Housing Specialist

The Housing Navigation Specialist provides housing-focused case management, resource coordination, advocacy, and transportation services to individuals experiencing homelessness who access the Ocean County Code Red and Code Blue Emergency Response Programs. The position assists participants in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing while addressing barriers related to income, identification, benefits, healthcare, behavioral healthcare, substance use treatment, employment, and other social determinants of health.

Services are delivered using trauma-informed, person-centered and strengths-based practices in collaboration with Coordinated Entry, HMIS, community providers, and landlords.

Position Title: Housing Specialist

Position Type: Full Time

Responsibilities:

• Assess housing needs, barriers, strengths, and eligibility; develop and update individualized housing plans.
• Help clients locate, apply for, obtain, and maintain safe, stable housing.
• Provide case management, advocacy, referrals, and service coordination to address housing barriers.
• Assist with benefits, identification, food assistance, income verification, and other resources needed for housing stability.
• Provide life-skills and housing-readiness support, including budgeting, tenancy, self-care, and community resource navigation.
• Provide transportation to housing, benefits, health care, and other appointments as needed to support service goals.
• Build relationships with landlords, housing providers, social service agencies, and community partners to expand housing opportunities.
• Engage clients using person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based practices.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and assigned Code Red/Code Blue coverage in accordance with safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation; participate in team meetings, supervision, and training while protecting client rights and privacy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other Health & Human Services Field
• Relevant experience may be considered in replacement of education
• Two years of experience in case management, housing navigation, homelessness services, community outreach, or a related human services setting preferred
• Knowledge of housing and community resources
• Strong engagement, advocacy, and crisis de-escalation skills
• Valid NJ Driver's License with less than 6 points.