possible vacancies.
• Oversee and coordinate any infestations by assuring that the landlord treats the infestation within the timeframe specified by the various LMHA Project Managers. Infestation may include but is not limited to the presence of: mice, rats, cockroaches, bed bugs, etc.
• Work with all related housing issues for any and all YAS clients and communicate needs and resources along with case by case issues to the YAS treatment team.
• Have a working knowledge of available housing and/or utility assistance programs in the area of the LMHA.
• Assist clients with applying for any housing or utility assistance benefits they may be eligible for and maintain a list of the benefits start and end dates, amounts, and the various documentation associated with them.
• Works closely with Financial Coordinator and YAS team on budgets of clients who receive rent related subsidies
• Prepare and submit monthly the Young Adult Services Housing Financial Assistance report to DMHAS/

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in a behavioral health related field or comparable experience;
• Compliance with current State of Connecticut and federal health and vaccine requirements.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, have superior organizational skills and demonstrated experience in communicating at all levels;
• Computer knowledge and experience using Microsoft Suite (mainly Excel) and other accounting and data input software;
• Possess strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and motivational skills;

• Proven ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and multi task as necessary to meet deadline;
• Detail oriented a must;
• Ability to negotiate with landlords leases with landlords
• Ability to identify problems/issues, troubleshoot and resolve in a timely manner.
• Mathematical and accounting acuity
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Working knowledge of housing programs and utility assistance programs
• Ability to work with the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs