Boston Medical Center
Housing and Community Support Specialist
Boston Medical Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Overview
Position:
Housing and Community Support Specialist Department:
Living Well at Home (LWAH) Schedule:
Full Time Boston Medical Center’s Living Well at Home Program (LWAH) provides high-quality housing case management services to support clients in obtaining and maintaining tenancy and living healthy lives in independent housing. Boston Medical Center and its affiliated providers and Community Health Centers serve tens of thousands of patients who face housing issues or are experiencing homelessness. New initiatives across the health system have led to the expansion of LWAH services, including the formation of a new Community Support Program for Homeless Individuals. As part of the LWAH team, the Housing and Community Support (HCS) Specialist will provide case management services to high-risk patients with behavioral health diagnoses who are experiencing long-term homelessness. The HCS Specialist will help patients access and obtain and stabilizing in independent housing, engage and enroll complex patients into services; provide advocacy and case management; provide specialty services to support a member in becoming “housing-ready”; support patients in identifying and obtaining housing opportunities; assist in developing an interdisciplinary care plan; facilitate access to social service resources; monitor progress; and problem-solve with patients to accelerate and enhance access to housing and community-based supports. The HCS Specialist works as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide community-based one-on-one support in collaboration with family, social supports and the health care team, both pre- and post-tenancy.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health or related field OR Two years of relevant work experience OR Lived experience of homelessness or behavioral health conditions
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:
Driver’s license and access to a car preferred. Will be required to complete community visits across Greater Boston region in a timely manner.
Experience:
Minimum of 2 years prior healthcare, public health, or social services work in a community-based setting Prior experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness preferred Prior experience working with individuals impacted by mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or chronic health conditions preferred
Knowledge and Skills:
Basic knowledge of housing systems, and passion for serving individuals who are unhoused through a non-stigmatizing, patient-centered approach. Knowledge of community resources and healthcare systems commonly used by the patient population. Preference for individuals with knowledge of Boston area resources specifically. Understanding of the social determinants of health impacting this patient population and importance in addressing them (housing, food insecurity, transportation, etc). Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in a courteous, pleasant, and professional manner with families, patients, staff, supervisors, and others. Ability to identify, communicate, and problem-solve issues in patient cases to improve overall care in support of patient goals. Ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Demonstrated prudent judgment and professional presence and demeanor. Ability to adapt to changes in care delivery at local and systems level. Reliability and commitment to setting and meeting goals is essential. Exceptional organizational skills; ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks. Demonstrated oral and written English communication skills. Fluency in Haitian Creole or Spanish preferable. Understanding of how language, culture and socioeconomic circumstances affect health. Desire to work with diverse, multi-cultural and multi-lingual populations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) and web browsers; proficiency with data entry and data tracking.
Essential Responsibilities / Duties:
Patient Engagement
Visits and supports patients across Greater Boston through intensive in-home and community-based outreach. Builds rapport, trust, and positive relationships with patients through collaborative, culturally-responsive, patient-centered approaches. Initiates face-to-face contact through assertive outreach with eligible patients to describe role, explain participation benefits and begin screening process. Works with patients and providers to set goals for the housing plan and overall care and provides guidance for patients to achieve those goals using motivational interviewing. Provides education, educational materials, and training about behavioral health and substance use disorders and recovery with support from clinical care teams.
Service and Care Coordination
Establishes strong professional rapport with all stakeholders involved in patient care, including housing providers, property managers, care team and other service providers. Regularly consults with full care team to incorporate feedback and develop the patient’s individualized service plan. Mitigates tenancy issues promptly by collaborating with patient, property manager, landlord, care team, and other providers. Assists patient in addressing barriers with supports including physical health, behavioral health, financial assistance, childcare, housing, utilities, food, transportation, and other resources. Collaborates with crisis intervention providers, state agencies, and outpatient providers to develop and utilize patient safety/crisis plans. Assists patients with acquiring, storing, and organizing files and documentation to be “housing-ready”. Assists patients in obtaining housing through housing search, applications, barrier mitigation, and support with interviews. Serves as the primary connection for landlords and property management through all stages of the housing process from pre-tenancy to post-tenancy stabilization.
Performance and Team Expectations
Conducts and updates thorough needs assessments to capture all relevant patient information in compliance with MassHealth regulations. Develops comprehensive, individualized service plans with patients that include housing, clinical, and community-based interventions and measurable goals. Records and monitors progress toward goals within specified time frames. Presents patients at case review meetings succinctly and logically. Demonstrates ability to function and communicate professionally within an inter-disciplinary team. Ensures documentation in all platforms (including BMC’s electronic medical record) is up-to-date, detailed, and accurate, complying with data entry and data integrity requirements. Develops discharge plans with patients and providers to ensure safe transitions from services. Participates in community outreach, presentations, development of materials, and staff meetings. Attends supervision and program meetings; participates in training activities as designated by leadership.
Special Working Conditions
This role requires hybrid working conditions including community-based outreach and home visits, as well as office-based work and some ability to work remotely. IND123
Compensation
$20.67- $29.81
This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. The range may be adjusted based on education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures related to position requirements, as well as organizational needs; BMCHS offers comprehensive compensation including benefits, bonuses, retirement matching, and other programs.
