Housing Stabilization Specialist

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FTE / Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE); schedule determined with Program Manager

Work Setting: Primarily community/field-based (home visits in Montgomery County) with one required in-office day per week

Travel Required: Approximately 60% field-based travel for home visits and community activities

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt. This position is classified as salaried non-exempt in accordance with FLSA standards .

Position Summary

This position is grant-funded and contingent upon renewal of the grant.

Your Way Home Montgomery County is the county's coordinated response system for addressing housing crises among families and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Rooted in a "Housing First" approach, the program prioritizes securing and maintaining permanent housing as the foundation for stability. Once housing is established, Your Way Home connects participants with the community, health, human, and financial services needed to reduce the risk of future homelessness.

The Rapid Re-Housing Program is a core component of Your Way Home, providing housing-focused case management and financial assistance to households experiencing literal homelessness. It moves individuals and families into permanent housing quickly while ensuring they receive the supports needed to sustain long-term stability. Participants receive personalized case management before and after move-in - including tenant education, budgeting and household management, employment support, and crisis intervention. The program also leads landlord recruitment and retention efforts, building relationships with property owners and managers to expand housing access and promote lasting solutions to homelessness in Montgomery County.

The ideal candidate brings direct-service experience with high-risk populations, demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed and strengths-based practice models, and a genuine commitment to the Housing First philosophy. This role is primarily field-based, requiring approximately 60% travel for home visits and community-based activities, with one (1) required in-office day per week.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Housing Assessment & Placement

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of housing barriers to determine housing needs, service eligibility, and appropriate program interventions.
• Complete all required RRH intake assessments, eligibility documentation, and program procedures - including lease signings, move-in inspections, and rent-reasonableness documentation.
• Assist participants with housing search and identification of rental units that meet program and HUD Fair Market Rent standards, promoting participant choice throughout.
• Coordinate placement logistics, including utility setup, essential household-item procurement, and connection to community resources at move-in.
• Maintain working knowledge of the local rental market, affordable housing inventory, and HUD Fair Market Rent standards in Montgomery County.

Housing Stabilization & Case Management

• Carry a caseload and deliver individualized, strengths-based case management throughout enrollment.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized Housing Stability Plans with each participant at least monthly, focused on three core goals: maintaining stable housing, increasing household income, and family stabilization and support.
• Conduct regular scheduled and unscheduled home visits to assess housing conditions, participant well-being, and progress toward goals.
• Provide proactive follow-up and crisis intervention to address emerging threats to housing stability, including lease violations, utility shut-offs, and landlord or neighbor disputes.
• Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate participants on their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
• Serve as ongoing liaison between participants, property managers, referral sources, collaborating agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Support participants in building community connections and natural support networks to reduce isolation and promote long-term reintegration.

Financial Literacy & Budget Counseling

• Help participants develop individualized monthly spending plans and budgets based on income, expenses, and housing costs.
• Provide proactive budget counseling and financial-literacy education, including help establishing payment plans for current bills and past debts.
• Partner with internal and external employment-support services to increase household income and reduce reliance on program subsidy.
• Connect participants to mainstream financial resources, benefits programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, TANF, LIHEAP), and banking services as applicable.
• Monitor each participant's financial stability and rent-to-income ratio monthly, adjusting plans as needed.

Referral & Supportive Service Coordination

• Develop and maintain an effective, timely referral network connecting participants to appropriate social-service agencies, community programs, and supportive resources.
• Identify participant strengths and barriers; help reduce barriers and link participants to services that promote permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
• Provide warm referrals and follow up on all referrals to ensure connection and document outcomes.
• Coordinate services with community partners to ensure a comprehensive, non-duplicative service plan, advocating across systems as needed.

Documentation, Data & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely case records, monthly outcome reports, and participant files in compliance with program, agency, and funder requirements.
• Collect and report all required program data, including HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) and funder-required data elements.
• Maintain complete working files with all required OHS documentation and HUD CoC paperwork.
• Participate in file reviews, quality-assurance monitoring, and compliance activities as required.
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager.

Qualifications

Education

High school diploma or GED with a minimum of 3 years of direct-service experience in a related field is required. Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field from an accredited institution is preferred. BSW or equivalent human-services degree is strongly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year of case management experience; housing-focused experience strongly preferred.
• Prior direct-service experience with individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, substance use disorders, behavioral-health challenges, or domestic violence.
• Familiarity with social, health, and benefits resources in Philadelphia and/or Montgomery County.
• Knowledge of the local affordable-housing market, Fair Market Rent standards, and property-management practices.
• Home-visiting experience in a professional direct-service setting.
• Experience with HMIS or similar case-management data systems preferred.
• We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of homelessness, housing instability, or the issues affecting the populations we serve.

Knowledge Of

• Housing First model, principles, and Rapid Re-Housing best practices.
• Trauma-Informed Care and strengths-based, person-centered case management.
• Progressive Engagement Model and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Social-service programming and community resources in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties.
• Federal HUD CoC program requirements and HMIS reporting standards.
• Fair housing laws, residential tenant rights and responsibilities, and lease compliance.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and current software applications.
• Basic financial-literacy principles, budgeting practices, and benefits programs.

Ability To

• Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively in writing and verbally.
• Establish and maintain empathic, trusting, professional relationships with individuals from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and humility, including awareness of systemic factors contributing to homelessness.
• Manage a diverse caseload independently, prioritize competing demands, and meet program timelines and documentation requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive case notes, housing plans, outcome reports, and program documentation accurately and with attention to detail.
• Analyze situations, exercise sound professional judgment, and identify appropriate interventions and referrals.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and engage effectively with community partners and stakeholders.
• Empower participants to develop their own problem-solving skills and achieve long-term independence.
• Maintain flexibility and adapt to changing participant and programmatic needs.
• Perform basic math and manage detailed information efficiently and accurately.

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.