WHO WE ARE
Corazon Hawaii is a nonprofit organization that helps to empower homeless households to rebuild their lives, rediscover their identities, and reconnect with their community. Housing stability is our number one focus. Our Family Assessment Center provides immediate temporary housing for families in need, helping them quickly transition to stable, permanent housing. Additionally, we provide housing navigation services to guide households through the entire housing process, housing retention where we offer continuous support to help households maintain housing stability and prevent future homelessness as well as rapid rehousing and homeless prevention where we provide quick interventions to secure housing for households.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Corazon Hawaii emphasizes adaptability and flexibility within this role, recognizing that the demands may evolve over time. This approach ensures that the Housing Retention Specialist remains responsive to the needs of the families they serve and the organization as a whole. It also reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards and continually improving practices to better support families and achieve organizational goals. As the position description may be subject to change, the Housing Retention Specialist should be prepared to take on additional responsibilities that align with the core purpose of the role while contributing to the overall success of Corazon Hawaii.
Schedule Requirements: Flexible availability is required. Shifts may be scheduled between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, with start and end times varying based on program and operational needs.
POSITION DUTIES
While the general overview provides a framework, here are specific duties that a Housing Retention Specialist at Corazon Hawaii is expected to fulfill:
- Conduct regular home visits to families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing, assessing their living conditions, providing support, and ensuring lease agreement compliance.
- Implement Critical Time Intervention (CTI) by working closely with families to identify and prioritize their goals, such as securing employment, accessing mental health and substance abuse treatment, and improving budgeting and money management skills.
- Collaborate with families to develop individualized plans aimed at achieving housing stability and addressing their broader needs for social, financial, and emotional support.
- Facilitate access to community resources and services by establishing and maintaining partnerships with local organizations, mental health programs, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, including progress notes, and other documentation required for reporting and accountability purposes.
- Attend supervision sessions, staff meetings, training workshops, and community meetings to stay informed about best practices, policies, and resources relevant to housing retention and homelessness prevention.
- Provide crisis intervention and support to families facing eviction threats, sudden changes in circumstances, or other emergencies, coordinating with appropriate agencies and mobilizing community resources as needed.
- Continuously evaluate and adjust service delivery strategies based on client feedback, emerging needs, and evolving best practices in the field of homelessness prevention and housing stability.
- Uphold the values and mission of Corazon Hawaii by demonstrating professionalism, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social justice in all interactions with families and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to identify areas for program improvement, share insights and expertise, and contribute to the overall effectiveness and impact of Corazon Hawaii's housing retention initiatives.
These specific duties provide a more detailed roadmap for how the Housing Retention Specialist can fulfill their role within Corazon Hawaii, while remaining adaptable to changing needs and priorities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, public administration, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working in the housing or homelessness field preferred
LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS
- Valid Driver’s License
- CPR/First Aid and CPI
- Criminal Background checks (state, federal and sex offender)
MENTAL DEMANDS
- Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail while performing tasks and interacting with families, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Capacity to make significant decisions that impact the organization, families, and stakeholders, considering various factors and potential consequences.
- Proficiency in maintaining accurate and detailed records, including client information, housing plans, progress notes, and reports, while adhering to confidentiality and regulatory requirements.
- Capability to work effectively under pressure to meet established goals, such as housing retention rates, client outcomes, or productivity targets, while maintaining quality standards and client satisfaction.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion when assessing family’s needs, making decisions, and managing confidential information, while adhering to organizational policies and procedures.
- Skill in managing multiple projects, tasks, and priorities simultaneously, effectively allocating time and resources to meet deadlines and achieve objectives.
- Capacity to remain calm, empathetic, and professional when interacting with participants or stakeholders who may be angry, upset, or in crisis, while effectively de-escalating situations and addressing concerns.
- Ability to accurately read, comprehend, and follow instructions, policies, and procedures to ensure tasks are completed correctly and efficiently.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as bending, reaching, lifting, operating a vehicle, sitting, using hands to type or handle objects, and walking as needed in the course of job duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Capacity to work in various conditions, including exposure to blood or bodily fluids, chemicals, toxic fumes, water, outdoor environments, extended hours, driving, and occasional weekend or evening work.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
- Ability to utilize personal protective equipment, such as gloves (latex or work gloves) and face masks, when necessary to ensure safety and mitigate risks.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
- Proficiency in operating standard office equipment, including copiers, fax machines, shredders, printers, and other tools required to perform job duties effectively.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Proficiency in identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems, including root-cause analysis and recommendation of solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, outcomes, and mitigate risks.
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally with coworkers, clients, and groups to achieve desired outcomes.
- Proficiency in written communication, including completing documentation, preparing documents, and case notes.
- Proficiency in basic math skills, financial management, and household budgeting to support families.
- Proficiency in using databases (HMIS), internet/email, spreadsheet software, and word processing software to manage information, communicate, and perform job tasks effectively.
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
- Understanding of HIPAA regulations and adherence to established confidentiality, safety, and ethics policies to protect client privacy and confidentiality.
- Ability to organize tasks and projects to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
