Community Resource Specialist

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 George’s, 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 driver’s 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.

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