Job Description

Job Location: Springfield, MA 01103
Position Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $19.50 - $22.50 Hourly

Department:  Housing Support Services     Work Arrangement:  Hybrid-remote
Stabilization Advisor
Way Finders is a Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!
At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.
Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a full-time Stabilization Advisor. The Stabilization Advisor supports our mission by providing focused assistance to families with education and community referrals in the following areas over a prescribed lifespan:  financial stability; education for children and adults; employment; housing; and health and wellbeing.
Benefits include:  20 days accrued paid time-off during year one | 15+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!
Wage starts between $19.50 and $22.50 per hour depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. CORI/SORI/MVR.
The candidate may work in a hybrid-remote capacity but must live within commutable distance.
Responsibilities include:
- Assist families with education & community referrals in the following areas over the course of 2-3 years: financial stability, education for children and adults, employment, housing, health & wellbeing
- Design achievable housing stabilization goals through thorough assessments of client housing needs including barriers that affect stabilization:  financial, legal, mental health, substance use disorders, employment, health care, and housekeeping
- Provide support through proactive referrals that address rehousing barriers; ensure shelter and tenancy documentation is accurate and entered according to deadlines; provide connections for key medical supports; assist with enrollment to federal and state entitlement programs, including securing releases
- Review self-sufficiency plans to develop and implement goals that maximize success during duration of the program (up to 3 years)
- Assist in housing search to obtain permanent housing placement, coordinating resources and services to support clients in their transition; mediate issues between clients and landlords; provide necessary interventions including but not limited to: filing 51A's, incident reportings, identifying and requesting reasonable accommodations; domestic violence resources
- Educate and assist clients on:  financial literacy and obtaining needed resources; fair housing and tenancy rights
- Maintain and complete case files in a timely manner including case notes, assessments, and service plans in database/systems; utilize data and a monthly review system to measure progress in achieving goals, and to identify service gaps
- Conduct regular home visits and in-person meetings to monitor family progress, using bridge meetings as a forum to track goal progress
- Develop and maintain connections with internal and external partners that work to support families with rehousing and the mitigation of rehousing barriers
- Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal staff (including across departments), owners, landlords, community groups, constituents, and stakeholders
- Collect and share information on available stabilization services and resources; develop understanding and support with parent(s) to ensure the medical/mental health and educational needs of children are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner
- Proactively identify and inform leadership of any significant issues that may adversely affect the organization

Requirements include:
- 2 years' equivalent experience in housing, social services, or a related role; a combination of experience plus a high school diploma (or equivalent) may be a substitute
- Preference for experience with conducting housing searches, or other detailed information-based internet searches
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills appreciated but not required
- Demonstrated ability with Microsoft Office, database systems, and comfort learning new technologies
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention-to-detail, plus the ability to reprioritize
- Ability to lead effective trainings, individual and group-based
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record; reliable vehicle
- CORI/SORI
Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.