Housing Specialist - ACCS

About the role

This position operates within the Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) team to connect adults with severe and persistent mental illness to stable housing. The role focuses on relationship-driven outreach and navigation in residential and community-based settings. Success depends on collaboration with a multidisciplinary team committed to person-centered care. You will own the end-to-end process of securing safe and appropriate housing for clients, acting as their primary advocate within complex systems. This position requires a high level of personal responsibility and the ability to manage multiple cases concurrently with attention to detail. You will build and maintain strong partnerships with landlords, property managers, and community stakeholders to create sustainable housing solutions. Success in this role is measured by the long-term stability and well-being of the individuals you serve. The work demands resilience, empathy, and a consistent commitment to the organization's mission.

Key facts

What you'll do

Track and manage records of public and contract-based rental assistance for housing subsidies to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Support housing searches that align with the cultural and linguistic needs of each individual, ensuring services are respectful and relevant.

Navigate local resources and public systems to secure housing options that meet the specific needs of clients.

Build and maintain relationship-building skills that form the foundation of successful housing navigation and client trust.

Apply cultural awareness to improve service relevance and effectiveness for diverse clients across various community settings.

Engage in clear communication to support collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians, social workers, and administrators.

Monitor and adjust housing plans based on client progress, feedback, and changing circumstances to maintain stability.

Document all housing activities and decisions to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuity of care.

Advocate for clients within landlord and property management systems to resolve barriers and secure lease agreements.

Coordinate with internal and external partners to provide follow-up support and ensure housing retention over time.

Identify and mitigate potential risks to housing stability, such as financial pressures or environmental factors.

Participate in regular team meetings, review progress, and adjust plans based on collective insights and data.

Utilize organizational tools and systems to manage deadlines, appointments, and client schedules efficiently.

Contribute to the continuous improvement of housing services by providing feedback based on field experiences and outcomes.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field is required to ensure foundational knowledge of human behavior and social systems.

Experience working in a residential setting with adults experiencing severe mental illness is required to demonstrate practical skills in crisis management and support.

A valid Massachusetts drivers license is required to facilitate travel for client meetings, property showings, and community outreach.

The ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, and professionals in both verbal and written formats is mandatory.

Candidates must be able to pass a background check and reference verification as part of the standard hiring process.

Professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to ethical standards are non-negotiable expectations for this role.

Strong organizational skills are required to manage multiple housing cases, deadlines, and documentation without supervision.

Flexibility to work within the Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm schedule is essential for team coordination and client availability.

Full-time engagement includes benefits-eligible status, requiring adherence to organizational policies and performance standards.

The capacity to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team is necessary for success in this community-based role.

Practical notes

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Employment is full-time with benefits eligible positions. Typical interview steps

Hiring processes usually combine a screening conversation with one or more interview rounds. Candidates can expect questions about their experience, a scenario or case, and a chance to ask their own questions. Preparation and specific examples from past work carry the most weight. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.