Benefits and Housing Specialist - Lakeland, United States - Tampa Bay Academy of Hope

Mark Lane

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter


Description

Job Description for Benefits/Housing Specialist

Job Title:
Benefits/Housing Specialist


Location:
Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, Tampa, FL and Lakeland, FL


Job Type:
Full-Time
(9AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday)

Program Description:

The

Second Chance Heroes:
Veteran Employment & Support Services Program is dedicated to supporting returning veterans by facilitating their reintegration into society. The program provides comprehensive services aimed at achieving self-sufficiency, including employment support, housing assistance, and mentoring.


Objective:


To secure stable housing and ensure benefits access for participants, while fostering community relationships that enhance program effectiveness and support participant success.


Position Purpose:


The Benefits/Housing Specialist is pivotal in assisting homeless or at-risk veterans by facilitating access to housing and benefits, ensuring they meet eligibility requirements, and maintaining high retention and success rates through effective service provision.


Principal Responsibilities:


Housing and Benefits Coordination:


  • Assess housing needs and secure stable, affordable housing for participants, aiming for at least 70% successful placement of participants who are homeless upon release.
  • Develop and maintain a detailed resource manual that includes updated information on community housing and benefits resources.

Community Partnership Development:


  • Develop and maintain effective community partnerships to enhance service delivery.
  • Increase collaborations by at least twelve per year, formalized through Memoranda of Understanding with partner organizations.
  • Work closely with the Program Manager and Program Assistant to ensure the development and updating of community resources.

Program Support and Participant Retention:


  • Support case managers in achieving at least 80% participation retention by providing necessary documentation and support for intake and ongoing eligibility verification.
  • Recruit mentors and coordinate mentorship activities to support participant reintegration.
  • Provide nurturing skills training to parent participants to assist with familial reintegration and stability.

Documentation and Compliance:


  • Ensure all participant documentation is completed accurately and timely for intake and ongoing program participation.
  • Maintain accurate records of housing placements, benefits access, and mentorship activities.
  • Collaborate with program staff to ensure compliance with program guidelines and goals.

Communication and Reporting:


  • Regularly communicate with community partners, program staff, and participants to ensure needs are met and services are effectively provided.
  • Prepare reports on housing stability, benefits provision, and community partnership outcomes for program management and funders.

Key Goals:

-
Community Partnership Development: Increase community partnerships by twelve each year, as evidenced by executed Memoranda of Understanding.
-
Housing Placement Success: Achieve a minimum of 70% housing placement rate for participants who are homeless upon release.
-
Participant Retention: Assist in maintaining at least an 80% retention rate of participants in the program.


Competencies:

-
Community Engagement: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations and resources.
-
Program Management: Strong organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
-
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions.
-
Empathy and Support: Demonstrated ability to understand and empathize with the challenges faced by returning veterans.


Requirements:


  • Experience in housing services, benefits administration, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of veterans' services and benefits is highly desirable.
  • Proficiency with data management and reporting systems.
This role is essential for supporting the housing and benefits needs of participants in the

Second Chance Heroes:

Veteran Employment & Support Services Program, ensuring they have the stability and resources required for successful reintegration into society.


More jobs from Tampa Bay Academy of Hope