Social Work Specialist - Housing Stability Team (Provisional)

Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Expected starting salary is $35.37 to $47.22.  Full salary is $35.37 to $59.07.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

OR

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Nature of Work

THIS IS A PROVISIONAL, TEMPORARY POSITION LASTING EIGHTEEN (18) MONTHS

Based in the Olmsted County Housing Department and under the supervision of a Program Manager or Supervisor, the Social Work Specialist (SWS)- Housing Stability Team will provide case management and outreach services to single adults experiencing homelessness in Olmsted County as part of the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Program. This role focuses on housing-first case management, public benefits navigation, and supporting individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), and co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD). The SWS will work closely with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and community partners to ensure individuals receive comprehensive support towards stable housing and improved well-being

Examples of Work

Housing Navigation & Case Management:

• Serves as a member of the Housing Stability Team and broader community homeless response system to support housing access and stability.
• Provides 1:1 case management before, during, and after a housing crisis to ensure long-term housing success.
• Assists clients in accessing housing resources, including permanent supportive housing, rental assistance programs, and housing support services.
• Builds relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers to improve access to available housing.
• Completes Housing Consultation and Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) to connect eligible individuals with long-term support.
• Implements individualized service plans based on assessed needs.

• Conducts community-based outreach in shelters, encampments, and public spaces to engage individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Builds trusting relationships with community members experiencing homelessness using trauma-informed and strength-based approaches.
• Collaborates with Coordinated Entry System to ensure individuals are included in the By Name List and Priority List for housing prioritization.
• Works with professional and natural support systems, including healthcare providers, peer specialists, and community organizations.
• Participates in weekly consultations with Any Path Home (APH) partner agencies.
• Provides case consultation to peers under the direction of or in the absence of the Program Manager.

• Provides crisis intervention for individuals experiencing acute distress or housing instability.
• Supports clients in connecting to mental health and substance use treatment services.
• Assists individuals in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)/Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits using SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) methods.

• Provides leadership among community partners to improve homeless response programs and system effectiveness.
• Assists in program development and evaluation, including policy and procedure improvements.

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Tracks client progress, service delivery, and outcomes for PATH grant reporting.
• Participates in program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge and experience in working community members experiencing homelessness 
• Knowledge of housing resources
• Thorough knowledge of the social sciences
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of social work
• Thorough knowledge of community resources
• Thorough knowledge of diversity and equity issues and ability to work with diverse populations
• Knowledge of motivating factors of human behavior
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, Harm Reduction, Housing First, and Motivational Interviewing practices 
• Knowledge of therapeutic and strength-based approaches
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices
• Knowledge of agency policies
• Knowledge of data practices and confidentiality
• Skill in verbal communication, public speaking, writing and recording of information and data
• Skill in the use of computers and technology
• Skill in individual and community advocacy
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with people served, colleagues, public officials and community members 
• Ability to lead, mentor and train other staff
• Ability to understand individual and family needs with empathy and objectivity
• Ability to exercise good judgment in recommending possible solutions for individual and family needs and when utilizing conflict management and advocacy skills
• Ability to work independently and to recognize when supervision is needed

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.