Note : This range is based on Boston-area data and is subject to modification based on geographic location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website. Applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or that offers be extended via text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position:
Housing and Community Support Specialist Department:
Living Well at Home (LWAH) Schedule:
Full Time Boston Medical Center’s Living Well at Home Program (LWAH) provides high-quality housing case management services to support clients in obtaining and maintaining tenancy and living healthy lives in independent housing. Boston Medical Center and its affiliated providers and Community Health Centers serve tens of thousands of patients who face housing issues or are experiencing homelessness. New initiatives across the health system have led to the expansion of LWAH services, including the formation of a new Community Support Program for Homeless Individuals. As part of the LWAH team, the Housing and Community Support (HCS) Specialist will provide case management services to high-risk patients with behavioral health diagnoses who are experiencing long-term homelessness. The HCS Specialist will help patients access and obtain and stabilizing in independent housing, engage and enroll complex patients into services; provide advocacy and case management; provide specialty services to support a member in becoming “housing-ready”; support patients in identifying and obtaining housing opportunities; assist in developing an interdisciplinary care plan; facilitate access to social service resources; monitor progress; and problem-solve with patients to accelerate and enhance access to housing and community-based supports. The HCS Specialist works as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide community-based one-on-one support in collaboration with family, social supports and the health care team, both pre- and post-tenancy.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health or related field OR Two years of relevant work experience OR Lived experience of homelessness or behavioral health conditions
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:
Driver’s license and access to a car preferred. Will be required to complete community visits across Greater Boston region in a timely manner.
Experience:
Minimum of 2 years prior healthcare, public health, or social services work in a community-based setting Prior experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness preferred Prior experience working with individuals impacted by mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or chronic health conditions preferred
Knowledge and Skills:
Basic knowledge of housing systems, and passion for serving individuals who are unhoused through a non-stigmatizing, patient-centered approach. Knowledge of community resources and healthcare systems commonly used by the patient population. Preference for individuals with knowledge of Boston area resources specifically. Understanding of the social determinants of health impacting this patient population and importance in addressing them (housing, food insecurity, transportation, etc). Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in a courteous, pleasant, and professional manner with families, patients, staff, supervisors, and others. Ability to identify, communicate, and problem-solve issues in patient cases to improve overall care in support of patient goals. Ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Demonstrated prudent judgment and professional presence and demeanor. Ability to adapt to changes in care delivery at local and systems level. Reliability and commitment to setting and meeting goals is essential. Exceptional organizational skills; ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks. Demonstrated oral and written English communication skills. Fluency in Haitian Creole or Spanish preferable. Understanding of how language, culture and socioeconomic circumstances affect health. Desire to work with diverse, multi-cultural and multi-lingual populations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) and web browsers; proficiency with data entry and data tracking.
Essential Responsibilities / Duties:
Patient Engagement
Visits and supports patients across Greater Boston through intensive in-home and community-based outreach. Builds rapport, trust, and positive relationships with patients through collaborative, culturally-responsive, patient-centered approaches. Initiates face-to-face contact through assertive outreach with eligible patients to describe role, explain participation benefits and begin screening process. Works with patients and providers to set goals for the housing plan and overall care and provides guidance for patients to achieve those goals using motivational interviewing. Provides education, educational materials, and training about behavioral health and substance use disorders and recovery with support from clinical care teams.
Service and Care Coordination
Establishes strong professional rapport with all stakeholders involved in patient care, including housing providers, property managers, care team and other service providers. Regularly consults with full care team to incorporate feedback and develop the patient’s individualized service plan. Mitigates tenancy issues promptly by collaborating with patient, property manager, landlord, care team, and other providers. Assists patient in addressing barriers with supports including physical health, behavioral health, financial assistance, childcare, housing, utilities, food, transportation, and other resources. Collaborates with crisis intervention providers, state agencies, and outpatient providers to develop and utilize patient safety/crisis plans. Assists patients with acquiring, storing, and organizing files and documentation to be “housing-ready”. Assists patients in obtaining housing through housing search, applications, barrier mitigation, and support with interviews. Serves as the primary connection for landlords and property management through all stages of the housing process from pre-tenancy to post-tenancy stabilization.
Performance and Team Expectations
Conducts and updates thorough needs assessments to capture all relevant patient information in compliance with MassHealth regulations. Develops comprehensive, individualized service plans with patients that include housing, clinical, and community-based interventions and measurable goals. Records and monitors progress toward goals within specified time frames. Presents patients at case review meetings succinctly and logically. Demonstrates ability to function and communicate professionally within an inter-disciplinary team. Ensures documentation in all platforms (including BMC’s electronic medical record) is up-to-date, detailed, and accurate, complying with data entry and data integrity requirements. Develops discharge plans with patients and providers to ensure safe transitions from services. Participates in community outreach, presentations, development of materials, and staff meetings. Attends supervision and program meetings; participates in training activities as designated by leadership.
Special Working Conditions
This role requires hybrid working conditions including community-based outreach and home visits, as well as office-based work and some ability to work remotely. IND123
Compensation
$20.67- $29.81
This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. The range may be adjusted based on education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures related to position requirements, as well as organizational needs; BMCHS offers comprehensive compensation including benefits, bonuses, retirement matching, and other programs.
Note : This range is based on Boston-area data and is subject to modification based on geographic location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website. Applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or that offers be extended via text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr