Community Resource Specialist - Washington, United States - Friendship Place

Description

Job Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Assistant Director

Classification: Regular Full-Time (Exempt)

Location: Washington, DC 20009

Hours: A flexible schedule includes evenings, holidays and weekends may be required to support operations and to respond to emergencies

Who we are:

Friendship Place is a nonprofit organization, serving the Washington, DC region. We empower individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community. Friendship Place offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs with positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond. Our programs are person-centric and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth/young adults, and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy. We are committed to living out our core values both within our organization and in the community.

Our Core Values:

Friendship Place is a Person First Organization that believes in promoting transparency and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to carry out their job tasks in a manner that is consistent with our core values. This includes the following:

1. Excellence and Innovation
2. Finding Ways to Say Yes
3. Caring at the Core
4. Agents of Change
5. Support, Empowerment, and Development
6. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Collaboration
7. Integrity and Accountability

Summary:

The Community Resource Specialist creates partnerships with members of the community throughout the CoCs served by the program. The Community Resource Specialist will provide education and resources to case managers, participants, and landlords as needed. The Community Resource Specialist serves as a resource to case managers and will assist case management staff with needs related to resources for the following jurisdictions: DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Montgomery, Prince Georges, and Frederick.

Responsibilities:

• Obtain community resources and establish key partnerships for staff and participants
• Manage SSVF Resource Guide Excel Doc
• Develop relationships with large property management companies and landlords who have available rentals in the 9 CoCs served
• Manage Housing Resource Guide Excel Doc of available housing stock for participants
• Provide Resource and Housing Search Support to Case Managers and Participants
• Help Case Managers, Participants, and Landlords understand tenant rights
• Document all participant interactions in HMIS
• Complete all appropriate monthly and annual reports
• Represent the agency at community functions, network and market services that are provided by the SSVF grant
• Assist with Rapid Resolution and Returning Home Cases
• Become SOAR certified and aid with SOAR cases
• Complete 60-day follow-ups with each exited participant and connect to resources as necessary
• Aid with screening line calls as needed
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and regular supervision
• Attend professional trainings and conferences as needed
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Requirements

Background & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• At least 1-year experience in a similar setting preferred
• Prior SSVF background preferred
• Valid drivers license and ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Understanding and/or experience working with Veterans
• Experience working with landlords/property managers and housing locations
• Experience with marketing services
• Experience with networking and forming community relationships
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work as a team player
• Demonstrate a client-centered approach and the ability to follow Housing First principles

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

This position requires staff to spend approximately 50% of the time in the field spent working in the field working with participants, attending community events, and attending CoC meetings. Staff will interact with participants who have a history of experiencing homelessness. Staff will navigate city traffic. Must be able to sit and work at a computer for prolonged periods. Driving for 20% of the time.

Background Checks:

The selected candidate will be required to complete and pass background checks specific to contract requirements that may include: a criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting, reference checks, education and employment history check, tuberculosis test, and driving record check (for positions transporting participants).

Direct Reports:

None

Indirect Reports:

None

Specific Requirements:

Must have own transportation to carry out job duties and responsibilities. The vehicle must meet legal requirements (insured, registered, etc.) and the employee must have a valid driver's license.

Other Details:

• Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications.
• Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $58, $63,506.00 per year. The starting annual salary is based on a step system. A candidates starting pay determination is made based on meeting the basic position requirements, and current completed education, credentials and/or work experience. Please Note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation.
• Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 14 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more (Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees).
• COVID-19: All Friendship Place employees, regardless of their vaccination status, must continue to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with agencys COVID-19 protocols and applicable law and guidance. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing masks in congregated settings, washing their hands or using hand sanitizer often, monitoring their daily health, and staying home if they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (or if they are otherwise prohibited from reporting to work by health provider pursuant to CDC, state and local guidance). Since the public health and legal landscapes regarding this policy are subject to frequent changes, Friendship Place reserves the right to amend or cancel this policy at any time at its sole discretion, consistent with applicable law, consistent with CDC guidelines and the DC Department of Health.
• Location: Washington, DC 20009
• Interview Process: Phone screening, Panel style interview, Program Visits, Final Interview.
• Website:

Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

Friendship Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, personal appearance, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliations, matriculation, credit, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Friend Place is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact human resources at