DOC Graduation Specialist North Job at Pathways Vermont in Bristol

Pathways Vermont Statewide DOC Graduation Specialist

(Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, Washington Counties) - $3000 Hiring Bonus Available*

The Company: Pathways Vermont is a dynamic nonprofit agency which believes in transforming the lives of individuals experiencing mental health and other life challenges and permanently ending homelessness. Pathways offers a great benefit package including dental and health insurance, generous paid time off and 8 paid holidays.

The Role: The DOC Graduation Specialist North is a member of the Pathways housing team and works in partnership with the Housing First and DOC services teams. The Pathways Department of Corrections Transitional Housing Program provides transitional housing and support services to supervised individuals reentering the community from incarceration. The DOC Graduation Specialist will support individuals statewide in reviewing housing history and housing barriers and in completing applications for managed properties, private landlords, subsidies or vouchers in order to locate and move to permanent supportive housing. The DOC Graduation Specialist with support from the Housing Manager and service teams is responsible for securing apartments and negotiating agreements with landlords. The DOC Graduation Specialist works closely with local service providers, and is responsible for developing and maintaining working relationships between Pathways Vermont and Housing partners and programs whether it be private landlords, managed properties, or Housing Authorities. Travel is required and some flexibility of schedule.

Available Positions: 1

Location: Statewide In Person (Offices in Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, Washington Counties)

Schedule: Full-Time (35-40 Hours Weekly)

Application Requirements:

A Cover Letter and Resume are required with your application.

Responsibilities:

• Works alongside Southern Counterpart in support of DOC Clients to identify housing opportunities and long term subsidies to effectively house clients moving out of incarceration to independent housing

• Collect and maintain information related to participant’s housing history including: income and income history, rental history, criminal history and credit history (as these relate to obtaining/maintaining housing), information related to housing barriers at entry to the program.

• Regularly connect with Northern DOC service recipients via virtual, phone and in person visits in order to update, maintain current information and complete new housing and subsidy applications.

• Locate and negotiate with landlords or properties to obtain vacant apartments and identify subsidy/voucher opportunities and support clients in applying.

• Provide ongoing support and education to community landlords, Housing Authorities and properties regarding Pathways’ services and contract expectations

• Develop networks of landlords to expand the supply of well maintained and affordable rental units. Develop relationships with landlords and identify units where roommates with limited income could affordably and stably reside together.

• Meets regularly with clients, Probation and Parole, Housing Manager and service team to discuss housing needs and expectations

• Work closely with the DOC Property Manager North and DOC Property Manager Team Lead to provide assistance and housing counseling as a liaison between landlord and service recipient during lease up to permanent housing.

• Be well versed in the obligation of tenants, landlord and housing authorities as outlined in tenants HUD subsidy contract and/or DOC program agreement.

• Engage with the Department of Corrections frequently to efficiently move clients from transitional housing to permanent housing in the community in a timely manner.

• Remain current with HUD rules and regulations as it pertains to HUD subsidies and DOC Grant funds. Familiarity with HUD, Shelter Plus Care, DMH, HCV etc.

• Collect, maintain, store, and dispose of all participant information according to applicable requirements for confidentiality, security, and privacy

• Accurate and timely maintenance of electronic databases to track housing background, graduation planning, housing searches, landlord outreach and application completion.

• Record all contacts with program participants within 24-hours in Foothold data

• Participate in required staff meetings and trainings as assigned

• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position

• Works with the Housing Manager to provide training for staff on housing options and VT resources, effective application completion

• Cultivate new partnerships with housing providers, housing authorities/developers to secure new opportunities for DOC tenants.

• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional exposure to outside environmental conditions for community-based meetings

• Often meeting with persons in the community and/or visiting different businesses

• Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction at times when collecting paperwork, assisting with applications, etc.

• Extensive reading responsibilities

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs occasionally required (in instances when apartments, businesses and/or meeting places do not have an elevator)

• Regular operation of a computer and other office machinery including frequent typing.

• Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm such as stapling, completing hand-written forms, etc.

• Frequent talking and listening in participation of exchanging ideas through spoken word and occasional receipt and giving of detailed information through oral communication at normal speaking levels.

• The worker is required to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or comparable work experience

• Familiarity with housing laws and housing subsidy programs preferred

• Comfort initiating new relationships and negotiations

• Must be able to work in a fast paced environment as well as possess strong problem solving skills, work ethic and computer/technology proficiency

• Must be able to work semi-flexible hours

• Ability to travel

• Valid driver’s license, registration and reliable vehicle required

• Excellent verbal and written communication, attention to detail

• Must be comfortable with rapid growth and thinking out of the box

• Commitment to Pathways mission of housing as a human right

• Excellent interpersonal skills - the ability to network with landlords, funders, and community stakeholders

• Patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and sensitivity to persons with disabilities and other minority populations

• Previous experience working with persons experiencing homelessness, trauma and/or using substances

• Lived experience with homelessness and other life challenges considered an asset

• Ability to work and develop work priorities independently

Benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• Long Term Disability/Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off (accrual of 210 hours per year to start)

• 9 Paid Holidays Annually

• Mileage Reimbursement

• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

• Employee Assistance Program

• Longevity Recognition Rewards

• Access to a wide variety of Pathways facilitated trainings including Intentional Peer Support

Compensation:

• 35 to 40 hours per week

• $23 - $25 /Hour

• $3000 Hiring Bonus Available*

*Hiring Bonus will be paid in the first pay period following the successful completion of a 60 day introductory period

It is the policy of Pathways Vermont that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identification, or disability. Pathways Vermont is committed to a diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve, and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people including people with military experience, individuals with disabilities, and people of color.