SCHAP - Housing Specialist

Open Sky Community Services’ Flexible Services Programs are short term supported housing programs designed to serve adults who are homeless, experiencing housing insecurity, and have significant health needs. All Flexible Services Programs are Based on Housing First principals that provide individuals served with pre-tenancy and tenancy sustaining supports, resulting in improved overall health, and reducing health care utilization. These programs are in partnership with referring Accountable Care Organizations and are funded by MassHealth.

The Housing Specialist operates within the Housing First Principles to set a foundation for pursuing health and recovery goals with people served. The Housing Specialist works in collaboration with the individual served to assist in the development of a strength-based, solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Together, the individual and the Housing Specialist will determine the best housing match by securing rental subsidies through affordable housing programs, identifying ideal housing environments, and comparing to available housing.

Other Key Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain a housing directory including contact information for all owners, developers, housing authorities, and other community organizations with available housing options. Assist with site visits, application, and lease negotiations.  
• Establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with private landlords and developers to maximize housing opportunities for people served. Collaborate with landlord to ensure apartment is ready for occupancy, perform move-in/out inspection with person served and conduct safety and cleanliness inspections as needed.
• Provide follow-up home visits to support and review progress towards self-sufficiency including advocacy, reduction of isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to assist with integration of people served in their new community.
• Develop trainings and workshops for people served, including tenant’s rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination, communicating with landlords, physical plant cleanliness and safety, and other trainings as needed.

• High School Diploma, or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, preferred.
• Minimum one year experience with behavioral health and/or housing.
• Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record, required.

At Open Sky Community Services, we open our doors, hearts, and minds to the belief that every individual, regardless of perceived limitations, deserves the chance to live a productive and fulfilling life.

Open Sky is on an anti-racist journey, committed to learning, living, and breathing inclusion, opportunity, diversity, racial equity, and justice for ALL.

At Open Sky, you’ll join over 1,300 compassionate and highly trained professionals who put innovative, evidence-based practices to work in ways that positively impact our communities across Central Massachusetts and beyond.

As a trauma-informed organization, Open Sky strives for transparency and sensitivity to the experiences of those we interact with. Self-care is encouraged, and we are committed to providing a positive work culture that is focused on continuous learning and the value of diverse perspectives.

Open Sky is proud to be an industry leader in pay and benefits. Open the Door to Possibility and begin your career with Open Sky today!

 Benefits of Working for Open Sky Include:

• Excellent Supervision (Individual and Group), Professional Development, and Training Opportunities
• Generous paid time off plan – you start with 29 days (almost 6 weeks!) in your first year, including 12 paid holidays. Increases to 32 days in your 2nd year, and the current maximum is 43 days (OVER 8 WEEKS!)
• We pay for your higher education!  Ask about our Tuition Reimbursement Program, and reimbursement for a variety of Human Services certifications.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Prescription Plan
• 403b Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Life Insurance (100% Employer-Paid)
• Eligible employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• And more!

Open Sky celebrates diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal and state employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran, or disabled Veteran status.