Join the Collaborative

SCHEDULE:  Flexible, part-time schedule.

Note on Remote Work and Vehicle Use:  This is not an office job.  It is a mix of work-from-home and in-person face-to-face meetings with clients throughout the Twin Cities metro area.   Staff must be willing to occasionally transport clients in their personal vehicles.   Mileage reimbursed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Housing Stabilization Services provider, you will work one-on-one with people with disabilities, substance use disorders and seniors 65+ who are on Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota's Medicaid program for people with low income.

You will work one-on-one with clients to:

• Help them find, pay for and move into housing of their own choosing. 

• Support them in maintaining housing while moving forward with fulfilling and meaningful lives.

• Provide early intervention in situations that may jeopardize housing.

You will be expected to:

• Build trust through mutual respect, genuine care, competence and integrity. 

• Use your strengths to support clients in building on their strengths. 

• Nourish the community by fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

Our many "hats":

Welcome Home puts it's own spin on "Housing Stabilization" by divvying up the job responsibilities into six roles - six different "hats" you will wear in the course of your work.

• Welcoming Committee - Getting to Know Our Clients

Introducing people to our services and determining eligibility.  Coordinating with client's support teams (providers, family, etc).  Assessing strengths and vulnerabilities.  Assessing housing needs and preferences.

• Benefits Guru - Linking with Benefits & Resources

Helping clients understand and apply for benefits and services (Social Security, SNAP, providers, etc).  Assisting clients with accessing funding (deposits, moving expenses, etc) and resources (furniture, home goods, etc).  Helping address barriers to housing (past evictions, poor credit, criminal history, etc).  Helping with housing recertifications.

• Mobile Maverick - Finding a Home & Facilitating a Move 

Helping clients explore housing options, complete applications, tour potential housing.  Helping clients understand and negotiate leases, build relationships with landlords and property managers and advocate for themselves.  Helping organize for and facilitate a move.

• Nesting Specialist - Making the Home Safe & Comfortable

Helping clients creating a comfortable space that reflects their personality and values.  Working on household management (cleaning, laundry, health and hygiene) and ensuring safety and maintenance needs are addressed.   Arranging for adaptive accommodations or assistive technology.

• Empowerment Coach - Promoting Confidence & Independence

Helping to build life-skills (budgeting & finances, meal planning & prep, nutrition, fitness, sleep, mental & physical health, time management & prioritization).  Identifying strategies and resources for caregiving responsibilities (pets, kids, etc).  Educating on landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities.

• Community Connector - Finding Support & Friendship

Encouraging the development and maintenance of supportive relationships with neighbors, property managers and helping professionals.  Helping to establish community ties by introducing to resources relevant to individual identity (culture, creativity, recovery, spirituality, etc).

Each of us come into the job with our own strengths.  Through your orientation and on-the-job learning, you will gain additional knowledge and skills, earning each of your "hats" and becoming an increasingly valuable member of a multi-talented team!

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma

• Personal Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of substance use disorders, mental health conditions and related challenges

  • Familiarity with community housing resources and support services

  • Communication skills

  • Cultural competence

  • Boundaries and ethics

  • Those with lived experience of housing instability, mental illness and chemical dependency are encouraged to apply

• Tools for the Job:

  • Valid drivers license

  • Consistent access to an insured, reliable vehicle

  • Cell phone

• Ability to learn and use technology for documentation and communication

  • Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Calendar, Voice)

  • Thatch (Virtual Mailbox)

• Ability to pass DHS background check (see disqualifying crimes or conduct) and complete required DHS online trainings.

• If you have been in chemical dependency recovery:  verification of at least one year of uninterrupted sustained recovery from substances.

COMPENSATION

• Pay starting at $25/hr (with reimbursed mileage)

• 1099 (Independent Contractor) role allowing a customized and flexible work schedule

• Opportunities to advance into leadership roles